Showcase your Employer of Record services to companies looking for trusted hiring and workforce solutions in the United Arab Emirates.
Hire employees in the United Arab Emirates through an Employer of Record (EOR) without setting up a local entity. This comprehensive guide explains United Arab Emirates's labour laws, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance requirements so you can build a compliant United Arab Emirates workforce with confidence.
An Employer of Record in United Arab Emirates is a third-party organisation that legally employs workers on behalf of foreign companies. The EOR takes full legal responsibility for the employment relationship under United Arab Emirates's law, while the client company directs the employee's daily work and performance.
This arrangement allows international businesses to hire United Arab Emirates professionals quickly and compliantly without establishing a local entity. It is particularly useful for startups, growing businesses, and enterprises exploring the United Arab Emirates market for the first time. The EOR manages all employment obligations, including contracts, payroll, tax filings, social contributions, benefits, and ongoing compliance with local labour laws.
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates with a population of approximately 10.7 million (~88% expatriate). The UAE is one of the world's premier business and financial hubs combining global oil and gas industry (ADNOC), the Middle East's leading banking and finance centres (Dubai International Financial Centre — DIFC and Abu Dhabi Global Market — ADGM), aviation (Emirates and Etihad among the world's leading airlines), logistics (DP World — one of the world's largest port operators), tourism (Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Sheikh Zayed Mosque), real estate, and rapidly growing technology and AI ecosystem.
The UAE has 0% personal income tax — a major attraction for expat workers globally. Total cost-to-employer for Emirati nationals is approximately gross x 1.125 + EOSB; for expats approximately gross x 1.06-1.08 (no social insurance + EOSB accrual ~5.8-8.4% of monthly basic). Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021 transitioned all employment contracts to fixed-term, abolishing the previous 'limited' vs 'unlimited' distinction. From 1 January 2026, AED 6,000/month minimum wage for Emiratis in private sector. Dual mainland-free zone employment regime requires careful jurisdiction selection.
Top employers in the UAE include ADNOC, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Dubai Holding, Mubadala, ADQ, EDGE Group, DP World, Emaar Properties, DAMAC, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, Carrefour UAE, Lulu Group, Al-Futtaim, Majid Al Futtaim, Microsoft UAE, AWS Middle East, the federal government and seven emirate governments, the UAE Armed Forces. UAE law follows civil-law/Sharia mixed tradition; the Federal Supreme Court is the apex court; specialised Labour Courts handle workplace disputes; DIFC and ADGM operate independent common-law courts.
Before hiring in United Arab Emirates, it helps to understand the basic country profile at a glance.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Abu Dhabi (federal capital); Dubai is the largest city and commercial centre |
| Official Language | Arabic (sole official language); English is the de facto business language; significant South Asian (Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Malayalam, Tamil) and Western expatriate language communities |
| Currency | UAE Dirham (AED) — pegged to USD at ~3.6725 |
| Time Zone | Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4) — no daylight savings |
| Population | Approximately 10.7 million; ~88% expatriates, ~12% Emirati nationals |
| Status | Federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah); member of GCC, Arab League, OIC, OPEC, UN, WTO; major international financial and commercial hub; tax-friendly free zones (DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, etc.) |
| Major Industries | Oil and gas (ADNOC), banking and finance (DIFC, ADGM), real estate and construction, tourism and hospitality (Dubai), aviation (Emirates, Etihad), logistics and shipping (DP World, Jebel Ali), retail, technology (Dubai Internet City), media (twofour54, Dubai Media City), defense, healthcare, renewable energy |
| Workforce Profile | One of the world's most diverse workforces; ~88% expatriates from 200+ countries; English near-universal in business; Dubai is the leading commercial hub; Abu Dhabi for oil, finance, and government; Sharjah for cultural and educational; growing Emiratisation (Nafis programme) targeting UAE national hiring; significant tech, fintech, and AI talent influx |
Employment relationships in United Arab Emirates are primarily governed by the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (replacing Federal Law No. 8 of 1980), implemented via Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022; plus separate DIFC Employment Law (DIFC Law No. 2 of 2019), ADGM Employment Regulations 2024, and free-zone-specific employment frameworks; Federal Decree on Pension and Social Security; Nafis (Emiratisation) framework. This legislation regulates every aspect of the employment relationship, including contracts, working hours, leave entitlements, termination procedures, and workplace rights.
