Planning to resign? The calculator above shows your notice days. Also calculate your end-of-service gratuity and check your daily salary rate (used to value unused leave days). For your full legal rights, read the UAE Labour Law guide.
Resigning from a job in the UAE involves important legal requirements that differ from Western countries. The UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) governs all notice periods, resignation procedures, and end-of-service entitlements. Knowing your rights and obligations before you resign can prevent legal disputes, ensure you receive your full entitlements, and protect your future employment prospects in the UAE.
UAE Notice Period Requirements
| Service Duration | Minimum Notice Period | Notes |
|---|
| Less than 5 years | 30 days minimum | Can be extended by mutual agreement in contract |
| 5+ years | 60 days minimum | Contract may specify up to 90 days |
| Any duration (probation) | 14 days | During probationary period (max 6 months) |
Under the new UAE Labour Law (2021), the minimum notice period is 30 days. Contracts can specify longer periods but cannot specify less than 30 days. During the notice period, the employee continues to receive full salary and benefits, and the employer cannot change the employee's duties or reduce pay.
Notice Period During Probation
The UAE Labour Law sets a maximum probation period of 6 months. During probation:
- Employee resigning: Must give 14 days notice (if joining another UAE employer) or 30 days notice (if leaving UAE entirely). No notice required if transitioning to another UAE role is not the intent.
- Employee joining competitor during probation: Must give 1 month notice if joining another UAE employer. Employer can claim compensation from the new employer for early recruitment costs.
- Employer dismissing during probation: Must give 14 days notice. Probation dismissal usually does not entitle employee to gratuity (if under 1 year service).
Garden Leave and Buy-Out in UAE
Garden Leave: The employer can place you on garden leave during your notice period — you're paid but not required to work. This is legal and common for senior roles. You cannot start working for a new employer during garden leave (you're still technically employed).
Notice Buy-Out: Both parties can agree to end employment earlier than the notice period in exchange for a payment in lieu of notice. The employee receives the equivalent salary for the remaining notice period. This must be by mutual agreement — an employer cannot force you to leave early without paying notice pay.
What Happens If Notice Period Is Not Served?
| Situation | Consequence |
|---|
| Employee leaves without serving notice | Employer can deduct equivalent salary from end-of-service payment. No gratuity deduction in most cases. |
| Employer terminates without notice | Must pay employee equivalent salary for full notice period (payment in lieu of notice). |
| Employee abandons job (no-show for 7+ days) | Employer can terminate for cause; employee may lose gratuity entitlement. |
Annual Leave During Notice Period
In the UAE, you can use accrued annual leave during your notice period if the employer agrees. Alternatively, unused annual leave is paid out as a cash payment at your daily basic salary rate. Under the 2021 Labour Law, an employee is entitled to 2.5 days of annual leave per month for the first year, or 30 days per year after completing one full year of service.
Complete End-of-Service Package at Resignation
When you resign from a UAE job after serving your full notice, you're entitled to:
- Full gratuity (21 days per year for first 5 years, 30 days per year after — calculated on final basic salary)
- Payment for any untaken annual leave days
- Salary for all days worked in the final month
- Any contractually agreed exit bonus or commission
- Air ticket to home country (if stipulated in contract)
- Cancellation of residence visa (employer's obligation)
MOHRE Complaint: If your employer refuses to pay your notice period salary, gratuity, or other entitlements, file a complaint immediately with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) via the MOHRE app, website, or 800-60 hotline. MOHRE mediates disputes free of charge before referring to court.
