• September 10, 2021

Applying for a labour file in Dubai Mainland

When starting a new business in Dubai mainland, you will have to apply for recruitment permits for your new employees to legally work for your business. The first step to this is to register your business with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Once your business is registered, you are assigned a company number which is known as your labour file number.

Once you have a labour file, employers can apply for a labour quota depending on the number of employees they may require to run their business and proceed towards applying for their individual work permits.

This article aims to provide a brief insight into a labour file and its basic requirements.

What is a labour file?

A labour file is an official document issued by MOHRE for companies. However, before a labour file is issued, an official inspection may be conducted by MOHRE.

How can one apply for a labour file?

There are two ways through which one can apply for a labour file which is through the website or service centres.

What is the procedure to apply for a labour file through the online medium?

One can apply for a labour file through the following steps:
  • One can start by logging on to the Tasheel system using valid credentials
  • Select Establishment Record Package from the Express Service
  • Enter the required information
  • Add the relevant attachments
  • Pay the fees

What is the procedure to apply for a labour file through a service centre?

The procedure of a labour file application through a service centre is as follows:

  • One may visit the Tasheel service centres or through centres participating in the e-forms program and submit the application
  • The application will be forwarded online to the Ministry’s database
  • Once the conditions are met, the application would be assessed and verified
  • The application may be rejected or returned in the case of any missing requirements

How much time does a labour file application take?

A labour file application can take around 3 working days.

What is the cost of applying for a labour file in Dubai Mainland?

The payment cost of applying for a labour file in the UAE includes:
  • AED 80 as typing fees
  • AED 50 as Federal fees
  • AED 430 as Taqyeem fees

Please note that the prices are subject to change without any prior intimation. It is advised to check with the service centre.

What are the documents required to apply for a new work permit in the Mainland?

Employers would require the following documents from their employees to apply for their work permits in the UAE:
  • Valid passport copy of the worker
  • Coloured passport-size photograph with white background
  • Updated work contract copy

How long would it take for a work permit to be issued?

It may take around 3 working days for a work permit to be issued for an employee.

What is the cost of applying for a work permit in the Mainland? A list of the Federal and typing fees can be accessed here. For more details, you can contact our expert consultants at Ascent Partners.

Conclusion

A labour file is an essential part of a business and can help entrepreneurs employ the right workforce to realise their vision and scale-up.

A visa quota is number of employee visas allocated to a company.

Frequently asked questions

A labour file is a document issued by MOHRE that allows employers to hire the workforce they will require.

A quota is generally limited to one foreign worker for every 8 square feet of office space. However, the approval can depend on other factors such as business activity, business contracts or projects.

One can apply for a labour file application through the Tasheel portal or Tasheel offices across the country.

A labour card, also known as a work permit, is a worker’s identity card in the UAE.

A visa quota is number of employee visas allocated to a company.