UAE end-of-service gratuity: How much are employees entitled to and when must it be paid?
MoHRE explains gratuity calculations, eligibility rules and 14-day payment deadline
Dubai: Dubai: Private sector employees in the UAE are entitled to end-of-service gratuity based on their basic salary and length of service, with employers required to settle all outstanding payments within 14 days of the termination of their employment contracts, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
In an awareness post explaining key provisions of the UAE Labour Law, the ministry outlined how gratuity is calculated, eligibility requirements and the deadlines employers must follow when settling employees' financial entitlements.
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Under the law, expatriate employees who complete at least one year of continuous service are entitled to end-of-service gratuity calculated on their last basic salary.
Employees receive the equivalent of 21 days' basic salary for each year of service during their first five years of employment. For every additional year of service beyond the first five years, the entitlement increases to 30 days' basic salary.
The ministry clarified that employees who have completed at least one continuous year of service are also entitled to gratuity for any additional partial year, calculated proportionately according to the period worked.
However, the total gratuity payable must not exceed the equivalent of two years' wages, regardless of the employee's length of service.
14-day payment deadline
MoHRE stressed that employers must pay all end-of-service entitlements and outstanding wages within 14 days from the date an employee's contract ends.
The requirement is intended to ensure that workers receive their financial entitlements promptly following the termination of their employment.
The ministry also highlighted its voluntary Savings Scheme, which provides an alternative mechanism for managing and growing employees' end-of-service benefits.
Under the scheme, employers can participate in approved investment funds, allowing employees' end-of-service benefits to be invested and potentially generate returns over time.
The ministry said the initiative provides an opportunity to strengthen employees' financial security while supporting more sustainable management of end-of-service entitlements.
The clarification forms part of MoHRE's efforts to raise awareness of labour rights and obligations, helping employees understand their financial entitlements and employers comply with the UAE Labour Law.