Written employment contracts are mandatory in United Arab Emirates and must be drafted in Arabic (mandatory for legal validity in mainland; bilingual permitted); English commonly accepted in DIFC and ADGM free zones. Every contract must specify the job description, salary, working hours, probation period, benefits, and termination terms. Both fixed-term and indefinite-term contracts are permitted under United Arab Emirates's law. Fixed-term contracts cannot exceed Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 transitioned all UAE employment contracts to fixed-term (up to 3 years; renewable); the previous 'limited' vs 'unlimited' distinction was abolished from February 2022, including any renewals.
The standard probation period for most roles is capped at Up to 6 months; must be expressly stated in the written contract; 14 days notice during probation by employer; 1 month notice by employee resigning to leave UAE. During probation, either the employer or the employee may terminate the relationship with shortened notice as specified by law or the employment contract.
The standard workweek in United Arab Emirates is 40-48 hours per week (typically 8-9 hours/day, 5 days); during Ramadan, 6-hour reduced day for Muslim employees (often applied to all). The maximum weekly working time, including overtime, is 48 hours/week ordinary; up to 60 hours/week with overtime in some sectors. Rest periods and overtime premiums are also regulated by law.
| Factor | Standard |
|---|---|
| Standard Workweek | 40-48 hours per week (typically 8-9 hours/day, 5 days); during Ramadan, 6-hour reduced day for Muslim employees (often applied to all) |
| Maximum Weekly Hours | 48 hours/week ordinary; up to 60 hours/week with overtime in some sectors |
| Weekday Overtime Pay | +25% premium (i.e. 125% of base) for daytime overtime |
| Weekend/Holiday Overtime | +50% premium for weekend (Friday traditionally) and public holiday overtime |
| Night Work Premium | +50% premium for night work (10 PM - 4 AM) for non-shift workers |
| Minimum Daily Rest | At least 12 consecutive hours between shifts; meal/rest breaks for 5+ hour shifts |
| Minimum Weekly Rest | At least 24 consecutive hours of weekly rest (UAE moved to Saturday-Sunday weekend in federal/Dubai/Sharjah from 1 January 2022; Friday is shortened); private sector flexibility |
United Arab Emirates employees enjoy comprehensive leave entitlements, including annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave.
| Leave Type | Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Annual Leave | 30 calendar days per year for employees with 1+ year service; 2 days per month for 6-12 months service; pro-rata for partial years |
| Public Holidays | Approximately 12-14 public holidays in 2026 (varies with Hijri calendar) |
| Sick Leave (Short-term) | 90 days sick leave per year: 15 days fully paid + 30 days at 50% wage + 45 days unpaid; medical certificate required |
| Sick Leave (Long-term) | Beyond 90 days, the employer may terminate with cause; long-term disability provisions vary by emirate and contract |
| Maternity Leave | 60 calendar days total: 45 days fully paid + 15 days at 50% pay; additional 45 days unpaid as needed; effective Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021 |
| Maternity Pay | 100% of wage for 45 paid days, employer-paid; 50% for the next 15 days; subsequent unpaid leave optional |
| Paternity Leave | 5 working days of paid paternity leave for fathers within 6 months of birth |
Public Holidays Observed: New Year (1 January), Eid al-Fitr (3-4 days, variable Hijri), Arafat Day + Eid al-Adha (4 days, variable Hijri), Hijri New Year (variable), Prophet's Birthday (variable), Commemoration Day (1 December), UAE National Day (2-3 December — celebrating the 1971 founding of the UAE federation). The Hijri-calendar holidays shift each Gregorian year. Many private-sector employers grant additional discretionary days. Recent UAE moved to Saturday-Sunday weekend in 2022, aligning with global business standards.
