Is the labour card fee the same across all UAE emirates?

No. Dubai and Abu Dhabi charge slightly higher medical and stamping fees than Sharjah or Ajman; always check the emirate-specific price list on MOHRE.

Who pays for the labour card—the employer or the employee?

By law the employer must pay the work-permit fee, but many companies recover medical or Emirates ID costs from the employee’s first salary.

How long does it take to receive the labour card after medical?

If all documents are complete, the digital labour card appears in the MOHRE app within 24–48 hours after Emirates ID biometrics are captured.

Can I change jobs before my labour card expires?

Yes, but you must first cancel the existing permit through MOHRE and pay any early-cancellation fees—usually AED 300–500—before the new employer issues a fresh permit.

Do freelancers in free zones need a labour card?

Freelance or consultancy visa holders in IFZA, DMCC or Meydan need a freelance permit instead; a standard labour card is not required unless you become a full-time employee.

How Much Is a Labour Card in UAE 2026: Complete Cost Guide

Quick answer

In 2026 a standard labour card (work permit) for a private-sector employee in mainland UAE costs between AED 300 and AED 1,000, depending on the emirate and company size. Add AED 1,000–2,500 for medical fitness, Emirates ID, visa stamping and typing centre fees, bringing the total first-year outlay to roughly AED 3,500–5,500. Always verify the latest price with MOHRE before you pay.

What is a labour card and why do you need one?

A labour card—officially called a work permit—is the document issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) that legally allows you to work in the UAE. Without it your employer cannot sponsor your residence visa, open a salary account, or sign an employment contract. It is valid for one, two or three years and must be renewed before expiry.

Breakdown of 2026 labour-card fees

1. Work permit issuance or renewal

Mainland companies (MOHRE): AED 300 for a one-year permit, AED 600 for two years, AED 900 for three years.
Free-zone companies (IFZA, DMCC, ADGM, etc.): AED 850–1,200, depending on the zone and whether you hold an investor or employee visa.

2. Medical fitness test

DHA-approved centres in Dubai: AED 300–500.
Abu Dhabi centres (HAAD): AED 250–400.
Other emirates: AED 200–350.

3. Emirates ID

One-year residency: AED 100.
Two-year residency: AED 200.
Three-year residency: AED 300.

4. Visa stamping & typing

Entry permit typing: AED 250–350.
Residence visa stamping: AED 300–650 (varies by sponsor and emirate).
Typing-centre service charge: AED 100–150.

5. Other possible charges

Labour contract attestation (if required): AED 100.
Knowledge fee (Dubai only): AED 10–20.
Insurance (employer-paid but sometimes deducted from salary): AED 600–1,200 per year.

Step-by-step: how to get your labour card in 2026

Receive a job offer and signed MOHRE-approved contract.
Employer applies for your work permit via the MOHRE portal (or free-zone portal).
Pay the permit fee—receipt appears instantly.
Book and complete the medical fitness test within 30 days.
Collect Emirates ID biometrics at an ICP centre.
Stamp your residence visa in your passport at GDRFA or ICA.
Receive the digital labour card in the MOHRE app or via email.

Common mistakes expats make with labour-card costs

Assuming the employer pays everything—some SMEs deduct medical or Emirates ID fees from your first salary.
Using an expired labour card to change jobs—penalties start at AED 500 per month.
Forgetting to cancel the old permit when switching employers—double-charging can occur.
Ignoring free-zone vs mainland differences—free-zone permits are often AED 500–700 higher.

Labour card costs: mainland vs free zone comparison

Item	Mainland (MOHRE)	Free zone (IFZA example)
Work permit	AED 300–900	AED 850–1,200
Medical test	AED 200–500	AED 300–500
Emirates ID	AED 100–300	AED 100–300
Visa stamping	AED 300–650	AED 400–700
Typing & service	AED 100–150	AED 150–250
Total (2-year)	AED 3,500–4,800	AED 4,500–6,000

Pro tips to keep costs down

Choose a two- or three-year permit if you plan to stay—per-year cost drops significantly.
Book medical tests early in the week; weekend slots at DHA centres often carry a 20 % premium.
Use the MOHRE app to track renewal reminders and avoid AED 500 late fees.
Ask HR for an itemised receipt—some free zones bundle fees into a single “visa package” that hides mark-ups.

Key takeaway

Budget AED 4,000–5,500 for your first labour card and residency package in 2026. Confirm the exact figure with your employer and MOHRE, because fees can change and some companies absorb part of the cost. Once you have the permit, keep digital copies in the MOHRE and ICP apps so you can prove legal work status at any time.