How Long Does an Employer Have to Pay UAE Gratuity?
October 23, 2026
Under the official u.ae guidance, employers must pay all outstanding wages, other entitlements, and gratuity within 14 days of the termination of the contract — regardless of whether the employee resigned or was terminated.
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The 14-day clock runs from the actual termination of the employment contract — typically the employee's last working day or official contract end date, not from when a final settlement document is signed or when an exit process is merely initiated.
What to Do If Payment Is Late
If the 14-day window passes without payment, the first step is a formal request to the employer referencing this obligation. If that doesn't resolve it, UAE workers can file a complaint through MOHRE's official channels — this falls under wage and entitlement enforcement, which MOHRE is the competent authority for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does a UAE employer have to pay gratuity?
14 days from the termination of the employment contract, according to the official u.ae guidance.
Does this deadline apply to resignation as well as termination?
Yes — the obligation applies to the termination of the contract generally, which includes both resignation and employer-initiated termination.
What's included in the 14-day payment requirement?
Outstanding wages, other contractual entitlements, and gratuity are all covered by the same 14-day payment window.
What can I do if my employer doesn't pay within 14 days?
Raise it formally with the employer first, and if unresolved, file a complaint through MOHRE, the competent authority for private-sector labour relations.