UAE Notice Period Calculator
Calculate required notice period as per UAE Labour Law
Last updated: May 2026
UAE Notice Period Requirements (2026)
Important Update: Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, the UAE abolished "unlimited" contracts. All current and new contracts are required to be fixed-term (limited) contracts.
For Standard Limited Contracts (Current Law):
- The notice period must be explicitly stated in your employment contract.
- By law, it cannot be less than 30 days and cannot exceed 90 days.
- Both employer and employee must abide by this stated period.
For Legacy Unlimited Contracts (Pre-2022):
- Employee resignation: 30 days notice (regardless of service length)
- Employer termination: 30 days notice
- Note: These contracts should have been transitioned to fixed-term contracts by the end of 2023.
Comparison Table: Resignation vs Termination Payout
For employees still calculating based on older standard unlimited contract rules, refer to this comparison table based on years of service.
| Years of Service | Resignation — Entitlement | Termination — Entitlement | Formula Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | No gratuity | No gratuity | N/A |
| 1 – 3 years | 1/3 of 21 days/year | Full 21 days/year | Basic salary ÷ 30 |
| 3 – 5 years | 2/3 of 21 days/year | Full 21 days/year | Basic salary ÷ 30 |
| 5+ years | Full 30 days/year | Full 30 days/year | Basic salary ÷ 30 |
| Maximum cap | 2 years basic salary | 2 years basic salary | Article 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.