Table of Contents

• 1. What Is the UAE Labour Card?
• 2. What Is a UAE Labour Card Number?
• 3. How to Check UAE Labour Card Online
• 4. Who Is Eligible for a UAE Labour Card?
• 5. Documents Required for UAE Labour Card Application
• 6. How to Apply for a UAE Labour Card in 2026 (Step-by-Step Process)
• 7. UAE Labour Card Fees, Fines and Validity
• 8. Labour Card Renewal Process
• 9. How to Cancel a Labour Card in UAE
• 10. Can You Work Without a Labour Card in the UAE?
• 11. Types of UAE Work Permits (Overview)
• 12. How the UAE Labour Card Helps Employers
• 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the UAE Labour Card?

A UAE labour card is an official employment document issued by MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) for private-sector employees. It confirms that:

• The employee has a valid work permit

• The employer is registered with MOHRE

• The employment contract is legally recorded

The labour card contains details such as:

• Employee name

• Labour card number

• Work permit number

• Employer information

• Job title

• Issue date and expiry date

Previously, workers carried a physical MOL labour card, but today most employees access their UAE labour card online or via the MOHRE mobile app.

What Is a UAE Labour Card Number?

The labour card number UAE is a unique identification number assigned to every employee registered with MOHRE. It is used to:

• Check labour card status UAE

• Verify employment records

• Download labour card UAE

• Track work permit approvals

• Access labour contract details

If you are wondering how to find labour card number in UAE, you can locate it through:

• MOHRE website

• MOHRE mobile app

• Your employer’s HR department

• Your labour contract copy

How to Check UAE Labour Card Online

Employees can easily check labour card UAE online using official government platforms. Below are the most common methods.

Using the MOHRE Website

Step 1: Visit the MOHRE official website

Step 2: Go to Services → Inquiry Services

Step 3: Select Employee Details / Labour Card Information

Step 4: Enter one of the following details:

• Labour card number

• Work permit number

• Passport number

Step 5: Complete the verification and submit the request.

The system will display:

• Labour card status

• Employer information

• Work permit details

• Expiry date

This is the easiest way to check labour card status UAE online.

Using the MOHRE Mobile App

Step 1: Download the MOHRE mobile app

Step 2: Log in using UAE Pass
Step 3: Navigate to Employee Services
Step 4: Select My Labour Card

You can now:

• View labour card details

• Download labour card UAE

• Track work permit status

Through Your Employer or HR Department

If you cannot access the MOHRE portal, you can request your company labour card UAE details from your employer. HR departments usually provide:

• Labour card number

• Work permit copy

• Labour contract information

• Renewal status

Who Is Eligible for a UAE Labour Card?

Both employees and employers must meet certain conditions for labour card UAE issuance.

Eligibility Criteria for Employees

Employees must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Hold a valid passport

• Pass a medical fitness test

• Have a valid job offer from a UAE company

• Obtain a work permit approval

Requirements for Employers

Employers must:

• Have a valid trade license

• Be registered with MOHRE

• Provide a legal employment contract

• Comply with UAE labour laws

Documents Required for UAE Labour Card Application

To apply for a UAE labour card, the following documents are required:

• Passport copy

• Passport-size photographs

• Entry permit

• Employment contract

• Medical fitness certificate

• Emirates ID application receipt

• Employer trade license copy

These documents are submitted during the work permit and residency visa process.

How to Apply for a UAE Labour Card in 2026 (Step-by-Step Process)

The labour card application process in UAE is handled mainly by the employer.

Step 1: Job Offer and Work Permit Approval

The employer submits a work permit application to MOHRE. Once approved, the employee receives a job offer letter.

Step 2: Entry Permit and Medical Test

Foreign workers entering the UAE receive an entry permit and must undergo a medical fitness test.

Step 3: Emirates ID Registration

Employees must apply for an Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

Step 4: Residency Visa Processing

After medical approval, the employer processes the residency visa.

Step 5: Labour Contract Registration with MOHRE

The employment contract is registered with MOHRE to formalize the job terms.

Step 6: Labour Card Issuance

Once all approvals are complete, MOHRE issues the UAE labour card. Employees can then:

• Download labour card UAE online

• View it in the MOHRE mobile app

UAE Labour Card Fees, Fines and Validity

Understanding labour card validity and fees helps both employees and employers stay compliant.

Labour Card Validity Period

Most UAE labour cards are valid for two years, aligned with the employee’s work permit and residency visa.

Government Fees and Cost Structure

The cost of labour card issuance varies depending on:

• Company classification

• Employee skill category

• Work permit type

Employers usually pay the government fees.

Late Renewal Fines and Penalties

Failure to renew a labour card on time may lead to:

• Government fines

• Work permit suspension

• Employment compliance penalties

Labour Card Renewal Process

Employers must renew the labour card before its expiration.

Documents Required for Renewal

Typical documents include:

• Passport copy

• Updated Emirates ID

• Valid residency visa

• Renewed employment contract

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Step 1: Employer submits a renewal request on the MOHRE portal
Step 2: Upload updated employee documents
Step 3: Pay government fees
Step 4: Receive approval and updated labour card

Employees can then download labour card UAE online.

