Step By Step Guide for Labour Card Renewal Online in UAE 2025
The timely renewal of your labor card is important to ensure a smooth employment experience in the UAE. A labor card is a mandatory document for foreign employees, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
It’s important to renew your labor card before it expires to avoid penalties or legal issues that may disrupt your employment. MoHRE typically permits labor card renewals as early as 60 days prior to the card’s expiry date, providing employees and employers sufficient time to complete the process.
You can keep track of your renewal application through MoHRE’s online portal by using the IN number provided in your application receipt.
In this article, I will provide your step by step guide on how to renew labour card in the UAE.
Here’s a simplified explanation of how you can renew your labor card in the UAE. It’s important to note that the responsibility of initiating the renewal process lies with your employer. Before you begin, make sure that all the required documents for the labor card renewal are prepared and available for submission.
Documents Requirements to Renew UAE Labour Card
The following documents are required for labor card renewal in the UAE:
Completed Application Form: Available through the MOHRE online portal or at authorized typing centers.
Passport-Sized Photographs
Valid Passport Copy: Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity.
Valid Residence Visa Copy
Valid Emirates ID: Or proof of renewal application if the Emirates ID is close to expiry.
Current Labour Card
Trade Licence Copy
Medical Fitness Certificate: For certain categories of employees, a new certificate may be required to confirm fitness for work.
Sponsor/Employer’s No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Now go to the MOHRE website by clicking on the link.
Click on the “Start Service” button and log in to your account.
Select the “Renew Electronic Work Permit” option.
Enter your company code in the designated field and click “Submit.”
You can either enter the employee’s card number or select the employee from the list provided below, then click “Submit.”
The owner’s E-signature is now required. Choose the E-Sign card type from the available options.
Enter the E-Sign card’s PIN number to authenticate.
Provide the following employee details:
Unified Number
Emirates ID Number
Residence Visa Number
Enter the establishment’s details:
District (English & Arabic)
Street (English & Arabic)
Landline Number
P.O. Box
Email Address
Mobile Number
Fax Number
Click on “Save & Continue.”
Next, enter the details of the “Establishment Representor” and the OTP code sent to your registered number.
Click “Save & Continue” again.
Fill in the job offer details and click “Save & Continue.”
If applicable, enter any additional allowance details or conditions and click “Save & Continue.”
Provide the applicant’s contact information and click “Save & Continue.”
Upload the required documents, including a recent photograph and a copy of the residency visa page.
Review the transaction details carefully and click “Submit.”
After completing the payment, you will receive a receipt. Once the application is processed and approved, your renewed Labour Card will be available digitally through the MoHRE app or website.
Labour card Renewal Fees in UAE
When it comes to renewing your labour card in the UAE, understanding the fee structure is important. The costs vary depending on the category of your work permit:
Category 1: AED 250 for a two-year work permit renewal.
Category 2: AED 1,200 for a two-year renewal.
Category 3: AED 3,450 for a two-year renewal.
Note: Business centers may charge an additional commission fee of up to AED 72. However, if you choose to complete the renewal process through the MOHRE website or its smart app, the service itself is free of charge, aside from federal fees and any applicable collection charges.
Keep in mind that the amounts mentioned do not include VAT or additional collection fees, so it’s wise to check the final cost before proceeding with the renewal process.
New Labour Law for Card Renewal
For employees in specialized professions, or any roles that require a specific license, it’s important to comply with all the requirements outlined in the relevant legislation. If you’re an employer, you must ensure that your company’s license is always valid and free of any violations that could lead to operational suspensions as per UAE laws.
Employment Contract Issuance:
When hiring new employees, the establishment’s authorized signatory must submit an application for issuing an employment contract within 60 days of the employee’s entry into the country or change in visa status.
Contracts for employees classified under skill levels 6, 7, 8, and 9 will be delivered to them at designated workers’ awareness centers for better understanding of their rights and obligations.
Employment Contract Renewal:
Work permits and employment contracts can be renewed 60 days before their expiration date.
Like new contracts, renewed employment contracts for skill levels 6-9 will also be distributed at the workers’ awareness centers, ensuring that employees are fully informed of the terms and conditions of their continued employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Labour Card Renewal Grace Period in UAE?
The UAE provides a 60-day grace period for labour card renewals before or after the expiry date. It’s advisable to renew your labour card within this timeframe to avoid any penalties or disruptions to your employment status.
What Happens If My Labour Card Expires?
If the employer fails to apply for a labour card within 60 days of the employee’s entry to the UAE or change in visa status, a fine of AED 500 will be imposed. It’s crucial for employers to adhere to this timeframe to avoid penalties and ensure legal employment status for their employees.
I'm Haris Ali. I am resident of United Arab Emirates. I've been working with identification documents in UAE for over 8 years. I've gained valuable experience from working with various government authorities in the region, especially with documents like the Emirates ID.
In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and exploring new destinations around the world.
