Labour Card Renewal in the UAE: Process, Costs & Deadlines
The labour card (work permit) is issued by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) and is tied to your residence visa. Renewing it on time is mandatory for every private-sector employee.
1. When does the labour card need renewal?
Most labour cards are valid for 2 years, matching the residence visa. Renewal must happen before the visa renewal — typically in the same workflow.
2. Documents required
- Renewed passport copy
- Updated Emirates ID
- Updated employment contract (if changed)
- Establishment card (employer)
- Medical fitness certificate
3. MOHRE renewal fees
Standard MOHRE work permit renewal fees range from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on company classification (1, 2A, 2B, 3). Skill-level surcharges may apply.
4. Late renewal fines
MOHRE charges a fine of AED 500 per month for late labour-card renewals, in addition to GDRFA overstay fines on the linked visa.
5. How HR teams stay ahead
Labour-card expiries rarely arrive in convenient batches. Salahiya monitors every employee's labour card alongside visa, Emirates ID, passport and health card — with automated alerts so you can renew before fines accrue. See pricing, or read our UAE visa renewal guide and Emirates ID status guide for the full renewal cycle.
FAQ
Can I renew the labour card before the visa?
No — the labour card renewal is part of the residence visa renewal cycle.
What happens if my labour card expires?
The employee is no longer legally allowed to work, MOHRE imposes monthly fines, and the company file may be temporarily blocked.
Stop tracking expiries in spreadsheets.
Salahiya monitors visa, Emirates ID, labour and health card expiries for every employee — with email alerts before each renewal. Free 2-day trial, AED pricing.