UAE Labour Card 2026: Check Status, Download and Renew
A UAE Labour Card is a common term for the work permit that authorizes an employee to work legally for an employer in the UAE. For private-sector employees covered by MOHRE, many work-permit services are now handled digitally, including checking permit details and managing issuance, renewal and cancellation.
This 2026 guide explains how to check your labour card status, find your work permit number, download your work permit, renew it, check cancellation status, understand fees, and deal with common labour-card problems.
UAE Labour Card 2026: What Has Changed?
The UAE employment process is becoming more digital. The Work Bundle brings several employment and residency procedures into one integrated process, including work permit issuance, renewal and cancellation. The UAE Government says the integrated process reduced the number of steps from 15 to 5, required documents from 16 to 5, in-person visits from 7 to 2, and processing time from 30 working days to 5 working days.
These figures describe the integrated Work Bundle journey, not a guaranteed processing time for every individual labour-card application. The actual time can depend on the permit type, employer and application requirements. Check your current status through MOHRE rather than relying on a fixed number of days.
What Is a UAE Labour Card?
A UAE Labour Card is a common term for a work permit that authorizes an employee to work for an employer in the UAE. For employees covered by MOHRE, the official record is generally referred to as a work permit. The details available in the record depend on the applicable permit and employment arrangement.
The term “labour card” comes from the older practice of issuing physical employment cards. Today, work-permit information is increasingly handled through digital government services, although the exact way you view or print your record depends on the current MOHRE service.
Labour Card, Work Permit and Employment Card: Same Thing, Different Names
“Labour card” is a common term used in the UAE for an employee’s work permit. MOHRE’s current official services generally use the term “work permit”, while “labour card” remains widely used in searches and everyday employment conversations.
| Term | Where You Will See It |
|---|---|
| Labour Card | Common term used by employees and in everyday UAE employment searches |
| Work Permit | The term generally used in current MOHRE services and UAE Government guidance |
| Employment Card | A term that may still appear in older company records or employment-related documents |
| Digital Labour Card | A common way to describe an electronic labour-card or work-permit record rather than a physical card |
Labour Card vs Emirates ID
| Aspect | Labour Card | Emirates ID |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | MOHRE, for employers registered with MOHRE | Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) |
| Confirms | Your authorization to work for an employer in the UAE | Your identity and personal identification details |
| Tied to | Your employment and applicable work-permit arrangement | You personally and your identity record |
| Needed for | Legal authorization to work | Identification and access to many government and private services |
Labour Card vs Labour Contract
| Aspect | Labour Card | Labour Contract |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | MOHRE’s registration of your employment | The signed agreement between you and your employer |
| Covers | Legal work authorization | Salary, job title, benefits, and terms |
| Issued by | MOHRE | Employer, then registered with MOHRE |
If you need to check your labour contract details rather than your work-permit status, use the specific MOHRE contract enquiry service available for that purpose.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Labour Card
The exact documents depend on the type of work permit, the employee’s role and the employer’s application. For a standard private-sector application, the employer may need company documents while the employee may need to provide documents such as a passport copy, photograph, employment offer or contract, and any role-specific qualifications or approvals. Medical fitness and Emirates ID procedures may also form part of the wider employment process.
- ✓ A recent passport-style photograph
- ✓ A valid passport copy
- ✓ A signed job offer or employment contract, where required
- ✓ Academic or professional qualifications, if required for the occupation
- ✓ Approval or professional licence, if required for the occupation
- ✓ Medical fitness documents, where required as part of the employment process
For certain skilled or regulated professions, academic qualifications or professional approvals may be required. The exact requirements depend on the occupation, permit type and applicable regulations. Your employer’s HR or PRO team should confirm whether attestation or additional approvals are needed before submitting the application.
Tasheel Login and Service Centers
Tasheel centres are MoHRE-approved service centres that provide in-person support for applicable MOHRE transactions. The services available can vary by transaction and centre. Many employees search for a Tasheel login expecting a separate portal, but Tasheel services are generally accessed either in person at a service center or through the main MOHRE digital channels, rather than a standalone public login system.