The UAE's minimum wage for Emirati nationals in the private sector is AED 6,000 per month (~USD 1,634 / EUR 1,520) effective from 1 January 2026 — established by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) as part of the phased Emiratisation strategy. Establishments employing Emiratis prior to 1 January 2026 have until 30 June 2026 to update salaries to comply. From 1 July 2026, non-compliant establishments face: (1) disqualification of underpaid Emirati employees from Emiratisation quota counting; (2) suspension of new work permits. Expatriates have NO statutory minimum wage. The UAE has 0% personal income tax. Note: figures are indicative; an EOR confirms applicable Emiratisation quotas, GPSSA contributions, WPS compliance, and free-zone vs mainland rules before contracting.
| Salary Category | Monthly Amount (AED) | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Support / BPO | AED 4,500 - AED 9,000 | Strong English/Arabic BPO sector; multilingual hub |
| Junior Developer | AED 9,000 - AED 16,000 | Dubai Internet City, ADGM, growing tech ecosystem |
| Mid-Level Software Engineer | AED 16,000 - AED 30,000 | Strong fintech, e-commerce, gaming, AI |
| Senior Engineer / Architect | AED 30,000 - AED 60,000+ | Senior tech roles in fintech, banking, MNCs |
| Compliance Officer (Banking) | AED 20,000 - AED 40,000 | DFSA/FSRA-regulated; AML, sharia compliance |
| Senior Banker / Wealth Manager | AED 35,000 - AED 80,000 | First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBANK |
| Country Manager / Director | AED 50,000 - AED 200,000+ | International subsidiary management |
Salaries paid monthly in AED via the Wage Protection System (WPS) administered by MoHRE and the Central Bank; mandatory for all mainland private-sector employers. WPS-approved banks process salaries within 15 days of due date. GPSSA contributions remitted monthly by the 15th. EOSB accrued monthly; Voluntary Savings Schemes (DEWS in DIFC, etc.) replace traditional gratuity in some free zones. 13th-month salary is NOT mandatory but performance bonuses are common. Eid bonuses customary. The UAE has 0% personal income tax — a major attraction for expats globally. Senior expat packages typically include housing allowance (AED 60,000-200,000/year), annual flight home, education for children, and health insurance (mandatory under Federal Health Insurance Law for Dubai and Abu Dhabi).
United Arab Emirates requires both employers and employees to contribute to social security, and personal income tax is withheld at source by the employer.
| Monthly / Annual Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| All employment income | 0% — UAE has NO personal income tax |
| Capital gains | 0% — no capital gains tax for individuals |
| Dividends | 0% — no dividend tax for individuals |
| Wealth tax | 0% — no wealth or inheritance tax |
| VAT | 5% standard rate (introduced January 2018) |
| Corporate Tax | 9% on profits above AED 375,000 (introduced June 2023) |
| DMTT (multinationals) | 15% Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax from 2025 under OECD Pillar 2 |
| Contribution Type | Employer | Employee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPSSA — Employer (UAE Nationals) | 12.5% | — | Pension; new October 2023 rate |
| GPSSA — Employee (UAE Nationals) | — | 11% | Pension; new October 2023 rate |
| GPSSA — Government Contribution | 2.5% | — | Government supplements |
| Expatriate Social Insurance | 0% | 0% | Expats not covered; rely on EOSB |
| End-of-Service Gratuity (Expats) | 21 days/year (1-5); 30 days/year (6+) | — | Capped at 2 years salary |
| Voluntary Savings Scheme (DEWS, etc.) | Variable | Variable | DIFC mandatory; ADGM voluntary; growing trend |
Note: Contributions are calculated on gross salary up to a statutory ceiling where applicable. Rates are reviewed periodically.
