If you’re working in the UAE or about to start a new job, one of the most important documents you should keep track of is your labour contract.
It’s not just a formality—it defines your rights, responsibilities, salary, job title, working hours, and even how much notice is required if you or your employer decides to part ways.
Yet, many people—especially new expats—often ask, “How do I check my labour contract?” or “Where can I download my UAE labour contract online?” The good news is, it’s actually easier than you might think.
Whether you’re employed in a company under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or working in a free zone, there are straightforward steps you can follow to check and download your contract from the comfort of your home.
What is a UAE Labour Contract?
A labour contract in the UAE is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that outlines the terms and conditions of employment. It’s an official reference point for everything related to your job.
From salary and benefits to job title and notice period, this contract is recognized by UAE labour law and serves as a protective framework for both parties.
When you accept a job in the UAE, your employer is required to submit your labour contract to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or the relevant free zone authority (depending on where the company is registered).
Once it’s processed and approved, it becomes an official document that’s stored in the government’s database—and yes, you can (and should) download a copy for yourself.
Why UAE Labour Contract is Important?
Proof of Employment Terms: It ensures that what you agreed to with your employer—salary, position, leave entitlements, and work hours—is documented and can be enforced.
Legal Protection If there’s ever a dispute between you and your employer, your labour contract will be the first document reviewed by UAE labour authorities.
Essential for Visa Renewals and Transfers: Labour contracts are often required when applying for Emirates ID renewals, residence visa renewals, or even when changing jobs within the UAE.
Transparency and Accountability: Having access to your own contract lets you verify if your employment details were correctly registered by your company.
Helps You Understand Your Rights: The UAE’s labour laws protect workers, but only if you’re aware of what’s written in your contract. It’s your responsibility to read and understand it.
If you’re starting a new job, considering a job switch, or simply want to stay informed, having a copy of your labour contract is essential.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Your UAE Labour Contract
If you’re working in a UAE free zone—like Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), or Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)—your labour contract isn’t handled by MOHRE.
Instead, it’s managed by the free zone authority that governs your area. This means the process to access your labour contract is slightly different.
Each free zone operates independently, but most have digital portals or direct customer service lines you can use. Below is a general overview, along with examples from key free zones:
How Mainland Employees Can Check their UAE Labour Contract Online (MOHRE)
If you’re employed by a company that’s registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)—which covers most private-sector jobs outside of free zones—checking your labour contract online is simple and can be done in just a few steps.
Step 1: Visit the MOHRE Website
- Go to the official MOHRE website: https://mohre.gov.ae
Step 2: Click on ‘Services’ → ‘Job Offers and Contracts’
- Scroll through the menu or use the search bar to find ‘View Labour Contract’ under the employment services section.
Step 3: Enter Your Details
You’ll need:
- Your labour card number or Emirates ID
- Your passport number
- Your date of birth or nationality
Step 4: Submit and View Your Contract
- Once you enter the correct details, your contract will be displayed.
- It includes your job title, salary, company name, contract type, and more.
Step 5: Download or Save
- There will be an option to download or print your contract.
- Save it in a secure folder or drive for future reference.
Note: If you don’t have your labour card number, you can also create an account on the MOHRE mobile app to view your contract directly from your phone.
Alternative Method: Using the MOHRE App
The MOHRE mobile app is a faster option if you prefer managing everything from your smartphone.
How to Use the App:
- Download the MOHRE app from the App Store or Google Play
- Register with your Emirates ID.
- Once logged in, navigate to “My Contract.”
- Download or view your contract in PDF format.
What If You Don’t Know Your Labour Card Number?
No problem. If you don’t have your labour card number handy, you can:
- Ask your company’s HR department.
- Use the UAE Pass to log in via the MOHRE app, which can sometimes auto-fill your details based on your Emirates ID.
For Free Zone Employees
If your employer is registered in a free zone, your contract will not appear on MOHRE. You’ll need to go through the specific free zone authority where your company is licensed.
Here are some of the major free zones and how to check your labour contract for each:
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Visit: https://www.dmcc.ae
- Log in to the DMCC portal with your employee or sponsor details.
- Your HR department can also provide a copy upon request.
Dubai Development Authority (DDA – formerly TECOM)
- Request through your company’s HR or directly via the DDA’s online services.
- Contracts are usually uploaded to the internal portal for employee access.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
- Visit: https://jafza.ae
- Use the JAFZA online portal or check via your PRO or HR rep.
- Many companies in JAFZA use internal HR systems where you can view and download contracts.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- ADGM operates an online portal where employers are responsible for uploading the contract.
- Employees must request a digital copy directly from their employer or check their employment dashboard (if provided).
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA)
- DAFZA provides employee access through the Smart Services Portal.
