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What This Guide Covers
A labour contract in the UAE is a legally binding employment agreement registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). It formalises the terms between employer and employee and must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector. The labour contract must be submitted to MOHRE within 14 days of work permit approval, in accordance with UAE regulations.
This article explains the full procedure for issuing a new labour contract, renewing an existing one, and modifying contract terms through MOHRE. It covers eligibility conditions, required documents, official fees, processing timelines, and common compliance risks. Employers operating in the UAE private sector and their authorised representatives will find the practical detail needed to meet MOHRE's requirements.
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Legal Framework for Labour Contracts in the UAE
All employment contracts in the UAE private sector are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2022 and Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2023. This legislation replaced the former Federal Law No. (8) of 1980 and has been in force since 2 February 2022.
Under the current framework, all private-sector employment contracts must be fixed-term. The law abolished unlimited-term contracts. The original three-year maximum duration was removed by Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2022, so employers and employees may now agree on any fixed duration. The contract may be extended or renewed for a similar or shorter period by mutual agreement.
The UAE Government portal confirms that the law recognises several work models under the fixed-term contract structure: full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible, remote, and job-sharing. Each model operates within the same legal framework and must be registered with MOHRE.
Every labour contract must include essential terms such as the employer and employee details, job title and description, contract start date and duration, basic salary and allowances in AED, working hours, leave entitlements, probation period (maximum six months), notice period (30 to 90 days), and workplace location.
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Who Can Submit a Labour Contract Application
Only the employer or an authorised signatory of a registered establishment with a valid trade licence may submit a labour contract application to MOHRE. Individual employees cannot apply independently. The establishment must have no registered violations resulting in suspension of its operations.
For new contracts, a valid work permit approved by MOHRE is required before the contract can be submitted for approval. The work permit must be finalised within 60 days of the employee's entry into the UAE or change of residency status. The labour contract itself must be submitted within 14 days of work permit issuance, as specified by Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022.
For contract renewals, the employer may begin the renewal process up to 60 days before the contract's expiry date. The establishment's authorised signatory must submit the renewal application.
Required Documents for Issuing a Labour Contract
The following documents are required when submitting a new labour contract application to MOHRE:
- Employment contract signed by both the employer and the employee
- Valid trade licence matching the company's registered business activity
- Employee's passport copy and a recent colour photograph (white background)
- Approved work permit issued by MOHRE
- Academic certificates, where required for the relevant skill level
- Professional licence issued by the competent authority, where the occupation is regulated (for example, medical professionals, teachers, fitness trainers, or advocates)
Workers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran must also provide a valid national identity document.
For contract renewals, the same core documents apply. The existing contract must still be valid or within the permitted renewal window.
Required Documents for Modifying a Labour Contract
MOHRE's contract modification service allows employers to update specific terms of an existing employment contract. Modifications may include changes to job title, occupation, salary, or other employee details recorded in MOHRE's system.
The following documents are required:
- Employment contract approved by MOHRE and signed by both employer and employee
- Academic certificates bearing the employee's name, applicable to the relevant skill level:
- Skill levels 1 and 2: bachelor's degree or higher
- Skill levels 3 and 4: diploma or higher
- Skill level 5: high school certificate
- Skill levels 6 to 9: no certificate requirement
- Professional licence from the competent authority, if the occupation is regulated
- Valid trade licence with no registered violations
Workers earning less than AED 4,000 per month or who do not hold a degree are not classified as skilled under MOHRE's classification system.
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Step-by-Step Process: Issuing a New Labour Contract
Step 1 — Log In to the MOHRE System
The employer or authorised signatory logs into the MOHRE smart services platform using a registered username and password or UAE Pass.
Step 2 — Submit the Application
The application is submitted through one of the available service channels: MOHRE website, mobile application, an authorised service centre (Tasheel), such as EGSH.
Step 3 — Pay Federal Fees
For new contract issuance, federal fees are payable after the work permit is approved. The fee amount depends on the work permit category and the company's classification.
