UAE Labour Card Complete Guide to Labour Card Application & Services
Simplify Employment Verification & Legal Compliance in the UAE. The UAE Labour Card is a crucial document that officially identifies an employee under the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Whether you are an employer, HR manager, or expatriate worker, understanding how to obtain, renew, or verify your Labour Card is essential for smooth employment operations and compliance with UAE labour regulations. This guide covers everything you need to know about the UAE Labour Card from application procedures to checking your Labour Card Number, renewal steps, and key benefits.
Service Types:
New Labour Card Application
Issued to newly hired employees. Once a work visa is approved, the employer must apply for the Labour Card within 60 days of the employee’s entry into the UAE.
Labour Card Renewal
When the Labour Card’s validity nears expiry (typically after 2 years), the employer must renew it before the deadline to maintain legal employment status.
Labour Card Cancellation
If an employee resigns, changes jobs, or leaves the country, the existing Labour Card must be officially cancelled. This ensures that the individual’s work authorization is cleared from the system.
What is a UAE Labour Card?
The UAE labour card, also known as a UAE work permit, is an official document issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) that authorizes a foreign national to work legally in the UAE under a specific employer. It is a mandatory requirement for every employee working on a UAE mainland work visa and must be obtained, renewed, and cancelled correctly to maintain full legal compliance. The labour card contains the employee's personal details, employer information, job title, and permit validity period. Al Buhari Digital manages the complete UAE labour card process — new issuance, renewal, transfer, and cancellation — through authorized Tasheel services channels.
New UAE Labour Card — How to Apply
A new UAE labour card is required for every employee being hired for the first time under a UAE mainland employer. The process begins after the employee's entry permit is approved by MOHRE and the employee has entered the UAE. Following the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometric registration, the labour card is issued as part of the final work visa stamping process. Al Buhari Digital coordinates every stage — from entry permit to labour card issuance — ensuring nothing is missed. For residence visa stamping alongside labour card issuance, our Amer Center manages the complete employment visa process together.
UAE Labour Card Renewal
UAE labour cards must be renewed before expiry to maintain the employee's legal right to work in the UAE. Renewal is typically aligned with the work visa and Emirates ID renewal cycle. A lapsed labour card results in fines and can block the employee's ability to work and the employer's ability to renew their trade license. Al Buhari Digital tracks expiry dates and manages the full labour card renewal — coordinating with MOHRE, updating contract records, and ensuring the renewed card is issued on time. For MOL insurance renewal at the same time, our insurance services handle both simultaneously.
UAE Labour Card Transfer — Change of Employer
When an employee changes jobs in the UAE, the labour card must be transferred from the previous employer to the new one. This process requires MOHRE approval, settlement of all dues with the previous employer, and reissuance of the labour card under the new employer's entity file. Al Buhari Digital manages the complete labour card transfer — verifying eligibility, coordinating with MOHRE, and ensuring the transfer is completed without gaps in the employee's legal work status. For updated labour contracts with the new employer following a transfer, our Ministry of Labour services handle contract filing alongside.
UAE Labour Card Cancellation
When an employee leaves a company — whether through resignation, termination, or end of contract — the labour card must be formally cancelled with MOHRE. The cancellation process closes the employee's work authorization under that employer and allows either exit from the UAE or transfer to a new sponsor. Al Buhari Digital manages the complete cancellation process — submitting the request to MOHRE, coordinating with the employer, and confirming official closure. For employees transitioning to a new visa category after cancellation, our Amer Center manages the visa status change.
Required Documents for UAE Labour Card
To apply for a new UAE labour card, you need the employee's passport copy with at least six months validity, MOHRE-approved employment contract, company trade license, MOHRE entity file ID, medical fitness certificate, and entry permit. For renewal, you additionally need the current labour card and updated employment contract. Al Buhari Digital verifies all documents before MOHRE submission to prevent rejection. For companies without a MOHRE entity file, our Emiratisation services open the entity file as the mandatory first step.
UAE Labour Card and Business License Compliance
A valid UAE labour card for all employees is a compliance requirement that directly affects the employer's ability to renew their trade license and DED approvals. Companies with lapsed or uncancelled labour cards for former employees face complications during trade license renewal. Al Buhari Digital helps businesses maintain a clean and up-to-date MOHRE record — ensuring all active employees have valid labour cards and all departed employees are correctly cancelled. For DED trade license renewal alongside MOHRE compliance management, our Dubai Economic Department services coordinate both together.
Why Choose Al Buhari Digital for UAE Labour Card Services
Al Buhari Digital provides complete UAE labour card services through authorized Tasheel channels — handling new issuance, renewals, transfers, and cancellations with accuracy and speed. Our experienced PRO team manages every MOHRE submission on your behalf, ensuring full compliance with UAE labour law at every stage. We also coordinate with Ministry of Labour services for contract filing, MOL insurance for coverage compliance, Amer Center for visa processing, and legal advisor services for document support — all managed together. Visit our home page for the full range of services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- A UAE labour card is an official document issued by MOHRE that authorizes a foreign national to legally work in the UAE under a specific employer. It is mandatory for every employee on a UAE mainland work visa.
- Labour card renewal requires your current card, updated employment contract, and payment of applicable MOHRE fees. Al Buhari Digital manages the complete renewal process before your card expires.
- Yes. You can transfer your UAE labour card to a new employer with MOHRE approval, provided all dues with the previous employer are settled. Al Buhari Digital manages the full transfer process on your behalf.
- An expired labour card results in fines for both employer and employee and can block trade license and visa renewals. Al Buhari Digital recommends initiating renewal at least 30 days before expiry.
- New UAE labour card issuance typically takes 5 to 10 working days from entry permit approval to final card issuance, depending on MOHRE processing times and medical test results.
