Gratuity Calculator UAE
Live calculation based on the new UAE Labour Law (MOHRE)
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Disclaimer: This article and the accompanying calculator are for informational and estimation purposes only. They do not constitute legal or financial advice. For legal disputes, please consult with MOHRE or a qualified UAE legal professional.
One of the most important employment benefits in the UAE is the “End of Service Gratuity”. It is the amount you get from your employer for the service you have given to the company. Gratuity is a calculated based on the UAE labour Law guidelines provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) of UAE.
So, whether you’re an expat planning your financial future or an employer ensuring legal compliance, understanding UAE gratuity rules is essential. In this comprehensive guide we will cover everything you need to know about gratuity calculation, payment timelines, and your legal rights under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Along with that we will also share valuable tips from our experience for best practices to maximize and protect your gratuity.
What Is Gratuity in the UAE?
In the UAE, employers are legally obligated to compensate employees with an end of service benefits or gratuity when their employment comes to an end. It serves as a financial safety net and retirement benefit, calculated based on your length of service and final salary.
Key Points:
Legal Framework: UAE Labour Law Article 132
The end of service gratuity system in the UAE is governed by Article 132 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which supersedes the former Federal Law No. 8 of 1980. This is the official UAE labour law gratuity framework. Key provisions include:
How Does the Gratuity Calculator Work?
Our free online “Live Gratuity Calculator UAE” makes complex benefit calculations easy through an automated process that follows current labor law requirements. This digital tool prevents calculation mistakes and ensures compliance with Federal Law No. 33 of 2021.
Step 1 – Enter Your Last Basic Salary
Input your final basic salary amount in UAE dirhams. This serves as the foundation for all calculations. Basic salary means only your fixed monthly wage from your employment contract – it doesn’t include housing allowances, transportation benefits, or variable pay.
Expert Tip: A Common Pitfall
Many employees mistakenly look at their total monthly pay slip. Your employer will only use the basic salary from your official MOHRE-registered employment contract. Always verify this figure first.
Step 2 – Select Contract Type (Limited or Unlimited)
Choose your contract type. While the new law uses the same gratuity calculation formula for both the contract type is still relevant for determining the terms of your employment termination and understanding the maximum gratuity cap, which cannot exceed the wages of two years.
For Unlimited Contracts:
Gratuity = (Years 1-5 × 21 × Monthly Salary) + (Years 6+ × 30 × Monthly Salary)For Limited Contracts:
Gratuity = Total Years × 21 × Monthly Salary
Step 3 – Choose Start and End Dates of Employment
Enter your employment dates so the system can calculate your exact service period, including leap years, probationary periods, and continuous service requirements. The calculator automatically determines your years, months, and days of service.
Step 4 – Get Your Gratuity Calculation Instantly
The gratuity calculator uae tool provides complete results showing your total estimated gratuity amount in dirhams (AED). The calculation will apply the standard rate of 21 days of basic salary for each of your first five years and 30 days for each subsequent year. This is your final gratuity settlement.
Gratuity Calculation Rules in the UAE
UAE gratuity payments depend on your contract type, how long you worked, and how your employment ended. These rules help you understand exactly what benefits to expect.
Limited vs Unlimited Contracts
Under Federal Law No. 33 of 2021, the end-of-service gratuity calculation is the same for both limited and unlimited contracts. This change was made to simplify the system, increase transparency, and provide greater security and flexibility for employees. The old rules that penalized employees for resigning early from unlimited contracts have been abolished. As long as you have completed one year of service, you are entitled to a full gratuity calculation regardless of the contract type or who initiated the termination (employer or employee).
What If You Resign Before 1 Year?
Employees who resign or get terminated before completing one full year get no gratuity benefits. This rule applies to all contract types and termination reasons, including layoffs. The one-year requirement must be continuous service with the same employer, though approved leave usually counts.
Gratuity Calculator – Examples Based on Dubai & Abu Dhabi
End-of-service gratuity calculations in the UAE follow standard formulas under federal labour law. These examples show how the End-of-service gratuity calculations in the UAE follow standard formulas under federal labour law. These examples show how the gratuity calculation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi work for typical employment situations.
Example 1: Meet Aisha – 2 Years of Service
Scenario: Aisha worked as a graphic designer in Dubai for exactly two years. Her final basic salary was AED 5,000.
Position: Administrative Assistant
Monthly Basic Salary: AED 5,000
Service Period: 2 years
Calculation:
Step 1: Total Days = 2 × 21 = 42 days.
Step 2: Daily Wage = AED 5,000 ÷ 30 = AED 166.67.
Step 3: Total Gratuity = 42 × AED 166.67 = AED 7,000.
Example 2: Meet Omar – 6 Years of Service
Scenario: Omar was a senior marketing executive in Abu Dhabi for six years. His final basic salary was AED 8,000.
Position: Senior Marketing Executive
Monthly Basic Salary: AED 8,000
Service Period: 6 years
Calculation:
Step 1: Total Days = (5 × 21) + (1 × 30) = 135 days.
Step 2: Daily Wage = AED 8,000 ÷ 30 = AED 266.67.
Step 3: Total Gratuity = 135 × AED 266.67 = AED 36,000.
Example 3: Handling Partial Years – 4 Years and 6 Months
Scenario: What if your service isn’t in full years? Let’s say an employee has worked for 4 years and 6 months.
Calculation: (94.5 Gratuity Days) × (AED 10,000 / 30) = AED 31,500
Important Considerations
What Counts as Basic Salary in Gratuity Calculation?
Minimum Service Requirement for Gratuity
Contract Type Differences
| Contract Type | Calculation Rate | Maximum Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 21 days per year (first 5 years) 30 days per year (after 5 years) | Two years of total salary |
| Limited | 21 days per year (first 5 years) 30 days per year (after 5 years) | Two years of total salary |
When You’re Entitled to Full vs No Gratuity
Full Gratuity Entitlement
No Gratuity Entitlement
Gratuity Payment Timeline and Process
Legal Requirements
Required Documents
Common Gratuity Disputes and Solutions
Most Common Issues
Resolution Steps
Tax Implications and Financial Planning
UAE Tax Status
Financial Planning Tips
Don’t rely solely on gratuity for retirement; treat it as a bonus. Consider building wealth through additional savings and smart investments during employment. Account for currency exchange fluctuations if sending money home very often. Seek financial advice when managing large amounts or planning long-term financial goals.
Recent Changes and Updates (2025)
Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 Key Changes
What’s New in 2025
Expert Tips for Maximizing Your Gratuity
- Keep detailed records of your employment history
- Understand your contract type and its implications
- Plan your resignation timing strategically (if possible)
- Maintain good employment records to avoid misconduct issues
- Know your rights, and don’t accept incorrect calculations
Conclusion
Understanding UAE gratuity rules is important for both employees and employers. Thanks to the unified system under the new law, the gratuity calculation is more straightforward than ever. Remember that gratuity is a legal entitlement, not a favor from your employer.
Whether you’re planning your career in the UAE or preparing for your return home, accurate gratuity calculation and financial planning can significantly help make your future better. Keep this guide handy, calculate your gratuity as much as you want, know your rights, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help for complex situations.