Step 4 — MOHRE Verification
The application is referred electronically to MOHRE for verification of compliance with all requirements and documents. If any shortfalls are identified, the establishment is notified to complete the missing items.
Step 5 — Approval and Electronic Contract Issuance
Once all requirements and documents are in order, MOHRE approves the contract. Electronic approval is processed, and the approved labour contract is issued. The entire process is completed within two working days, provided all documents are accurate and the establishment has no violations.
Step-by-Step Process: Modifying a Labour Contract
Step 1 — Log In and Submit
The employer's authorised signatory logs into the MOHRE system and submits the modification request through any available service channel.
Step 2 — Pay Federal Fees
The federal fee for contract modification is AED 50. This fee must be paid at the time of application. Business centre commission is capped at AED 72 per transaction. The service is free of charge via MOHRE's website and smart application, except for the federal fee.
Step 3 — MOHRE Review
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation electronically reviews the request to verify compliance with all requirements and supporting documents.
Step 4 — Approval
Once the amendment request is approved, the updated contract is issued electronically within two working days.
When submitting a modification, the new occupation must be consistent with the establishment's licensed business activity. MOHRE does not process amendments to an expired work contract. In such cases, the contract must be renewed first, and changes can then be submitted as a separate modification request.
Processing Time and Service Channels
Both contract issuance and contract modification are completed within two working days, provided all required documents are accurate and the establishment has no outstanding violations.
Applications may be submitted through the following channels:
- MOHRE website (mohre.gov.ae)
- MOHRE smart application (available on iOS and Android)
- Authorised Tasheel service centres, including EGSH's labour contract issuance service
Applicants can track application status through the MOHRE inquiry portal, the smart application, or the MOHRE call centre (600 590000, available 24/7).
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Common Reasons for Contract Rejection
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation may reject or delay a labour contract application for several reasons. Awareness of these issues helps employers avoid processing setbacks.
The most frequent grounds for rejection include submission of incomplete or inaccurate documents, a mismatch between the job title and the establishment's licensed business activity, an expired or invalid trade licence, outstanding MOHRE violations on the company's file, failure to meet academic or professional certification requirements for the declared skill level, and non-compliance with the Wages Protection System.
Employers should verify all documents for accuracy and consistency before submission. Ensuring the establishment's file is clear of violations is essential before initiating any labour contract procedure. EGSH, as a government-authorised Tasheel centre, reviews all documents for compliance before submission to MOHRE, reducing the risk of rejection or delay.
How Contract Modification Differs from Renewal
A contract modification updates specific terms within an active employment contract. It does not change the contract's validity period or reset its start date. Changes may include job title, salary, occupation classification, or employee personal details. The federal fee is AED 50.
A contract renewal replaces an expiring contract with a new fixed-term agreement. It resets the contract duration and requires payment of the full work permit renewal fee, which ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on the company's classification.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation does not allow modifications to an expired contract. If the contract has already expired, the employer must first renew it and then submit any required modifications as a separate transaction.
Employers who need to modify a labour contract in Dubai should ensure the existing contract is still active and that the proposed changes are consistent with the company's licensed activities.
Employer Obligations Under the Labour Contract
Under Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, employers bear specific obligations once a labour contract is registered with MOHRE. The employer must pay the agreed salary on time through the Wages Protection System. Retention of an employee's passport is prohibited. All recruitment and visa costs must be borne by the employer and cannot be recovered from the worker.
The contract terms must match the original job offer. An employer cannot unilaterally change the terms of a signed contract without the employee's written consent and compliance with MOHRE regulations.
Employers must also maintain copies of job offers and employment contracts for at least two years from the end of the employment relationship, as required by Ministerial Decree No. (46) of 2022. This record-keeping obligation supports MOHRE's ability to verify historical employment relationships during inspections or complaint proceedings.
