The MOHRE labour card (work permit) in Dubai for 2026 — cost by company category (AED 250–3,450), 2-year validity, the ~3-day process, digital card, and renewal fines. Verified ranges.
The labour card — the MOHRE work permit — is what makes an employee's job in Dubai legal, and it's issued and renewed on the employer's side. This guide covers the 2026 cost, validity and renewal rules, with verified ranges.
What is a labour card and how much does it cost?
Quick answer: A labour card is the MOHRE work permit authorising an employee to work for a specific company. In 2026 the cost is AED 250–3,450, set by the company's MOHRE classification: Category 1 ≈ AED 250; Category 2 ≈ AED 1,200 (skilled) to AED 2,000 (unskilled); Category 3 up to AED 3,450. It's now issued as a digital card. Fees vary by classification and contract type — confirm with MOHRE or ZETUP.
| Item | Detail (2026) |
|---|---|
| Cost | AED 250–3,450 (by MOHRE company category) |
| Validity | 2 years (1 year for employees aged 60+) |
| Process time | ~3 days via the MOHRE online system |
| Format | Digital labour card |
| Permit types | MOHRE issues 13 work-permit types |
Validity and renewal
The card is usually valid for two years and must be renewed before it expires. Miss the deadline and MOHRE applies a AED 500 fine if not renewed within 60 days of expiry, then AED 200 per month, capped at AED 2,000. Employees aged 60+ receive one-year cards.
The process
The employer submits the request through the MOHRE online system (or a Tasheel service centre), pays the fee based on the employee's category and contract type, and the renewed digital card is issued electronically — typically within about 3 days.
How it fits the bigger picture
The labour card is one piece of onboarding an employee — it runs alongside the residence visa and Emirates ID. See visa stamping in Dubai and the broader UAE visa processing guide. For overall setup, start with company formation in Dubai.
Why ZETUP PRO?
We work with Scandinavian transparency — published pricing, no hidden fees. We handle MOHRE work permits, renewals and the fines-avoidance timeline across your whole team, so no card lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a labour card cost in Dubai? A: AED 250–3,450 in 2026, depending on the company's MOHRE classification — roughly AED 250 (Category 1), AED 1,200–2,000 (Category 2), up to AED 3,450 (Category 3).
Q: How long is a UAE labour card valid? A: Usually two years, or one year for employees aged 60 and above.
Q: What is the fine for late labour-card renewal? A: AED 500 if not renewed within 60 days of expiry, then AED 200 per month, capped at AED 2,000.
Q: Is the labour card digital now? A: Yes — MOHRE issues the labour card electronically as a digital card.
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Need Professional Help?
ZETUP PRO handles all the complexity covered in this guide. Book a free PRO Health Check to see how we can help your business.