Leaving Your Job in the UAE: End-of-Service Checklist

Whether you are moving to a new employer, starting a business or leaving the country, the end of a UAE job comes with a set of legal entitlements. This checklist covers private-sector employees under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.

1. Serve or agree the notice period

Your contract sets the notice period, which must be between 30 and 90 days. If either side does not serve it, they owe the other the wage for the notice period or the unserved part of it.

2. Gratuity

After one year of continuous service you are entitled to 21 days’ basic wage for each of the first five years and 30 days for each year after that, pro-rated for part years and capped at two years’ wage. Resignation no longer reduces this. Calculate yours with the UAE gratuity calculator.

3. Unused annual leave

You are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave per year after one year of service (2 days per month between six months and a year). Any accrued leave not taken must be paid out, normally on basic salary.

4. Final salary and other dues

• Salary for days worked in the final month
• Any overtime, commission or allowances owed under your contract
• A ticket home if your contract includes one

5. Timing and certificates

All dues must be paid within 14 days of the end of the employment relationship. You can also request a free service certificate showing your dates of employment, job title and last wage.

6. Visa and Emirates ID

Your employer must cancel your work permit and residence visa. You normally have a grace period after cancellation to change status or leave the country – check the period that applies to your visa type on the ICP or GDRFA website.

7. If something goes wrong

If your employer does not pay, file a complaint with MOHRE through its app, website or call centre (600590000). Claims generally must be brought within one year of the end of employment.