UAE Notice Period Calculator

Calculate required notice period as per UAE Labour Law

Last updated: May 2026

UAE Notice Period Requirements

For Unlimited Contracts:

  • Employee resignation: 30 days notice (regardless of service length)
  • Employer termination: 30 days notice
  • Note: The 90-day notice period applies only when employer terminates an employee with 5+ years service under specific circumstances

For Limited Contracts:

  • Generally no notice period required
  • Contract expires on the end date
  • Early termination may require mutual agreement

Comparison Table: Resignation vs Termination Payout

To visually understand the difference between resigning and being terminated on a standard unlimited contract, refer to this comparison table based on years of service.

Years of ServiceResignation — EntitlementTermination — EntitlementFormula Base
Less than 1 yearNo gratuityNo gratuityN/A
1 – 3 years1/3 of 21 days/yearFull 21 days/yearBasic salary ÷ 30
3 – 5 years2/3 of 21 days/yearFull 21 days/yearBasic salary ÷ 30
5+ yearsFull 30 days/yearFull 30 days/yearBasic salary ÷ 30
Maximum cap2 years basic salary2 years basic salaryArticle 132

Disclaimer: This calculator provides general guidance based on UAE Labour Law. Your employment contract may have specific notice period clauses. Always refer to your contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard notice period typically ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on your contract and years of service. For most limited contracts, it is 30 days.
Yes, the notice period is considered part of your service, and you are entitled to your full salary and benefits during this time.
The notice period can be waived or shortened only by mutual written agreement between the employer and employee. Alternatively, a 'payment in lieu of notice' can be made to skip the working period.