UAE Labour Card 2025: Renewal, Fees, and MoHRE Guidelines

What Is a UAE Labour Card and Why It Matters

The UAE labour card acts as legal proof of employment for expatriate workers. It allows employees to work legally and gives them access to labour rights under UAE law.
Employers are responsible for applying for and renewing the MoHRE labour card for their staff. The card is usually valid for two years and must be renewed before its expiration date.
In addition to proving employment, the labour card is also required for:

• Accessing government services
• Renewing residence visas
• Changing or transferring jobs
• Claiming employee rights in case of disputes

Here’s how the UAE Labour card renewal process works in 2025.

Labour Card Renewal UAE: Step-by-Step Process

Renewing your UAE labour card is a straightforward process when done on time. The employer usually handles the application, but employees should stay informed to avoid delays or penalties.
Here’s a quick look at the Labour card renewal UAE process:

• Check Eligibility and Expiry Date
  The renewal process can begin up to 60 days before the card expires.
• Prepare Required Documents
  • Copy of employee passport
  • Valid UAE residence visa Employers must log in to the MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) online system or visit a service center to submit the renewal request.
  • Recent photograph
  • Original labour card details
  • Updated employment contract
• Submit Application via MoHRE Portal
  Employers must log in to the MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) online system or visit a service center to submit the renewal request.
• Pay Labour Card Fees UAE
  Once the application is submitted, employers pay the renewal fees based on the employee category and contract type.
• Receive the New Labour Card
  After approval, the renewed MoHRE labour card is issued electronically and linked to the employee’s records.

Labour Card Fees UAE: How Much Does Renewal Cost?

The Labour card fees UAE can vary depending on the company classification, the employee’s skill level, and the contract type. As of 2025, the typical fees include:

• AED 200 to AED 5,000 for renewal (depending on company category)
• Additional service charges if processed through typing centers

Employers should also be aware of penalties for late renewal, which may increase costs. Renewing early is the best way to avoid unnecessary fines.

MoHRE Labour Card: Key Rules and Timelines

The MoHRE labour card must be renewed within the valid grace period. Employers have 60 days from the expiration date to complete the renewal process. Failure to renew within this period can result in fines. The UAE government has also introduced digital solutions, making it easier to manage labour card renewals online without visiting physical offices.

Important points to remember:

• The labour card and residence visa should have matching validity.
• Employers are legally responsible for maintaining valid labour cards.
• Any changes in job title or company must be updated during renewal.

Failing to meet the renewal deadline can cause more than administrative complications. Here’s what happens if your labour card isn’t renewed on time.

Penalties for Late Renewal

If the Labour card renewal UAE is not completed on time, companies may face fines from MoHRE.
The fines can accumulate daily, and continued non-renewal can result in suspension of work permits or restrictions on new visa applications.
It’s advisable for employers and employees to track the expiry date and renew well before the deadline.

How Can Efirst Help

Going through the UAE Labour card renewal process can be time-consuming, especially for businesses managing multiple employees. That’s where Emirates First Business Service LLC (Efirst) can make the process easier. Our team assists with documentation, submission through the MoHRE labour card portal, and tracking timelines to help avoid fines or delays. From clarifying Labour card fees to managing the renewal process, Efirst offers complete support, allowing you to focus on your business while we take care of the paperwork.