All employees in United Arab Emirates are entitled to statutory benefits under the labour code, and many employers add supplementary benefits to attract top talent.
| Mandatory Benefits | Common Supplementary Benefits |
|---|---|
| Paid annual leave | Private health insurance |
| Paid public holidays | Meal vouchers or allowance |
| Paid sick leave | Transportation allowance |
| Maternity and paternity leave | Performance bonuses |
| Social security coverage | Professional development budget |
| Health insurance | Flexible or remote work options |
| Pension contributions | 13th-month salary (some sectors) |
| Workplace safety protection | Stock options or equity |
Termination rules in United Arab Emirates depend on the employee's tenure. The labour code strictly defines notice periods and severance pay.
| Length of Service | Notice Period |
|---|---|
| During probation (up to 6 months) | 14 days by employer; 1 month by employee leaving UAE; 1 month by employee changing employers within UAE |
| Standard contract — Resignation/Termination | 30-90 days written notice (typically 30 days); contract may specify |
| Senior management positions | Up to 3 months by contract |
| Termination for cause (Article 44) | Immediate; documented grounds required |
| Limited contract (legacy) | All UAE contracts now fixed-term under Decree-Law 33 of 2021 |
| Years of Service | Severance Entitlement |
|---|---|
| End-of-Service Gratuity (Expats) | 21 days basic salary per year for first 5 years; 30 days per year thereafter; capped at 2 years salary |
| Voluntary Savings Scheme (DIFC DEWS) | DIFC mandatory since 2020 — replaces traditional gratuity; monthly employer contributions |
| Wrongful dismissal | Compensation up to 3 months wages awarded by Labour Court |
| UAE Nationals | GPSSA pension upon retirement; no employer EOSB |
| Mutual agreement | By negotiation; resignation can be initiated via MoHRE |
Employment in United Arab Emirates can be terminated by mutual agreement, voluntary resignation, the natural expiration of a fixed-term contract, just cause due to serious misconduct, or economic and organisational reasons, with proper notice.
United Arab Emirates labour law offers special protection against termination for pregnant employees, employees on maternity or paternity leave, employees on sick leave, and trade union representatives.
The UAE's work-permit framework distinguishes mainland (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation - MoHRE) from free zones (DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, Dubai Internet City, etc. — each with their own employment frameworks). GCC citizens enjoy partial free movement. Other foreign nationals require a quota-allocated work permit and residence visa. The Golden Visa (10-year), Green Visa (5-year), and Freelance Visa offer attractive long-term residency for high-skill talent, investors, and self-employed.
| Permit Type | Purpose | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Work Permit (Mainland) | Required for all non-UAE/GCC nationals; employer applies via MoHRE; 2-year duration | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) |
| Free Zone Visa (DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, etc.) | Free-zone authority issues work permit and residence; standalone framework | Free zone authority |
| GCC Citizens | Free movement under GCC Common Market | Border / minimal documentation |
| Golden Visa (10-year) | For investors, talents, scientists, students, humanitarian workers | ICA / GDRFA |
| Green Visa (5-year) | For freelancers, self-employed, skilled employees | ICA / GDRFA |
| Investor / Founder | For foreign investors and business founders | MoHRE + Department of Economic Development |
Processing typically takes Standard work permit + residence: 2-6 weeks; Golden Visa: 4-8 weeks; Free zone visa: 3-8 weeks per zone; UAE requires medical examination, biometric ID, and Emirates ID issuance., depending on documentation and administrative workload. The UAE is NOT a member of the EU. UAE is a member of the GCC (with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman), Arab League, OIC, OPEC, UN, WTO. The UAE Dirham (AED) is pegged to the USD at ~3.6725. Free Trade Agreements with India, Israel, Indonesia, Turkey, others. EU/EEA citizens require a UAE work permit under standard expatriate rules. Visa-free entry for tourists from many countries; Golden Visa available for high-skill expats.
