UAE Labour Card & Work Permit — Your Rights & Rules (2025)
Your employer is legally responsible for applying and paying for your UAE work permit and residency visa. Use the MOHRE app to check your labour contract and file complaints if needed.
The Work Permit Process
To work legally in the UAE, you need a Work Permit (Labour Card) issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), followed by a Residency Visa.
Job Offer
You sign an official MOHRE job offer letter from your employer.
Work Permit Application
Your employer submits the offer letter to MOHRE to issue a pre-approval work permit.
Enter UAE
If outside the UAE, you enter using an Employment Entry Permit.
Medical Fitness Test
You undergo a blood test and chest X-ray at a government medical center.
Emirates ID Biometrics
You provide fingerprints at an ICP center.
Visa Stamping & Labour Card
Your residency is approved and your official Labour Card is issued electronically.
Fixed-Term Contracts (New Law)
As of recent changes to the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), unlimited contracts have been abolished.
- All employees must be on Fixed-Term Contracts (Limited Contracts).
- Contracts can be up to 3 years long (renewable).
- Either party can terminate the contract by providing the agreed notice period (30 to 90 days).
How to view your Labour Contract online
You do not need to ask your HR department to see your official contract. You can view it yourself:
Download the MOHRE App
Available on iOS and Android.
Log in with UAE Pass
Use your UAE Pass to authenticate.
Go to Dashboard
Your active work permit and contract details will be visible on the main screen.
Download Contract
Click on "View Contract" to download a PDF copy of your signed agreement.
End of Service Gratuity
When you resign or are terminated (after completing at least 1 year of continuous service), you are entitled to a gratuity payout:
| Years of Service | Gratuity Calculation |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 years | 21 days of basic salary for each year |
| Over 5 years | 30 days of basic salary for each year beyond year 5 |
Note: Gratuity is calculated on your Basic Salary only, excluding allowances (housing, transport, etc.).
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