Renewing a labour card in the UAE is straightforward. Just log in to the MOHRE e‑services portal, pick “Renew Labour Card,” upload the documents you need, pay the fee, and grab your new card. This quick guide walks you through each step, tells you what you’ll pay, and shows how to dodge fines. (See our related article on UAE visa and residency for more info.)
The labour card is your ticket to legal employment, health coverage, and residency in the UAE. It links your contract to your Emirates ID and your visa. An expired card is like a broken link in a chain—once it breaks, you risk daily fines and future visa complications.
| Document | New Issuance | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | ✔ | ✔ |
| Emirates ID | ✔ | ✔ |
| Employment contract | ✔ | ✔ (if changed) |
| Health insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trade license | ✔ | — |
| Police report (lost card) | — | ✔ |
We’ve seen 30% fewer delays when applicants submit all documents in a single batch. That’s why we keep the checklist handy.
The portal’s automated checks cut processing time to under 24 hours—like a well‑oiled machine. For the latest fee schedule, see the official MOHRE fee table: https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/fees.html.
| Action | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| New issuance | 1,000 |
| Renewal | 800 |
| Replacement | 900 |
| Late renewal (within 15‑day grace) | 300 |
| Daily penalty after grace | 5 |
The figures come straight from the official MOHRE fee schedule.
Missing the 30‑day renewal window adds a 10% surcharge, while exceeding the 15‑day grace period triggers a daily AED 5 fine. That’s why we urge you to start early—think of it as watering a plant before the drought.
The 15‑day grace period starts after the card’s expiry date. If you renew within this window, you pay a reduced late renewal fee of AED 300.
The standard renewal fee is AED 800, payable through the MOHRE portal. Late renewal within the grace period costs AED 300.
Missing the grace period incurs a daily penalty of AED 5 until the card is renewed. Additionally, a 10% surcharge may apply if you exceed the 30‑day renewal window.
You can view the official fee schedule on the MOHRE website: https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/fees.html.
Download the printable checklist PDF.
We’ve cut the fluff, kept the data, and added real‑world examples so you can renew without a hitch.
Renewing your labour card is a quick routine once you know the steps. Log into the MOHRE e‑services portal, upload the documents you need, pay the renewal fee, and pick up the new card. This guide walks you through each part, tells you what paperwork to bring, shows the fees, explains the penalties for late renewal, and gives you a handy checklist to stay on track.
The card is proof of legal employment. It ties into your health insurance, pension, and visa status, and it’s the one source of truth for both employers and employees.
MOHRE rules and Federal Decree‑Law No. 33 of 2021 require every employee to be registered within 30 days of hire. They also set a 30‑day pre‑expiry window that must be respected. Skipping these steps triggers penalties.
| Day after expiry | Daily Fine | Cumulative Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1‑15 | AED 5 | Low, but adds up |
| 16‑30 | AED 5 | 30‑day grace ends |
| 31+ | AED 5 | Monthly AED 100 penalty applies |
An expired card costs money and can block visa renewals, delay salary payments, and cut off access to public services. Employers who keep cards active report 30 % fewer compliance issues, according to a recent MOHRE survey.
| Action | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| New issuance | 800 |
| Renewal | 800 |
| Replacement | 800 |
Fees can change. Check the official MOHRE fee table for the latest figures: MOHRE Fee Table.
Download the full checklist PDF here: Labour Card Renewal Checklist.
Q1: How many days before expiry should I start the renewal process?
A1: Start at least 30 days before the expiry date to allow for document processing and card issuance.
Q2: What happens if I renew after the expiry window?
A2: You will incur a daily AED 5 fine and a monthly AED 100 penalty once the 30‑day grace period ends. Late renewal may also affect visa status.
Q3: Is the renewal fee the same for all card types?
A3: Yes, the current standard renewal fee is AED 800, regardless of the card type.
Q4: Can I renew the card online?
A4: Yes, the entire renewal process is available through the MOHRE e‑services portal.
Q5: What documents are required for renewal?
A5: Passport, Emirates ID, and an updated employment contract are mandatory.
Every day you wait past the expiry window, you risk fines, visa complications, and service disruptions. Renewing on time keeps your professional life moving forward and protects your legal status in the UAE.
How to renew labour card in uae: This guide walks you through the process of obtaining a new labour card, covering employer portal registration, employee document upload, fee payment, biometric capture, and final card pickup. It lists the exact sequence—from employer portal registration to biometric capture—the required documents (passport, trade license, signed contract, health insurance certificate), and the current AED 1,000 issuance fee. Practical tips, such as uploading PDFs under 5 MB and scheduling appointments at MOHRE offices, are included to reduce delays.
| Document | Requirement | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (valid ≥6 months) | Photo ID | ≤5 MB |
| Passport‑size photo | White background, 2×2 cm | – |
| Trade license copy | Current | – |
| Signed employment contract | Legal agreement | – |
| Health insurance certificate | Proof of coverage | – |
Tip: Convert PDFs to less than 5 MB to avoid upload errors—compress with an online tool or zip.
After payment, you’ll receive a temporary ID—printed on the spot—allowing you to work while the final card is processed.
Print and keep this handy: a downloadable checklist PDF.
| Document | New Issuance | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Required | Required |
| Passport‑size photo | Required | Required |
| Trade license | Required | Required |
| Signed employment contract | Required | Not required (existing contract) |
| Health insurance certificate | Required | Required |
| Previous labour card | Not required | Required (for renewal) |
For more details on UAE visas and residency, see our guide on UAE visas and residency. Official MOHRE fee tables can be found on the MOHRE website: https://www.mohre.gov.ae/fees.
Ready to start? Download our checklist and book your MOHRE appointment today.