The hiring process through an Employer of Record typically follows five clear stages, from candidate selection to ongoing compliance management.
| Step | Action | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify and select the United Arab Emirates candidate | Client company |
| 2 | Engage an EOR and sign a service agreement | Client + EOR |
| 3 | Issue a written Arabic (mandatory for legal validity in mainland; bilingual permitted); English commonly accepted in DIFC and ADGM free zones-language contract | EOR (legal employer) |
| 4 | Register the employee with tax and social security | EOR |
| 5 | Process monthly payroll and maintain compliance | EOR |
For companies with significant long-term investment plans in United Arab Emirates, establishing a local entity may be a viable alternative to using an EOR.
| Entity Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland LLC | Most common for trading; minimum capital varies; 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors since 2021 | Trading, services, IT, manufacturing |
| Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC, FZE) | DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, RAK ICC, etc.; 100% foreign ownership; tax incentives; sector-restricted | Banking (DIFC, ADGM), logistics (JAFZA), IT (DIC, DSO) |
| Joint-Stock Company (PJSC, PrJSC) | Public or private; min capital AED 10M+ (PJSC) | Banks, insurers, listed companies |
| Branch | Foreign HQ has full liability; commercial registration | Foreign banks, insurers, contractors |
| Sole Establishment | 1 owner; small business | Self-employed, professional services |
| Branch via EOR | Compliant hiring without setting up UAE entity | Foreign companies hiring 1-50 staff |
Setting up a UAE Mainland LLC takes 4-8 weeks (Department of Economic Development license, Ministry of Economy approvals, MoHRE registration, GPSSA setup, office lease, Emirates ID). Free zone setup is faster (1-4 weeks for DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA — depending on zone). For most companies hiring fewer than 30 employees, engaging an Employer of Record is dramatically faster: onboarding in 5-10 business days versus 4-8 weeks for mainland or 1-4 weeks for free zone setup with associated lease and office costs.
Comparing the three main hiring models helps you choose the right approach for your United Arab Emirates workforce.
| Factor | Employer of Record | Own Legal Entity | Freelancer / Contractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 5-10 business days from signed engagement letter to first compliant payroll cycle and MoHRE contract registration | Several weeks to months | Immediate |
| Setup Cost | Low | High | Very low |
| Compliance | Handled by EOR | Your responsibility | Misclassification risk |
| Statutory Benefits | Fully provided | Must manage yourself | Typically none |
| Control Over Staff | High | Full | Limited |
| IP Protection | Strong | Strong | Often weak |
| Best For | Small to medium teams | Long-term major presence | Short-term specialists |
Companies new to hiring in United Arab Emirates often encounter several common pitfalls. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is a significant risk, as United Arab Emirates has clear legal distinctions between the two, and reclassification can lead to penalties and back payments.
Failing to issue written employment contracts in Arabic (mandatory for legal validity in mainland; bilingual permitted); English commonly accepted in DIFC and ADGM free zones is another frequent error, as verbal or foreign-language agreements may not be legally enforceable. Ignoring collective bargaining agreements in regulated sectors can lead to compliance issues, as can miscalculating social security contributions since rates and ceilings are periodically updated.
Skipping proper documentation of probation periods can inadvertently extend employee protections beyond what the employer intended. Finally, providing inadequate notice of termination or failing to follow proper dismissal procedures can expose companies to compensation claims and legal disputes.
Several key industries drive United Arab Emirates's labour market, each offering a distinct talent pool for international employers.
