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What is a labour card in the UAE?
A labour card is the work permit MOHRE issues for an employee of a mainland company. It sits alongside the residence visa and the employment contract. Free zone companies get work permits from their free zone instead.
- The employer applies and pays; the law does not allow charging the cost to the employee.
- It is usually valid for 2 years and renewed with the residence visa.
Work permit cost by company category
| MOHRE category | Work permit fee (2 years) |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | AED 250 |
| Category 2 | AED 1,200 to 2,000, depending on the worker's skill level |
| Category 3 | AED 3,450 |
MOHRE sets each company's category from its record: labour law compliance, paying salaries through the Wages Protection System, and workforce diversity. Better compliance means cheaper permits.
How employers get a work permit
- Company file ready: a valid license and establishment card, with the MOHRE labour file open.
- Job offer signed on the MOHRE form.
- Work permit application and fee.
- Entry permit or change of status, medical test and Emirates ID.
- Employment contract signed and the labour card issued.
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Get Work Permit HelpLabour card renewal and cancellation
- Renew with the residence visa, before expiry, to avoid fines.
- Cancel when an employee leaves, and settle their end of service gratuity.
Our PRO team keeps the renewal dates for every employee. Entityz has set up businesses for more than 500 entrepreneurs from over 50 nationalities, with a 95% client retention rate.
General information, not legal advice. Work permit fees and company categories are set by MOHRE and change from time to time; the figures above were gathered in September 2026. We confirm the current fee for your company before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a labour card in the UAE?
The work permit MOHRE issues for each employee of a mainland company. The employer applies for it and pays the fee.
How much does a work permit cost in the UAE?
It depends on the company's MOHRE category: AED 250 for category 1, AED 1,200 to 2,000 for category 2, and AED 3,450 for category 3, for a 2 year permit.
Who pays for the labour card in the UAE?
The employer. The law does not allow the cost of the work permit or visa to be charged to the employee.
How long is a UAE labour card valid?
Usually 2 years, renewed with the residence visa.
Do free zone employees need a MOHRE labour card?
No. Free zone companies get work permits through their free zone instead of MOHRE.
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