Note: This is general info, not legal advice. For your case, talk to MOHRE or an immigration lawyer.
What Is a UAE Labour Card?
Quick Answer: A Labour Card is your work permit. MOHRE issues it. Without one, you can't legally work in the UAE. No Labour Card = no gratuity rights.
Your Labour Card proves you can work in the UAE. It links to your visa and your contract. It's what gives you legal rights as a worker—including gratuity.
Why the Labour Card Matters
Three documents you need:
| Document | Who Issues It | What It's For | |----------|---------------|---------------| | Labour Card | MOHRE | Work permission | | Residence Visa | ICP | Legal residence | | Emirates ID | ICP | Identity card |
You need all three to work and live legally in the UAE.
Your Labour Card and Gratuity
Here's the direct link:
- Start date: Your service years count from when your Labour Card is issued
- Salary: The basic salary on your Labour Card is what's used to calculate gratuity
- Proof of work: Without a Labour Card, MOHRE won't process your gratuity claim
- Evidence: If there's a dispute, your Labour Card is your main proof
No Labour Card means:
- Your work is illegal
- No legal protections
- Can't claim gratuity through MOHRE
- Your employer faces big fines
- You could be deported
Who Needs One?
You need a Labour Card if:
- You work for a private company in mainland UAE
- You're a domestic worker
- You work in a free zone (zone-specific version)
- You're a foreign worker
- You're a GCC national working here
You don't need one if:
- You work for the government
- You're a freelancer with a freelance permit
- You own a business on an investor visa
- You're a diplomat
How to Get a Labour Card
The Timeline
| Step | How Long | Who Does It | |------|----------|-------------| | Job offer and contract | Varies | You and employer | | Entry permit | 2-5 days | Employer | | You arrive in UAE | Within 60 days | You | | Medical test | 1-3 days | Employer arranges | | Emirates ID enrollment | Same day | Both | | Visa stamping | 1-2 days | Employer | | Labour Card issued | 1-2 days after visa | Employer | | Emirates ID arrives | 5-10 days | Delivered to you |
Total time: About 2-4 weeks from arriving to getting your Labour Card.
Step by Step
1. Your employer gets quota approval from MOHRE
2. They apply for your entry permit
- Your passport (valid 6+ months)
- Your certificates
- Job offer letter
- Their trade license
3. You arrive in UAE within 60 days
4. Medical test
- Tests for TB, HIV, hepatitis
- Costs AED 300-500 (usually employer pays)
5. Your contract is registered with MOHRE
- Shows basic salary, allowances, job title
- Max 3-year contract
- Max 6-month probation
6. Labour Card is issued
- Comes after medical clearance and visa
- Linked to your Emirates ID
7. Check it's correct
- Use the MOHRE app to verify details
What's on Your Labour Card
| Field | Why It Matters | |-------|----------------| | Your name | Identity | | Emirates ID number | Links to all UAE systems | | Employer name | Who sponsors you | | Job title | What work you can do | | Contract start date | When your gratuity clock starts | | Basic salary | What your gratuity is based on | | Contract end date | For fixed-term contracts |
Check immediately: Make sure the basic salary matches your contract. If it's wrong, get it fixed within 30 days.
Mainland vs. Free Zone
| What | Mainland (MOHRE) | Free Zone | |------|------------------|-----------| | Issuer | MOHRE | Zone authority (DIFC, JAFZA, etc.) | | Where you work | Anywhere in UAE | Only in that free zone | | Law | Federal Labour Law | Zone regulations | | Gratuity | 21/30 days per year | Often similar, but check | | Disputes | MOHRE then court | Zone court |
This guide is for mainland Labour Cards. If you're in a free zone, ask your zone authority.
Renewing Your Labour Card
Your Labour Card renews when:
- Your visa is renewed (every 2-3 years)
- Your contract is renewed
- Your title or salary changes
The renewal fee is included in visa costs (AED 300-600/year).
Changing Jobs
Here's what happens:
- You quit or get fired (give 30 days notice)
- Employer cancels your Labour Card (within 14 days)
- 30-day grace period (180 days for Golden Visa holders)
- New employer applies (no ban for most workers since 2021)
- New Labour Card issued (1-2 weeks)
Common Problems
Wrong salary on Labour Card
- Problem: This affects your gratuity
- Fix: Ask employer to correct it within 30 days
Employer won't issue your card
- Problem: You're working illegally
- Fix: Report to MOHRE; employer gets fined
Card cancelled without warning
- Problem: Your visa becomes invalid
- Fix: File complaint with MOHRE for unfair termination
Can't see your card details
- Fix: Download MOHRE app, log in with Emirates ID
How to Check Your Labour Card
MOHRE App:
- Download it
- Log in with Emirates ID
- See all your Labour Card details
MOHRE Website:
- Go to mohre.gov.ae
- Click "My Services" "Employment Contract"
- Log in with UAE Pass
What to verify:
Salary matches contract
Job title is right
Start date is correct
Status is "Active"
Quick Answers
Is Labour Card the same as work permit?
Yes. Same thing, different names.
Can I work without one?
No. It's illegal for both you and your employer.
How long does it take to get?
Usually 2-4 weeks after arriving in UAE.
Does it expire?
It's tied to your visa. Renew visa = update Labour Card.
Can I have two Labour Cards?
No. One at a time.
What if I lose it?
It's electronic now. Just check the MOHRE app.
Labour Card and Gratuity
Remember these connections:
Start date on Labour Card = when your service counts from
Basic salary on Labour Card = what gratuity is based on
Valid Labour Card = you can claim gratuity through MOHRE
No Labour Card = no legal way to claim gratuity
Calculate Gratuity from Labour Card Salary
Use your official basic salary to get your gratuity estimate.
Get Help
MOHRE:
- Phone: 600 590 000
- Website: mohre.gov.ae
- App: MOHRE UAE
Related Pages
Use our free gratuity calculator for an instant estimate.
Disclaimer: This is info as of November 2025, not legal advice. For your situation, contact MOHRE or a professional.