| Industry | Key Roles | Talent Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Petroleum Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Refining Engineer | ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company), ADNOC Distribution, ADNOC Drilling; Abu Dhabi-based |
| Banking & Financial Services | Banker, Compliance Officer, Wealth Manager, Risk Manager | Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), ADCB, RAKBANK, Mashreq, ENBD, HSBC UAE, Standard Chartered UAE; DIFC and ADGM hubs |
| Real Estate & Construction | Civil Engineer, Architect, Project Manager, Property Specialist | Emaar, DAMAC, Aldar, Sobha; Dubai and Abu Dhabi major real estate |
| Tourism & Hospitality | Hotel Manager, F&B Director, Event Coordinator, Cabin Crew | Jumeirah, Atlantis, Marriott UAE, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa; Emirates and Etihad airlines |
| Aviation & Logistics | Pilot, Aircraft Engineer, Logistics Coordinator, Supply Chain Manager | Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, Air Arabia; DP World (operates 80+ ports globally), Jebel Ali Port |
| Information Technology | Software Engineer, Cloud Architect, Cybersecurity, AI/ML Specialist | Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis; Microsoft UAE, AWS Middle East, Careem, Talabat, Noon; ADGM tech ecosystem |
| Defense & Aerospace | Defense Engineer, Aerospace Engineer | EDGE Group, Mubadala Aerospace; Strata Manufacturing |
| Media & Entertainment | Producer, Designer, Marketing Director | twofour54 Abu Dhabi, Dubai Media City, Image Nation, OSN, MBC Group |
We help EOR companies increase their visibility and generate real business opportunities by featuring them on our platform through:
Our audience includes businesses, startups, and HR professionals actively exploring hiring solutions in United Arab Emirates and Persian Gulf / GCC / Federal monarchy — giving your brand direct access to decision-makers ready to expand their teams.
By partnering with us, you can:
United Arab Emirates is becoming an attractive destination for global hiring — making it a strong opportunity for EOR providers.
This guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only. United Arab Emirates's labour laws, tax rates, and social contribution percentages are subject to change. Always consult a qualified Employer of Record provider, local legal counsel, or certified tax advisor before making hiring or employment decisions in United Arab Emirates.
Hiring in the United Arab Emirates requires a clear understanding of local labour laws, payroll obligations, and statutory benefits. Our country-specific guide for the UAE helps employers navigate salary expectations, the Wage Protection System (WPS), Emiratisation quotas, working hours, leave entitlements, end-of-service gratuity, and termination rules under UAE Federal Labour Law and the regulations of free zones such as DIFC and ADGM.
Whether you're recruiting healthcare professionals in Dubai, hospitality and finance staff in Abu Dhabi, or construction, logistics, and manufacturing workers across Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, AtoZ Serwis Plus ensures every hire is fully compliant with UAE regulations.
From employment contracts and work visas (including mainland and free zone employment permits) to onboarding and ongoing HR support, we help you make data-driven hiring decisions and avoid costly compliance mistakes — so you can build a reliable, locally compliant workforce across all 7 emirates of the United Arab Emirates.
From 1 January 2026, the UAE minimum wage for Emirati nationals working in the private sector is AED 6,000 per month, established by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Establishments employing Emiratis prior to 1 January 2026 have until 30 June 2026 to update salaries. From 1 July 2026, non-compliant establishments face disqualification of underpaid Emirati employees from Emiratisation quota counting and suspension of new work permits. Expatriates have NO statutory minimum wage in the UAE — their compensation is governed entirely by individual contracts.
Yes for Emirati and GCC nationals; not for expatriates. UAE/GCC Nationals contribute to the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA): for new joiners post-October 2023, employer 12.5% + employee 11% + government 2.5% = 26% total. Older joiners may follow legacy 5%+5%+2.5% structure. Expatriates do NOT contribute to UAE social security but employers must accrue End-of-Service Gratuity (EOSB): 21 days basic salary per year for years 1-5; 30 days per year thereafter. Capped at 2 years salary.
No. The UAE has NO personal income tax on employment income. There is also no capital gains tax, no dividend tax, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax for individuals. VAT was introduced at 5% in January 2018 on most goods and services. Corporate Tax of 9% on profits above AED 375,000 was introduced in June 2023. Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT) at 15% applies to large multinational groups under OECD Pillar 2 from 2025. The 0% personal tax regime is funded by oil revenues, VAT, corporate tax, and various government fees.