What to Do If Your Labour Card Is Lost

If your labour card details are lost:

• Retrieve the labour card number UAE through MOHRE

• Download the digital labour card

• Request a copy from HR if necessary

How to Cancel a Labour Card in UAE

The labour card cancellation UAE process is usually initiated by the employer.

Employer-Initiated Cancellation

Step 1: Employer submits a labour card cancellation request through the MOHRE portal
Step 2: Employee confirms resignation and settlement
Step 3: Employer processes end-of-service settlement
Step 4: The residency visa is cancelled

Once completed, the employee may:

• Exit the UAE

• Transfer to another employer

End-of-Service and Visa Cancellation Linkage

Labour card cancellation in the UAE is linked to the end-of-service settlement and residency visa cancellation. Before the labour card is cancelled, the employer must clear the employee’s final dues and complete the exit formalities.

Step 1: Employer calculates and settles the employee’s end-of-service benefits, including final salary, leave balance, and gratuity (if applicable).
Step 2: Employee reviews and signs the settlement confirmation.
Step 3: Employer submits the labour card cancellation request through MOHRE.
Step 4: After MOHRE approval, the employer proceeds with residency visa cancellation through immigration authorities.
Step 5: Once both processes are completed, the employee receives a grace period (usually 30 to 60 days) to transfer to another job, change visa status, or leave the UAE.

Can You Work Without a Labour Card in the UAE?

No. Working without a valid UAE labour card and work permit is illegal. Employees working without authorization may face:

• Fines

• Employment bans

• Deportation

Employers may also face penalties.

Types of UAE Work Permits (Overview)

The UAE offers multiple work permit categories to support different employment arrangements in the private sector. These permits are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and allow individuals to work legally in the country. Each permit type is designed for a specific employment situation, such as full-time jobs, temporary roles, freelance work, or job transfers. Understanding these permit categories helps employees and employers choose the right authorization based on their work requirements. Below are some of the most common UAE work permit types.

Standard Work Permit

The standard work permit is the most common permit in the UAE. It is issued to foreign employees who are hired by a private company and sponsored by their employer.

With this permit:

• The employer sponsors the employee’s work permit and residency visa

• The employment contract is registered with MOHRE

• The employee receives a UAE labour card

This permit usually remains valid for two years, depending on the employment contract.

Transfer Work Permit

A transfer work permit allows an employee to move from one employer to another within the UAE without leaving the country.

This permit is commonly used when:

• An employee changes jobs

• A contract ends and the employee joins another company

• The employee obtains a better job opportunity

The new employer must apply for the work permit transfer through MOHRE, and the previous employer must complete the labour card cancellation process.

Temporary and Part-Time Work Permit

The UAE also offers temporary and part-time work permits for short-term employment.

These permits allow employees to:

• Work for a limited period

• Work for more than one employer

• Take up project-based or seasonal jobs

Temporary permits are often used in industries such as events, hospitality, retail, and construction.

Freelance and Remote Work Permit

The freelance work permit allows individuals to work independently without being sponsored by a single employer.

This permit is suitable for professionals such as:

• Designers

• Writers

• Consultants

• Developers

• Media professionals

Some UAE free zones also offer remote work permits, allowing professionals to live in the UAE while working for companies based in other countries.

Golden Visa and Special Category Permits

The UAE also provides special work permits and residency options for highly skilled professionals and investors.

These include permits linked to the Golden Visa program, which allows long-term residency for:

• Investors

• Entrepreneurs

• Scientists and researchers

• Doctors and healthcare professionals

• Exceptional talents

These permits provide greater job flexibility and long-term residency benefits compared to standard work permits.

How the UAE Labour Card Helps Employers

The UAE labour card system benefits employers by:

• Ensuring legal hiring compliance

• Tracking employee work permits

• Managing labour contracts

• Maintaining government regulatory records

Digital labour cards also make it easier to verify employment status, manage renewals, and avoid labour law penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is labour card number in UAE?

The labour card number is a unique identifier issued by MOHRE that links an employee to their official work permit and employment record.

2) How much time does UAE labour card processing take in 2026?

Processing typically takes 5–10 working days after all documents and approvals are submitted.

3) What is work permit number in UAE?

A work permit number is issued when the employer receives approval to hire an employee legally in the UAE.

4) What is MOL ID in UAE?

The MOL ID is an employee identification number assigned by the Ministry of Labour (now MOHRE).

5) How to get labour card number?

You can obtain it through:

• MOHRE website

• MOHRE mobile app

• Employer HR department

• Employment contract

6) How to check labour card status?

You can check labour card status UAE online using the MOHRE inquiry portal or mobile app.

9) How long does it take to get a UAE labour card?

It usually takes around one week after visa and work permit approvals.

10) What happens if a labour card expires?

Expired labour cards must be renewed immediately to avoid fines or employment suspension.

11) Is labour card the same as Emirates ID?

No.
Labour card confirms employment authorization

Emirates ID is a national identity card issued to all UAE residents