For employers managing multiple employees across different UAE work permit types, maintaining compliance across all active contracts requires careful tracking of expiry dates, renewal windows, and any changes in employment terms.
Employee Protections and Contract Verification
Employees have the right to access a copy of their approved labour contract through MOHRE's digital channels. The MOHRE contract download service is available through the ministry's website, smart application, and customer service centres.
Contract verification through MOHRE confirms that the registered terms match what the employee has signed. This is important when applying for family sponsorship visas, bank products, or housing, all of which may require proof of salary and employment details.
If contract terms in MOHRE's system differ from the signed agreement, the employee may raise a complaint through MOHRE's labour dispute channels. The ministry's call centre (600 590000) operates around the clock, and complaints can also be filed through the smart application.
Employees covered by fixed-term contracts under the UAE Labour Law are entitled to end-of-service gratuity after one year of continuous service, annual leave, sick leave, and all protections established by Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 and its amendments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MOHRE labour contract in the UAE?
A MOHRE labour contract is a legally binding employment agreement between an employer and an employee, approved and registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. All private-sector employment contracts for non-UAE nationals must be registered through MOHRE's system.
How long does it take to issue a labour contract through MOHRE?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation processes labour contract issuance within two working days, provided all required documents are accurate and the establishment has no registered violations.
What is the fee for modifying a labour contract in the UAE?
The federal fee for modifying a labour contract is AED 50. The Tasheel service centre commission is capped at AED 72. Modifications submitted through the MOHRE website or smart application are free of charge apart from the federal fee.
Can an expired labour contract be modified?
No. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation does not process modifications to an expired employment contract. The contract must be renewed first, and any required amendments can then be submitted as a separate modification request.
What happens if a labour contract is not submitted on time?
The labour contract must be submitted to MOHRE within 14 days of work permit approval. Failure to meet this deadline may result in administrative penalties, including fines and potential suspension of the establishment’s ability to process new work permits until compliance is restored.
What types of employment contracts exist under UAE law?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, all private-sector employment contracts must be fixed-term. The law recognises six work models: full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible, remote, and job-sharing. Unlimited contracts were abolished in 2022.
Who can submit a labour contract application to MOHRE?
Only the employer or an authorised signatory of a registered establishment with a valid trade licence may submit a labour contract application. Individual employees cannot apply independently.
What changes can be made through a contract modification?
Through MOHRE's modification service, employers can update the job title, occupation, salary, or other employee details recorded in the system. The new occupation must be consistent with the establishment's licensed business activity.
Are employers required to bear the cost of work permits and labour contracts?
Yes. Under Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, employers must bear all recruitment and work permit costs. Recovering these expenses from employees is prohibited by law.
How can an employee check their labour contract online?
Employees can view and download their approved labour contract through the MOHRE website, the MOHRE smart application, or by contacting the MOHRE call centre (600 590000). UAE Pass login is required for digital access.
Explained by
Amira Ali Alhammadi
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Tasheel) Consultant
Amira Ali Alhammadi is a MOHRE (Tasheel) Consultant with 10 years of experience in commercial licensing and labour services. She handles contract issuance, amendments, and labour file management, ensuring accurate and compliant processing of company and employee transactions in line with UAE regulations.
Official Sources and References
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Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — Federal authority responsible for regulating private-sector labour relations, issuing work permits, and approving employment contracts in the UAE.
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UAE Government Portal (u.ae) — Official information platform of the UAE Government, providing guidance on employment laws, work permits, and contract procedures.
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Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Amendments — Primary legislation governing employment relationships in the UAE private sector, including contract requirements, work models, and employer obligations.
Important Notice
The information in this article is based on official UAE government sources and is current as of the date of publication. Fees, eligibility criteria, and procedural requirements are subject to change by the relevant authorities. Final approval of all labour contract applications rests with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Applicants are encouraged to verify the most current requirements directly with MOHRE or through an authorised service centre before submitting their applications.