An Employer of Record (EOR) in the UAE typically onboards an employee within 5-10 business days. The EOR is already registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the Wage Protection System (WPS), GPSSA, and (for free zone hiring) the relevant free zone authority — so the only steps are issuing the Arabic-language (or bilingual) employment contract, processing work permit and Emirates ID, and running the first monthly WPS payroll. By contrast, setting up a UAE Mainland LLC takes 4-8 weeks; free zone 1-4 weeks.
Yes. A foreign company can hire employees in the UAE without establishing a Mainland LLC, free zone entity, or branch by engaging an Employer of Record. The EOR — a registered UAE employer — becomes the legal employer for purposes of the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021), GPSSA (for Emiratis), EOSB (for expats), and Wage Protection System, while the foreign company directs the day-to-day work. This is particularly attractive for hiring UAE's strong banking, fintech, aviation, logistics, and senior management talent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Emiratisation is the UAE's workforce nationalisation policy, primarily delivered via the Nafis programme. Mainland private-sector employers with 50+ employees are subject to Emiratisation quotas requiring a minimum percentage of Emirati employees that increases annually. Non-compliant employers pay AED 6,000-9,000 per unfilled slot per month to the Nafis fund. Nafis also offers salary top-up subsidies for Emiratis. EORs operating in the UAE must allocate Emiratisation quota carefully across their client portfolio. The 1 January 2026 AED 6,000 Emirati minimum wage is part of the Emiratisation strategy.
Mainland employment is governed by federal UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021) administered by MoHRE — applies to most private-sector workers (estimated 65% of UAE workforce). Free zones (DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Healthcare City, etc.) operate under their own employment frameworks: DIFC has DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019 with the DEWS savings scheme replacing traditional gratuity; ADGM has Employment Regulations 2024; JAFZA has its own scheme. Each free zone has its own visa-issuance authority and labour rules.
The UAE moved from Friday-Saturday to Saturday-Sunday weekend in January 2022, aligning with global business standards. Standard work week is 40-48 hours (8-9 hours/day), 5 days. During Ramadan, Muslim employees benefit from a 6-hour reduced day (often applied to all). Overtime is paid at +25% premium for daytime, +50% for weekends and public holidays, +50% for night shifts (10 PM-4 AM). Maximum overtime: 2 hours/day. Friday is shortened or rest day in many sectors.
UAE Labour Law provides 30 calendar days of paid annual leave per year for employees with 1+ year of continuous service; 2 days per month for 6-12 months service; pro-rata for partial years. Public holidays (Eid al-Fitr 3-4 days, Eid al-Adha 4 days, UAE National Day 2-3 days, etc.) are taken in addition to annual leave. Annual leave can be carried over by mutual agreement; payout on termination is mandatory. Leave for Hajj pilgrimage (up to 30 days) once per service period.
UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021) permits termination via mutual agreement, expiry of fixed-term contract, employee resignation (30-90 days notice), employer initiative (30-90 days notice for objective reasons), or for cause under Article 44 (immediate; documented grounds required). End-of-service gratuity (EOSB) for expats: 21 days basic salary per year (years 1-5), 30 days per year thereafter, capped at 2 years salary. UAE Nationals receive GPSSA pension instead. Wrongful dismissal triggers compensation up to 3 months wages from Labour Court.
The UAE has been piloting a Voluntary Alternative End-of-Service Benefits Scheme — a portable savings fund model that replaces traditional employer gratuity liability with monthly contributions to investment funds. DIFC introduced mandatory DEWS (DIFC Employee Workplace Savings) in February 2020; ADGM introduced a qualifying savings scheme in 2025. If extended federally, it would replace the lump-sum gratuity provisioning with monthly contribution accruals — protecting workers from employer non-payment and aligning with international best practice. Monitor MoHRE announcements for federal mandatory rollout timeline.
Yes — except for GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman) who enjoy free movement under the GCC Common Market. All other foreign nationals require a quota-allocated work permit and residence visa via MoHRE (mainland) or the relevant free zone authority. Long-term options include Golden Visa (10-year for investors, talents, scientists), Green Visa (5-year for freelancers and skilled workers), and Investor Visa. The UAE has progressively liberalised long-term residency to attract global talent.
