Highlights

• A UAE labor card proves employment, ensures legal protection, and supports payroll and compliance management.
• Employees need valid work permits and must meet age, health, and qualification requirements before getting a labor card.
• Employers must issue labor cards within 60 days, maintain records, and follow MoHRE procedures to avoid fines.
• Workers can apply through employer-arranged permits, contracts, medical tests, and required documents like passports and trade licenses.
• UAE labor card check is possible via the MOHRE app, website, Tas’heel centers, or directly through employers.

Every business needs to provide the right support for employees. Companies must ensure fair contracts, legal protection, and a system that makes work life easier. One key part of this is the labor card UAE, which gives workers proof of employment and access to different rights.

In addition, many companies now look for better ways to manage people and tasks. Tools like HR software help improve record keeping, while cloud HRMS makes payroll and compliance smoother. In this guide, we will cover the main benefits of a labor card in the UAE and outline the steps to apply for it.

What Is the UAE Labor Card?

In the UAE, a labor card is an official work document given to employees through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) or by the free zone authority. It is proof of employment and must always be kept with the worker. The card records the employee’s name, occupation, employer, nationality, expiry date, personal identification number, work permit number, and labor card number.

Moreover, the labor card plays a vital role in supporting payroll management, as it helps maintain proper records and ensures employee and employer compliance. This makes it a vital document for workplace security and transparency.

What Benefits Does the Labor Card UAE Provide to Employees?

Anyone employed in the UAE, whether in the private or public sector, must have a valid labor card and work permit. Both local and foreign workers must meet the eligibility criteria, and they can also complete a UAE labor card check to confirm their status.

Below are the key requirements for employees and the main responsibilities for employers:

Employee Requirements Include

• Age between 18 and 60 years.
• Relevant academic qualification for the job role.
• Passing a medical examination.
• Certificate of good conduct from the home country.

Employer Responsibilities Include

• Maintaining accurate records without expired labor cards.
• Paying salaries in line with the employee’s role.
• Following the MoHRE procedures for processing.
• Using tools like HR Software to keep records organized and ensure compliance.
• Issuing the labor card within 60 days of the employee’s arrival to avoid fines.

How to Apply for a Labor Card UAE and What Documents Are Needed?

To work in the UAE, employees need a valid work permit. The employer arranges this permit, and once approved, the labor card can be issued. This process is part of the employee life cycle, ensuring that every worker is legally registered.

The application includes a few key steps. The employer must get approval for the visa quota from the MoHRE or the free zone. A contract letter in Arabic and English is then signed. After that, the entry visa is issued for the employee to enter the UAE. Medical tests are required, and the employee must submit the necessary documents at the Emirates ID service center. 

Once everything is cleared, the work permit, Emirates ID, and passport are stamped. Many workers also ask what is labor card number in UAE, since it is used as an official reference for their employment.

Checklist of Required Documents

• A recent photograph of the employee
• Copy of the company’s valid trade license
• Copy of the employee’s passport and entry visa
• Valid health certificate
• Three copies of the employment contract
• Academic qualifications, when needed (such as a university degree for doctors, engineers, or lawyers)

What Are the Fees, Expiry Rules, and Fines for the UAE Labor Card?

The UAE labor card is a mandatory work document for all employees. The cost of issuing or renewing it depends on the type of employment and company category, and the employer is responsible for covering this fee.

For example, when an engineer joins a construction firm in Dubai, the employer handles the labor card application and pays the fee. The card is usually valid for two years, while government employees receive a three-year validity. Renewal is allowed for the same period if both the employee and employer agree.

The card must be renewed within 50 days of expiry. If the employer fails to apply for a new labor card within 60 days of the employee’s entry into the UAE, a fine of AED 500 applies. Employees can also check any fines linked to their card through the MoHRE website by selecting the acceptable calculator option and entering the labor card number.

How to Check Labor Card Status UAE Online?

Employees can quickly check their labor card status through official government platforms. This process is simple and helps workers confirm their details without delay. It also supports better tracking as part of a company’s performance improvement plan, ensuring employee records stay accurate.

Here’s how you can perform a  UAE labor card check:

Using the MOHRE App

• Download the official MOHRE app from Android or iOS.
• Log in with your UAE Pass account.
• Go to the "Labor Card Details" section.
• View your digital labor card, including card number and employment details.

Using the MOHRE Website

• Visit the official MOHRE website.
• Select the "Work Permit Inquiry" option.
• Enter the required details to see your labor card information.

Other Options

• Use the UAE Pass App for quick access.
• Visit a Tas’heel Service Center to get printed details of your labor card and work permit.

How to Get Labor Card Number in UAE?

To get your labor card number in the UAE, your employer first applies for it through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) after your work permit and residency visa are approved. For example, if you join a hybrid company in Abu Dhabi, the HR team submits your documents to MOHRE, and once they are processed, your labor card is issued with a unique number. You can get this number from your physical labor card, the MOHRE system, or your HR department.

Summary

The labor card UAE is a mandatory work document that confirms employment, protects worker rights, and ensures compliance. It is issued after the work permit and residency visa and requires age, qualifications, or medical checks. Therefore, employers must apply for and issue it within 60 days. Employees can track their card anytime via the MOHRE app, website, or Tas’heel centers.

FAQs

How To Get Labor Card Number In UAE?

You can get your labor card number once your employer applies for it through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) after your work permit and residency visa are approved. The number can be found on your physical labor card, through the MOHRE app or website, or by asking your HR department.

What Is Labor Card Number In UAE?

It is a unique identification number printed on your UAE labor card. This number is linked to your employment records and is used by the authorities for official verification, payroll, and compliance tracking.

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