UAE labour card: what it is now and how to check it online

A UAE labour card is the work permit that the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) gives private-sector workers. Today it is electronic. You check it on MOHRE’s inquiry portal using the Electronic Work Permit Information service, or in the MOHRE app with UAE PASS. You need your transaction number and your person code.

People still say “labour card”, and many forms still ask for a “labour card number”. It means the same thing: your MOHRE work permit.

Our MOHRE enquiry services guide covers all the other checks you can do on the same portal, like your contract and company details.

What is a labour card in the UAE?

It is proof that you are allowed to work for a named employer in the UAE mainland. MOHRE issues it to your employer for you.

The law is clear on two points. Article 6 of the UAE labour law says no one may work, and no employer may hire, without a MOHRE work permit. It also says the employer must not charge the worker for recruitment or hiring costs, directly or indirectly. That includes permit fees.

Free zone staff are different. Their permits come from the free zone authority, not MOHRE.

Labour card number, person code and Emirates ID: what’s the difference?

This is the most common mix-up.

Number	What it is	Where to find it
Labour card (work permit) number	The number of your current work permit	On your work permit, offer letter or contract from MOHRE; in the MOHRE app
Person code	Your personal MOHRE ID. It stays with you when you change jobs	On your work permit and MOHRE contract
Emirates ID number (15 digits, starts 784)	Your national ID number from ICP	On your Emirates ID card

Your labour card number is not printed on your Emirates ID. If you only have your Emirates ID, sign in to the MOHRE app with UAE PASS. It shows your work permit details.

How to check your labour card online

Option 1: MOHRE inquiry portal

1. Go to inquiry.mohre.gov.ae.
2. Choose Electronic Work Permit Information.
3. Enter your transaction number and person code.
4. Complete the check and submit. You will see the permit status, type and dates.

To download a copy, use Print Electronic Work Permit on the same portal with the same two numbers.

Option 2: MOHRE app

1. Download the MOHRE app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign in with UAE PASS.
3. Open your employee services to see your work permit and contract.

Option 3: Ask your employer

Your HR team or PRO can see the permit in their MOHRE account and send you a copy.

Labour card status: what it means

• Active or valid: you can legally work for the employer on the permit.
• Expired: the employer must renew it. Working on an expired permit puts you and the company at risk.
• Cancelled: your employment record with that employer has ended, for example after resignation or dismissal.

If the status looks wrong, talk to HR first. If they do not fix it, call MOHRE on 80084 or file a request in the app.

Who pays for the labour card?

The employer does. The fee depends on the company’s classification with MOHRE, so it varies. By law, the employer cannot pass the cost to you or deduct it from your salary.

If your employer asks you to pay, you can report it to MOHRE.

Labour card renewal and cancellation

Renewal: the employer renews the work permit through MOHRE, usually along with your residence visa. You do not need to apply yourself.

Cancellation: when you leave a job, the employer cancels the permit. You usually sign a cancellation form confirming you received your dues. Read it first. Our guides on resignation and notice periods and termination benefits explain what you should get.

Your employer must pay your final dues within 14 days of the job ending, under Article 53 of the labour law. See our gratuity guide to check the amount.

Watch out for lookalike websites

Search results are full of sites with names like “MOHRE enquiry” or “labour card check”. Many are not run by the government. They may show adverts, old information, or ask for your details.

The official MOHRE sites end in mohre.gov.ae. The official app is published by MOHRE. Never pay a website to “check” your labour card. The official checks are free.

Frequently asked questions

What is a labour card number in the UAE?

It is the number of your MOHRE work permit. You find it on your work permit, your MOHRE contract, or in the MOHRE app after you sign in with UAE PASS.

How do I check my labour card with my Emirates ID?

The labour card number is not on your Emirates ID. Sign in to the MOHRE app with UAE PASS, which is linked to your Emirates ID. Your work permit details will show there.

Can I download my labour card?

Yes. Use Print Electronic Work Permit on inquiry.mohre.gov.ae with your transaction number and person code. Or download it from the MOHRE app.

Is the labour card still issued as a physical card?

No. MOHRE now issues electronic work permits. You can print or save a copy when you need one.

Who pays for the labour card?

Your employer. The labour law says employers cannot charge workers for recruitment or hiring costs.

Do free zone workers have a MOHRE labour card?

Usually not. Free zone workers get their permit or ID card from the free zone authority.