Dubai Work Permits (Formerly Known as Labor Cards) & Labor Contracts [2025]
Looking for information on your labor card Dubai? In 2025, the official term is work permit Dubai. Our comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about obtaining your Dubai work permit, including the application process, essential labor card requirements Dubai (or work permit requirements Dubai), and the significance of your labor contract Dubai under UAE labor law.
Navigating Employment: The Dubai Work Permit (Formerly Labor Card) and Your Labor Contract
When your secure employment in Dubai, the work permit Dubai (primary, with mention of “formerly known as labor card Dubai” – primary) is the official document issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (More) that grants you the legal right to work in the UAE under the sponsorship of your employer. This permit is intrinsically linked to your labor contract Dubai (primary / “work contract”), which is the legally binding agreement between you (the employee) and your employer, outlining the terms and conditions of your employment as mandated by UAE labor law. Understanding both the work permit and your labor contract is crucial for a clear and legally protected working relationship in Dubai.
Getting Started: The Dubai Work Permit Application Process
The process to apply for labor card Dubai – officially known as how to get work permit in Dubai – is typically initiated by your employer. For labor card for new employee’s Dubai / work permit for new employees Dubai, the employer will begin the labor card application Dubai (secondary) / work permit application Dubai (secondary) process shortly after you receive your employment visa and enter the UAE. While you, as the employee, will need to provide certain documents, the responsibility for submitting the application and paying the associated work permit fees Dubai (secondary) usually lies with your sponsor or employer. In some cases, certain steps of the application may be completed online.
Gathering Your Essentials: Work Permit (Labor Card) Requirements in Dubai
To successfully obtain your Dubai work permit, you will need to meet specific labor card requirements Dubai / work permit requirements Dubai. The documents required for labor card in Dubai / documents required for work permit in Dubai generally include:
- Your original passport with a valid employment visa / residence visa.
- A copy of your Emirates ID (if you are already a resident).
- Passport-sized photographs as per More specifications.
- A medical fitness certificate obtained from a UAE government-approved medical center.
- A signed copy of your labor contract Dubai (primary / “work contract”) / offer letter.
- Copies of your employer’s sponsor documents and trade license.
- Potentially, biometrics registration at a designated center.
Your employer will guide you on the specific documents needed for your particular employment situation.
Understanding the Fees and Cost of Your Work Permit (Labor Card) in Dubai
Obtaining a Dubai work permit involves certain labor card fees Dubai (secondary) / work permit fees Dubai (secondary). The overall cost of labor card in Dubai / cost of work permit in Dubai can vary depending on factors such as the type of company and the employee’s skill level. Typically, these fees are the responsibility of the employer, as stipulated by UAE labor law. Your employer will handle the payment of these government fees to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (More).
Staying Legal: The Dubai Work Permit Renewal Process
Your Dubai work permit has a specific labor card validity Dubai / work permit validity Dubai period, usually tied to your employment visa / residence visa. To continue working legally in Dubai, it’s crucial to renew labor card Dubai (secondary) / renew work permit Dubai (secondary) before it expires. The renewal process is also typically managed by your employer and may involve an online application through the More enter system (labor card renewal online Dubai – / work permit renewal online Dubai -) and payment of renewal fees.
Staying Informed: Checking Your Dubai Work Permit (Labor Card) Status
You can often check the status of your labor card Dubai application or the validity of your work permit Dubai in Dubai through the official Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (More) website or mobile application. Knowing how to check labor card status Dubai / how to check work permit status Dubai (secondary) allows you to stay informed about the progress of your application or the expiry date of your current permit.
Ending Employment: The Dubai Work Permit Cancellation Process
When your employment in Dubai comes to an end, your employer is responsible for initiating the procedure to cancel labor card in Dubai / procedure to cancel work permit in Dubai. This cancellation process involves notifying the More and completing the necessary steps to officially terminate your work permit.
The Governing Authority: Understanding Mohr’s Role
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (More) plays a vital role in regulating the labor (implied) market in Dubai and the wider UAE. This government body is responsible for implementing UAE labor law, issuing and managing work permits, and ensuring the rights and obligations of both employers and employees are protected. All matters related to your labor card Dubai / work permit Dubai fall under the jurisdiction of More.
Your Questions Answered: FAQs About Work Permits (Labor Cards) in Dubai
Q: What is the difference between a labor card and a work permit in Dubai?
A: While the term labor card was commonly used in the past, the official term is now work permit. They essentially refer to the same document that grants you the legal right to work in Dubai.
Q: Can I apply for a labor card Dubai (secondary) / work permit Dubai myself?
A: No, typically, your employer (sponsor) is the one who initiates and processes the labor card application Dubai (secondary) / work permit application Dubai (secondary) on your behalf.
Q: What are the documents required for a labor card Dubai / work permit Dubai for a new employee?
A: Generally, you will need your original passport with a valid employment visa, passport-sized photographs, a medical fitness certificate, and a copy of your labor contract Dubai.
Q: How much are the labor card fees Dubai (secondary) / work permit fees Dubai (secondary)?
A: The cost of the work permit in Dubai can vary. Your employer is usually responsible for these fees, which are determined by the More.
Q: How long is the labor card validity Dubai / work permit validity Dubai?
A: The validity of your work permit is usually linked to your residence visa and can vary, typically ranging from one to three years, subject to renewal.
Q: How can I perform a labor card online application Dubai / work permit online application Dubai?
A: The online application for a work permit is usually done by your employer through the More enter portal. Employees typically do not apply directly.
Q: How to check labor card status Dubai / how to check work permit status Dubai (secondary) online?
A: You can check your work permit status through the official More website or mobile application using your passport number or other relevant details.
Q: What is the procedure to cancel a labor card in Dubai / work permit in Dubai? A: The cancellation process is typically initiated by your employer through the More when your employment ends.
Q: Is a labor contract Dubai mandatory? A: Yes, a labor contract is a mandatory legal requirement under UAE labor law for all employees working in Dubai.
Q: What if my employer doesn’t provide me with a labor card / work permit in Dubai? A: It is illegal to work in Dubai without a valid work permit. You should discuss this immediately with your employer and, if necessary, contact the More for assistance to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Conclusion
Understanding the Dubai work permit (formerly known as the labor card Dubai), its requirements, the application and renewal processes, and the significance of your labor contract Dubai is essential for a smooth and legally compliant working experience in Dubai. Always ensure your work permit is valid and that your employment terms align with UAE labor law as regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (More). For the most up-to-date information and specific guidance, always refer to the official More website.