E-Signature Card UAE: What Changed in 2026
If you are researching an e-signature card UAE application right now, the most important fact is this: MOHRE stopped issuing new E-Signature Cards from 1 October 2025. Businesses now complete the same transactions through MOHRE Authenticator and the Electronic Authorizations service instead. A lot of guides online still describe the old application process as if it is still current, which can waste your time if you are trying to set one up today.
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What Was the E-Signature Card UAE?
The E-Signature Card was a MOHRE issued authorization tool used by business owners and authorized signatories to approve labour and establishment transactions electronically, without needing to physically visit a service center for every transaction. It worked alongside a personal code, letting the holder sign documents and complete MOHRE transactions through the app, service centers, or Tawseel mobile units.
What Replaced the E-Signature Card in 2026?
Since October 2025, MOHRE has moved to two newer tools for the same purpose.
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
| MOHRE Authenticator | An app based authentication method, accessed through UAE Pass login, used to verify identity and approve transactions |
| Electronic Authorisation | Lets an employer digitally authorize a specific employee to handle transactions on the company’s behalf, with a chosen duration and permission level, without a physical card |
How to Use MOHRE Authenticator
This replaces the older workflow where a physical E-Signature Card and its unique code were required for the same step.
Do I Still Need My Old E-Signature Card?
If you already hold an E-Signature Card issued before October 2025, it may still be usable for existing processes, since MOHRE has not announced that previously issued cards are void. However, since new cards are no longer being issued, any business setting up a new authorized signatory arrangement today should expect to use MOHRE Authenticator or Electronic Authorizations instead of applying for a new physical card.
If your card is lost or damaged, confirm with MOHRE or a Tasheel center whether a replacement is still possible under the current system, since the discontinuation of new issuance may also affect replacement requests.
E-Signature Card vs a General Electronic Signature
These are genuinely different things, and the terms get mixed up often.
| Topic | E-Signature Card (MOHRE) | General Electronic Signature |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A specific MOHRE workflow tool for labour and establishment transactions | A broad legal concept under UAE electronic transactions law, covering things like typed names or click-to-sign on private contracts |
| Where it applies | MOHRE app, service centers, Tawseel vehicles | Any platform or contract that recognizes electronic signing |
| Current status | New issuance discontinued since October 2025 | Still fully valid and widely used across many platforms |
Print Electronic Work Permit Without a Card
Many people search for this specifically because they assume the E-Signature Card is required to print or access their electronic work permit. It is not. Printing your own labour card or work permit is a separate MOHRE enquiry service, accessible through the MOHRE app or portal using your work permit number and personal details, regardless of whether you personally hold an E-Signature Card.