HR and payroll solutions for companies in the UAE
We serve companies in the United Arab Emirates with contracts and regulations that comply with the Federal Labor Law, clear salary and allowance structures, payroll files ready for the Wage Protection System, and end-of-service and pension calculations for every employee.
What to know about salaries and end of service in the UAE
The rules our calculators apply, reviewed in October 2026. Final amounts are set by the contract, the company's regulations and the competent authority.
End of service
21 days of basic salary for each of the first five years and 30 days for each year after, once one year of continuous service is complete, capped at two years of wages and with no reduction on resignation, under Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Pensions for nationals
For those registered since 31 October 2023: 11% on the insured and 15% on the employer, with the government covering 2.5% of the employer share when the contribution salary is below AED 20,000, and a contribution salary between AED 3,000 and 70,000. Abu Dhabi has its own pension fund.
Unemployment insurance
AED 5 a month when the basic salary is AED 16,000 or less, and AED 10 above that, under Decree-Law No. 13 of 2022.
Expatriates
Expatriates do not contribute to the pension system and receive the end-of-service gratuity instead, and no income tax is levied on salaries.
HR services for your company in the UAE
Setting up the HR function
Structure, job descriptions and policies for a new company or branch in the UAE.
Hiring for new branches
Needs analysis, sourcing, screening and interviews until the opening team is complete.
Salary and allowance structures
A salary scale that clearly separates basic salary from allowances, since basic salary is the basis for end of service and pension contributions.
Regulations and contracts
Work regulations, contracts and forms in line with the Federal Labor Law.
End of service and dues
A documented calculation at every contract termination, and an estimate of the accrued liability for the budget.
Supervisor and team training
Day-to-day management, communication and performance review skills for new supervisors and their teams.
Remote by routine, on site when needed
We work with Gulf teams through regular meetings and written deliverables at each stage, and agree site visits with you based on the project. Government transactions stay with your team or your accredited service office, and we prepare everything they need.
Book a free consultationUAE salary, pension and gratuity calculator
Estimate net salary and the end-of-service award in the UAE right away, then discuss the result for your company with us.
Open the calculatorOpening a branch in the UAE or reorganizing your team there?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. We listen to your challenges and leave you with clear, practical steps, whether you work with us or on your own.
Answers related to this service
- How is end-of-service gratuity calculated in the UAE?Under Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, gratuity is 21 days' basic salary for each of the first five years and 30 days for each year after.
- How do I calculate net salary in the UAE?There is no income tax on salaries in the UAE, so an expatriate's net salary is gross salary minus the unemployment insurance premium of AED 5 or 10 a month.
- What is WPS in the UAE?The Wage Protection System, WPS, is the electronic system UAE establishments use to pay salaries through approved banks and financial institutions.
- How many days of annual leave does UAE labor law give?Under Article 29 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, an employee is entitled to paid annual leave of at least 30 days for each year of service.
- How long is the probation period under UAE labor law?Under Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, probation lasts six months at most from the start of work and only once per employer.
- What is the notice period for ending an employment contract in the UAE?Under Article 43 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, notice is at least 30 days and at most 90 days.
Questions from companies in the UAE
Short answers from the REFORMHRM team, with every HR question on one page.
All HR questionsDo you handle government transactions in the UAE?
We prepare the policies, contracts, structures and files required, and the government transactions are carried out by your team or your accredited service office, with our follow-up until complete.
Do you prepare the payroll file for the Wage Protection System?
Yes. We prepare the monthly payroll file in the required format and match it against the contracts before payment, and the transfer goes through your bank or approved provider.
How is the end-of-service gratuity calculated in the UAE?
21 days of basic salary for each of the first five years and 30 days for each year after, capped at two years of wages. You can estimate the amount with the UAE end-of-service calculator.
Do you serve small and medium companies in the UAE?
Yes. We size the solution to the company and its stage, which suits new branches in particular that need a sound HR foundation in a short time.