- Contracts can be downloaded if your employer has made them available there.
Helpful Tip
In many free zones, employees do not have direct access to the portal, and access to the contract is limited to the company’s PRO or HR department.
If that’s the case, the best course of action is to request the contract directly from your employer, who can then download it from the relevant free zone portal.
Key Difference Between MOHRE and Free Zone Contracts
MOHRE contracts are filed centrally and can be accessed individually.
Free zone contracts are decentralized, and the authority varies per zone, meaning you’ll need to follow the specific protocol for your area.
Why It’s Important to Check Your UAE Labour Contract
Here are a few reasons why it’s important to check your UAE labour contract:
1. To Understand Your Legal Rights
Your labour contract includes important details like:
- Your job title and scope of work
- Basic salary and total salary
- Working hours and weekly days off
- Annual leave entitlement
- End-of-service benefits
Being aware of these details empowers you to ensure that you are being treated fairly. It also means you won’t unknowingly violate any terms, like working a second job without proper approvals.
2. To Ensure There Are No Mistakes or Omissions
Mistakes in your contract do happen—maybe your job title was recorded incorrectly, or the agreed salary isn’t what was written. If you’re relying only on verbal agreements, you could be at risk.
By checking your labour contract early, you can raise issues before they escalate. If there’s a mismatch between what was promised and what was filed, you’ll want to fix it fast—preferably through your HR department.
3. To Prepare for Job Changes or Legal Disputes
Should a dispute arise—whether it’s about salary, working hours, or termination—your signed labour contract is your primary line of defense. It’s the document MOHRE or the free zone authority will refer to if a complaint is filed.
Likewise, if you’re planning to change jobs, you need to be sure of:
- Your notice period
- Whether you’re under a limited or unlimited contract
- If there’s a non-compete clause
All of this can be found in your contract, and it can directly affect your ability to move to another company or claim certain benefits.
4. To Verify Contract Type: Limited vs Unlimited
In the UAE, contracts used to be either:
- Limited (fixed-term): with a specific start and end date.
- Unlimited (open-ended): more flexible but different in how termination and benefits were handled.
However, with UAE Labour Law changes in 2022, all contracts must now be limited-term, with a maximum duration of three years (renewable). Still, some contracts may be transitional, so it’s wise to verify what type you’re under.
5. To Know What’s Officially Filed with Authorities
It’s one thing to sign a contract with your employer and another to know what has actually been filed with MOHRE or your free zone authority.
Your legal standing is based on the official version, not the private agreement you signed with your company.
By downloading and checking your labour contract online, you can confirm that:
- Your details are correctly recorded
- The terms match what was agreed
- No manipulation or omission could hurt you in the future
Common Labour Contract Issues in UAE & How to Fix Them
Once you’ve successfully downloaded or received your UAE labour contract, your next step should be reviewing it carefully.
While most UAE employers operate with professionalism and integrity, it’s not uncommon for employees to discover discrepancies or problems in their labour contracts when they finally check them online.
These issues—if not addressed quickly—can lead to misunderstandings, loss of benefits, or even legal trouble.
Let’s examine the most common contract-related issues employees encounter and how to address them effectively.
1. Salary Mismatch Between Verbal Agreement and Contract
The issue: Sometimes, employers may verbally agree to a salary package that includes housing, transport, and other allowances.
But when employees check the contract on the MOHRE or free zone portal, only the basic salary is listed—and often, it’s much lower than expected.
Why is it important? End-of-service benefits and gratuity are calculated based on the basic salary. If your contract under-reports it, your long-term benefits may be affected.
How to resolve it:
- Talk to your HR department first to clarify.
- If needed, request a revised contract to reflect the agreed salary.
- If the employer refuses to amend it, consider filing a complaint with MOHRE (for mainland employees) or the relevant free zone authority.
2. Job Title or Role Does Not Match Actual Work
The issue: Your contract says “Administrative Assistant,” but you’re handling graphic design, social media management, or logistics coordination—jobs requiring specific expertise.
This misalignment can be problematic for visa renewals, professional certifications, or future employment.
How to resolve it:
- Gather evidence of the work you do—emails, assignments, deliverables.
- Request HR to update the job title in your contract.
- If unresolved, and you wish to switch jobs later, this can be used as supporting evidence to waive potential employment bans.
3. Contract Not Registered with MOHRE or Free Zone
The issue: You signed an employment offer, but when you try to check your labour contract online, there’s no record.
Why is it important: If your contract isn’t registered, you’re not officially recognized as an employee.
This means you don’t have protection under UAE labour law and may face issues in claiming end-of-service benefits or filing complaints.
How to resolve it:
- Ask your employer for your Labour Card number or contract copy.
