Understanding Labour Card Fees in The UAE involves knowing the cost structure, company categories, and payment responsibilities.
Labour card fees are one important factor for employers and workers to avoid fines and stay compliant under MOHRE rules. In the UAE, labour cards are developed under the Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratization (MOHRE) and carry linkage with employees’ work permit.
Labour card fees UAE vary in terms of company compliance category and related factors like service or age level of the employees. Employers on the other hand are responsible for these labour card fees in the UAE.
Labor card fees UAE structure by company category
Note: Fees are charged by MOHRE based on compliance with labour rules and Emiratization targets. Here is current breakdown for you learn:
| Company Category | Compliance Level | Labour Card Fee (2 Years) |
| Category 1 | High compliance | AED 250 |
| Category 2 | Moderate compliance | AED 1,200 |
| Category 3 | Low compliance | AED 3,450 |
Readers also search for a Labour card checklist — Find it here!
Cost breakdown for Labour Card Fees in The UAE
Cost breakdown for Labour Card Fees in The UAE comes with different factors with different cost measures
Here is a quick breakdown:
- Issuance and renewal fees: Above table
- Replacement (Lost/Damaged): AED 200
- Workers 65+: Extra surcharge (Approx. AED 5,000)
- Medical, entry permit, Emirates ID: Additional fees apply outside labor card cost per visa process such as Emirates ID and medical tests.
Readers also search for Labour Card UAE – Complete Guide for Employees & Employers
Employer vs Employee responsibility regarding Labour Card Fees in The UAE
Employer pays:
- Labour card issuance fee.
- Renewal and replacement fees.
- Work permit or visa related cost.
Employee may pay:
Some ancillary costs like personal travel for documents and medical expenses are handled by the employer depending on the contract.
Legal Note: Employers cannot deduct labour card fees from employee salary under UAE labour law.
Are you interested in the Freelance Visa permit? Check this also.
Hidden/additional charges in Labour Card Fees in The UAE
Hidden charges regarding labor card fees UAE are as follows:
- Typing and service center administration fees.
- Bank guarantee and insurance requirements depending on category.
- Late renewal fines.
Examples associated with Labour Card Fees in The UAE
- Organisations with strong compliance under Category 1 pays minimal labour card fee minimising overall employment cost.
- Under category 3, a non-compliant employer may pay up to AED 3,450 per employee in their operating cost.
Conclusion
Acknowledging your labour card fees UAE in terms of their structures and who is responsible for paying them can ensure proper compliance and assist both the companies and expatriate workers to avoid penalties and operational setbacks.
Connect with Us to get a clear consultation on this in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is labour card fees UAE the same for all companies?
No, they are different depending on the compliance category under MOHRE regulations.
Does the employee pay the labour card fee in the UAE?
No, not employees but employers are responsible for paying the labour card fee UAE.
Can labour card fees change in 2026?
Yes, MOHRE updates labour card fees based on policy changes.
Is there a penalty for late renewal?
Yes, fines apply and the card may be blocked.
What happens if a labour card is lost in the UAE?
A replacement fee of approximately AED 200 is applied.
No comment yet, add your voice below!