If you prefer face-to-face support, visiting a Tasheel centre may provide in-person assistance with applicable MOHRE transactions. Bring the identification or application details requested for your specific service.
What Tasheel Centers Can Help With
Tasheel centres are MoHRE-approved service centres that provide in-person support for applicable MOHRE transactions. The services available can vary by transaction and centre.
- ✓ In-person assistance with applicable work-permit or employment transactions
- ✓ Assistance with viewing or obtaining available work-permit documents
- ✓ Support with applicable work-permit applications and submissions
- ✓ Assistance with applicable work-permit renewal procedures
- ✓ General guidance on applicable MOHRE employment services and procedures
How to Check Your Labour Card Status Online
The easiest way to check a UAE labour card is through the official MOHRE digital services. Depending on the specific enquiry, you may be asked for your work permit or transaction details, passport information, Emirates ID or another identifier.
- MOHRE App: Use the official MOHRE app to access supported employment and work-permit services. The available services, login method and information displayed can change as government services are updated.
- MOHRE Enquiry Portal: Open the current MOHRE enquiry service and select the enquiry relevant to your work permit. The information required can vary by service and may include a work permit number, transaction details, passport information or another identifier shown on the enquiry page.
- Tasheel Service Center: Visit an applicable MOHRE-approved service centre if you need in-person assistance with a work-permit transaction. Bring the identification or application details requested for your specific service.
These channels are used to access or process MOHRE-related employment information, but the available services and information displayed can vary by enquiry type. If two results appear different, check the current record through MOHRE and ask your employer or PRO to verify the application.
How to Check Labour Card Status Using Passport Number
If you do not have your Emirates ID on hand, some MOHRE enquiry services may allow you to search using passport details. The information required depends on the specific enquiry service, so use the identifiers shown on the current MOHRE page.
How to Find Your Labour Card Number
If you do not know your work permit number, check the current MOHRE enquiry services to see which identifiers are accepted for your specific enquiry. Your employer’s HR or PRO team can also confirm the number from the employment record.
How to Download Your UAE Labour Card Online
You can view or print your electronic work permit through the available MOHRE digital services. The exact screen and login method can change as government services are updated.
- 1 Open the current MOHRE enquiry portal
- 2 Select the relevant work-permit or employment enquiry and look for the available view or print option
- 3 Enter the identification details requested by the enquiry service, such as your work permit number, transaction details, passport information, or another available identifier
- 4 Complete the verification step and submit the enquiry
- 5 If the service provides a view, print, or download option, save a copy of the available work-permit record
Keeping a copy of your current work-permit record can be useful when you need to provide employment information to an employer, government authority or another organisation.
Can You Download Your Labour Card Through UAE Pass?
UAE Pass can be used to authenticate you for supported government services, but your work permit record is handled through MOHRE. If you need a downloadable copy, use the current MOHRE service or enquiry portal and follow the available view or print option. The exact login flow may change as government services are updated.
How to Renew Your Labour Card
Renewal is generally initiated by your employer, but knowing the steps helps you follow up if it stalls.
The employer or an authorised representative normally handles the application through the applicable MOHRE process; employees should follow up with HR or the PRO if renewal is delayed.
- 1 Your employer or PRO checks your work permit expiry date and starts the renewal process ahead of time
- 2 Any required medical fitness test or professional approval is completed, if applicable to your permit type
- 3 Any updated documents required for your permit type are submitted through the applicable MOHRE process
- 4 MOHRE reviews the application and the applicable fees and requirements are completed
- 5 Once the renewal is completed, the updated work-permit record can be accessed through the applicable MOHRE service
The Process From Start to Finish
A Real Example
Ahmed joins a logistics company in Dubai on a new employment contract. His employer submits the work permit application to MOHRE along with his passport, photo, and medical fitness result. Once the ministry approves the application and the employer pays the fee, Ahmed logs into the MOHRE app and downloads his electronic work permit as a PDF. For a standard two-year permit, the employer would need to begin the renewal process before the permit expires. The exact validity period depends on the permit type and applicable rules.