Employer of Record fees in the UAE are typically a flat monthly fee per employee, in the range of AED 1,800-3,500 (~USD 490-960). The fee covers UAE Labour Law-compliant employment contract, MoHRE work permit and Emirates ID processing, GPSSA contributions (for Emiratis), EOSB scheme administration (for expats), monthly WPS payroll, statutory leave administration, Emiratisation quota management, work-permit support, and termination handling. Total cost-to-employer is gross x ~1.06-1.13 + EOR fee + EOSB accrual.
The Wage Protection System (WPS) is the UAE's mandatory electronic salary payment system, introduced in 2009 and overseen by MoHRE and the Central Bank of the UAE. All mainland private-sector employers must pay salaries through WPS-approved banks/exchange houses within 15 days of due date. Cash and cheque payments are not permitted. Non-compliance triggers automatic restrictions: blocking of new work permits 17+ days after due date; AED 1,000 fines per employee for false data; potential labour ban for serious offenders. WPS covers 99%+ of UAE private-sector employees.
Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021 (effective February 2022, with Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022) made major changes: (1) abolished the 'limited' vs 'unlimited' contract distinction — all UAE contracts are now fixed-term up to 3 years renewable; (2) introduced new contract types (part-time, temporary, flexible, condensed work week, job sharing, remote work); (3) standardised probation up to 6 months with specific notice rules; (4) standardised gratuity calculation (21 days/year for 1-5 yrs, 30 days/year thereafter); (5) introduced enhanced anti-discrimination, anti-harassment provisions; (6) expanded paid maternity to 60 days (45 paid + 15 unpaid). Free zones largely retain their own frameworks.
The Golden Visa is the UAE's 10-year long-term residence visa launched in 2019 and significantly expanded since 2022. Eligible categories include: investors (real estate AED 2M+ or business equity), talents (PhD or specific professional qualifications), scientists, exceptional students, humanitarian workers, frontline heroes, and outstanding professionals (engineers, doctors, scientists, etc.). Golden Visa holders enjoy 10-year residence with extensions, can sponsor family, do not need a sponsor, and can switch employers freely. The Green Visa (5-year) is a similar category for freelancers, self-employed, and skilled employees.
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Global clients share how AtoZ Serwis Plus helped them secure work permits, visas, and career support across Europe. Real stories. Real results.
At AtoZ Serwis Plus, we help you become a global citizen with trusted support for jobs abroad, overseas education, and visa processing tailored to your goals.
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Connecting employers, job seekers, students, and agencies across Europe and beyond.
Looking to hire skilled or semi-skilled workers from Asia, Africa, the CIS, or EU countries? AtoZ Serwis Plus supports your recruitment needs for Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, and beyond. We deliver comprehensive legal recruitment services, visa support, and seamless onboarding solutions tailored to your business goals. Partner with us to build a reliable, compliant, and efficient workforce.
EmployerLooking to hire skilled or semi-skilled workers from Asia, Africa, the CIS, or EU countries? AtoZ Serwis Plus supports your recruitment needs for Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, and beyond. We deliver comprehensive legal recruitment services, visa support, and seamless onboarding solutions tailored to your business goals. Partner with us to build a reliable, compliant, and efficient workforce.
Job SeekersAre you a recruiter looking to place workers in Poland, Germany, Slovakia, or other EU destinations? AtoZ Serwis Plus provides you with trusted employer connections, legal recruitment solutions, verified job placements, and full visa assistance. Expand your recruitment business with confidence, supported by clear processes, reliable documentation, and transparent migration services.
RecruiterLooking to work and live in Europe? At AtoZ Serwis Plus, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our experts provide support with job search assistance, work visa applications, qualification recognition, and European language learning. To connect with us and get started on your European journey, click one of the contact icons below.
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