- Verify registration through MOHRE (for mainland) or the free zone platform.
- If the employer hasn’t registered you after 60 days of work, you can file a formal complaint.
4. Probation Period Longer Than Allowed
The issue: Some contracts list probation periods longer than 6 months, which violates the current UAE Labour Law.
The law: As per the UAE Labour Law, probation cannot exceed 6 months, and during this period, employers must give 14 days’ notice for termination. Employees must also give proper notice (14–30 days) if leaving.
How to resolve it:
- Discuss the discrepancy with HR and request a correction.
- If ignored, contact MOHRE or your free zone authority.
5. Wrong Contract Type (Old Unlimited Contract)
The issue: Even after the 2022 labour law update that mandated all employment contracts in the private sector to be limited-term (up to 3 years), some employees still find themselves listed under outdated unlimited contracts.
How to resolve it:
- Ask HR if your contract is updated in the system.
- If it hasn’t been revised, request a compliant limited-term contract.
- If your company resists updating, reach out to MOHRE for clarification on your legal status.
6. Non-Compete Clauses Without Proper Justification
The issue: Some contracts include non-compete clauses that prevent employees from working with competitors for one or two years after resignation, even if such terms were never discussed.
How to resolve it:
- UAE law allows non-compete clauses only when reasonable in scope, duration, and geography.
- If you find one in your contract and disagree with it, seek clarification from HR.
- You can also consult legal support or MOHRE if you believe the clause is overly restrictive.
7. Missing or Incorrect End-of-Service Details
The issue: Some contracts leave out or misstate end-of-service entitlements or termination procedures, which should be clearly defined according to UAE Labour Law.
How to resolve it:
- Know your rights: You’re entitled to gratuity after one full year of service, based on your basic salary.
- If this clause is missing or incorrect, ask for an amendment in your contract or an official HR clarification document.
How can I check my labour contract in the UAE?
You can check your labour contract online through the MOHRE website or the MOHRE mobile app if you work for a mainland company.
Free zone workers must contact their specific free zone authority or their company’s HR.
What’s the difference between a labour contract and an offer letter?
An offer letter is a preliminary agreement. A labour contract is a legally binding agreement filed with the UAE government that defines your rights and duties. Always check that both documents match.
Is my labour contract in English or Arabic?
UAE labour contracts are generally bilingual—Arabic and English. However, in case of a dispute, the Arabic version is considered the official legal document.
How long is a labour contract valid in the UAE?
As of the new UAE Labour Law (effective 2022), all contracts are limited-term contracts with a maximum duration of 3 years, renewable.
What do I do if I find wrong information on my labour contract?
Raise it with your HR immediately. If they don’t take action, file a complaint with MOHRE (80060) or through your free zone dispute channel.
Can I view my contract without my employer knowing?
Yes. The MOHRE portal allows you to access your labour contract independently using personal information like your Emirates ID, passport number, and birth date.
Is it legal for my company to give me a different job than the one in my contract?
No. Your employer must assign you to the job stated in your labour contract. Otherwise, it can be reported as a breach of contract.
How to check a free zone labour contract?
Contact the HR department or check with your free zone authority’s portal, such as DMCC, JAFZA, or ADGM. Each free zone operates its own labour systems separate from MOHRE.
Do I need my labour contract for visa renewal?
Yes. Your labour contract is part of the residency and employment visa process, and you may need to show it during renewals, disputes, or sponsorship changes.
What’s the penalty if my company doesn’t provide a labour contract?
All employers in the UAE are required to issue a labour contract within 14 days of issuing a work permit. If not, the employer can face fines and suspension of services from MOHRE.
Is my e-signature on the labour contract valid?
Yes. Digital labour contracts in the UAE are legally binding, and your e-signature carries full legal weight.
How often should I check my labour contract?
You should check your labour contract:
- Upon joining a new company.
- When your role or salary changes.
- During visa renewals or end-of-service processes.
- If there’s a dispute or discrepancy in payments or job description.
What if You Can’t Access Your Contract?
Here’s what you can do if your contract isn’t appearing online or is unavailable:
- Step 1: Contact your company’s HR department. They should be able to provide a PDF or hard copy.
- Step 2: Visit the nearest Tasheel center (for MOHRE) or your free zone customer service center.
- Step 3: If your employer is uncooperative or delaying, file a support ticket or inquiry through:
- MOHRE Helpline: 80060
- Tawasul email: ask@mohre.gov.ae
- Your free zone’s dispute resolution center
PS:
If your employment is through MOHRE, do not assume your offer letter is your contract.
The official contract filed with MOHRE is what counts legally, and it might differ slightly from your original offer letter.
Leave a Reply