Renewing vs Applying for a New Labour Card
| Situation | Renewal | New Application |
|---|---|---|
| When it applies | An existing work permit is approaching expiry | A new work-permit application is required |
| Who initiates it | Employer or authorised representative | Employer or authorised representative |
| Documents needed | Documents and approvals required for the specific permit type | Documents and approvals required for the specific permit type |
| Typical outcome | The existing work permit is renewed | A new work permit is issued if the application is approved |
If your renewal has not started and your expiry date is approaching, raise it directly with HR rather than waiting, since delays on the employer’s side can still affect your legal status.
Labour Card Validity and Fees
For many standard MOHRE private-sector work permits, the permit period is two years, but validity depends on the permit type and applicable employment framework. The current MOHRE system includes different permit categories with different validity periods. Check the expiry date shown in your current record rather than relying on a general validity period.
Do not assume a fixed grace period from the labour-card expiry date. Work-permit and residence-status rules can involve different authorities and circumstances. Check your current MOHRE and immigration status before relying on a specific deadline.
Cancellation vs Expiry
| Aspect | Cancellation | Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| What triggers it | The employment ends or the work permit is formally cancelled | The work permit reaches its expiry date |
| Who handles it | Usually the employer or an authorised representative submits the cancellation request | The employer must follow the applicable renewal procedure |
| What you should do | Confirm the cancellation status and keep records of your employment end date and work-permit cancellation | Check your current MOHRE status and contact your employer or HR team promptly about renewal |
| Important point | Work-permit cancellation and residence-status cancellation can be separate processes | Do not assume that expiry automatically gives you a specific grace period; check your current MOHRE and immigration status |
UAE Work Permit Fees
MoHRE’s current guidance lists work-permit issuance and renewal costs from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the company’s classification and the type of service. Check the applicable fee through the current MoHRE service before making a payment.
Labour Card Fines
Late issuance or renewal can result in administrative fines depending on the violation and circumstances. The applicable amount can vary, so check the current amount shown through MOHRE rather than relying on a fixed figure from an older guide.
There is no single fixed “labour card fine” that applies to every situation. Fines can depend on the specific violation and the circumstances of the work-permit record.
Common Labour Card Problems
A few recurring issues come up often enough that they are worth understanding before you panic over a strange result.
Checking Labour Card Cancellation Status
When your employment ends, the applicable work-permit cancellation process is normally handled by your employer or authorised representative through the relevant authority. You can check this record’s cancellation status through the same MOHRE app or enquiry portal used for a standard status check.
Work-permit cancellation and residence-status cancellation are separate processes. The relevant authority can differ depending on your employment and immigration status, so check both your MOHRE record and the applicable immigration authority rather than assuming the two dates are identical.
If you are leaving your job, keep a record of your work-permit cancellation and employment end date because both may be relevant when confirming your final settlement with your employer. You can also use our Gratuity Calculator UAE to estimate your end-of-service benefit from your basic salary and service dates.
Who Issues Your Labour Card?
Several parties play a role in getting your labour card, sometimes called a MOHRE work permit or employment authorization document, issued and kept up to date. Understanding each one helps you know who to contact when something needs fixing.
| Party | Role |
|---|---|
| MOHRE | The federal authority that handles work-permit issuance, renewal and cancellation for establishments registered with MOHRE |
| Your employer | Normally submits the applicable work-permit application and manages the renewal or cancellation process through the relevant MOHRE procedure |
| PRO (Public Relations Officer) | A company representative who may handle government paperwork and submit employment-related applications on the employer’s behalf |
| Tasheel | MOHRE-approved service centres that provide in-person support for applicable MOHRE transactions |
As an employee, your main responsibility is usually providing accurate documents when asked, while your employer and their PRO handle the submission itself.
MOHRE vs Tasheel: What Is the Difference?
| Aspect | MOHRE | Tasheel |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The government ministry that owns the labour card system | Authorized service centers that process transactions on MOHRE’s behalf |
| Where you access it | App, website, enquiry portal | Physical branches across the UAE |
| Best for | Fast online self service | In person help, document verification, or if you are less comfortable with the app |
Labour Cards for Domestic Workers
Domestic workers, including household employees such as maids, nannies and drivers, are regulated under a separate legal framework from standard private-sector employees. Federal Decree-Law No. 21 of 2023, which amended Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, regulates the recruitment and employment of domestic workers in the UAE. MoHRE also provides dedicated services and channels for domestic-worker matters.
Labour Card When Changing Jobs
When you change employers in the UAE, the work-permit process depends on your circumstances. It may involve cancellation of the previous permit, a transfer work permit, or another applicable MOHRE procedure. Your incoming employer should confirm the correct process before you start work.
The timing can also depend on how your current employment ends, including your notice period and whether your employer completes the required procedures promptly. Keep records of your employment end date and the status of both the previous and new work-permit applications.
If you want to work for another employer while keeping your main job, the correct arrangement may involve a separate permit category, such as a part-time work permit. Do not assume that a second standard full-time work permit is required or allowed; the employer should use the applicable MoHRE permit route.
The timing can also depend on how your current employment ends, including your notice period and resignation rights under UAE labour law.
Labour Card for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Other Emirates
For private-sector employees covered by MOHRE, work-permit procedures follow the federal framework. However, not every employer in every emirate uses the same employment authority. Free-zone employees may follow the procedures of their relevant free-zone authority, while DIFC and ADGM have separate employment regulations.
If your labour card or work permit does not appear in a MOHRE search, first confirm whether your employer is registered with MOHRE or a separate free-zone authority.
Understanding Your Person Code
Your Person Code is a unique identifier MOHRE assigns to you as an individual, separate from your card number, work permit number, or Emirates ID. Some enquiry services ask for your Person Code specifically rather than your labour card number, so check your previous official correspondence or ask your HR team if you cannot locate it.
Quick Check Before You Renew
Before submitting a renewal application, running through this checklist can prevent the most common delays.
- ✓ Your passport and personal documents are valid and match the information on your employment record
- ✓ Any required medical fitness or professional approval is completed
- ✓ Your employment and contract details are correct
- ✓ Your employer has completed any company-side requirements needed for the renewal
- ✓ Any outstanding requirements or fines identified by MOHRE are resolved before the renewal is completed
Filing a Labour Complaint with MOHRE
If you believe your employer has not registered this document correctly, has delayed your renewal, or owes you unpaid wages, gratuity, or other entitlements, you can file a free labour complaint directly through the MOHRE enquiry portal or app. This same complaint channel handles a wide range of employment disputes, not just labour card issues. If you prefer speaking to someone directly, MOHRE’s call centre can be reached at 600 590000. The Labour Claims and Advisory Center can be reached toll-free at 80084.
- 1 Open the MOHRE app or website and locate the labour complaint section
- 2 Select the complaint type that matches your issue
- 3 Enter your employment and company details
- 4 Upload supporting documents such as your contract, salary slips, or labour card details
- 5 Submit your complaint and save the reference number for tracking
MOHRE may facilitate resolution between the parties, depending on the nature of the complaint. Keep your reference number so you can follow up on the case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most labour card problems come from simple timing and documentation gaps rather than anything complicated in the rules themselves.
- ✓ Assuming your labour card is automatically renewed without confirming with HR or MOHRE directly
- ✓ Relying on an old printed labour card instead of checking your current digital status
- ✓ Confusing your labour card number with your Emirates ID or passport number when checking status
- ✓ Waiting until close to expiry to start the renewal process, leaving no buffer if documents are missing
- ✓ Not checking your labour card cancellation status after resigning, which can delay your final settlement
Editorial Review & Sources
Reviewed by: Gratuity Calculator UAE Editorial Team
Last reviewed: September 2026
Checked against: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its amendments, current Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) work-permit services, MOHRE enquiry services, and the Official Platform of the UAE Government.
Sources referenced: UAE Government work-permit guidance, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), MOHRE enquiry portal.
This page provides general information only. Work-permit requirements, fees, processing procedures and government service interfaces can change. Confirm your current work-permit status and applicable requirements directly through MOHRE or with your employer’s HR or PRO team.