What is the notice period for resignation in UAE?

The notice period is as stated in your employment contract, but it must be between 30 and 90 days under the UAE Labour Law. You and your employer can agree on a shorter notice period.

How long can I stay in UAE after resignation?

After your employer cancels your work visa, you get a grace period that depends on your residence category (up to 6 months under the 2022 residence rules); confirm your exact period with ICP or GDRFA. Use it to find a new employer and transfer your visa, or leave the country.

What is included in my final settlement?

Your final settlement should include: last month salary (pro-rated), end-of-service gratuity, payment for unused annual leave days, any pending allowances or overtime, and repatriation ticket (if in contract).

UAE Resignation Rules: Notice Period, Visa, and Final Settlement

Thinking about leaving your job in the UAE? Whether you've found a better opportunity or you're relocating, understanding the resignation process protects your rights and your wallet.

The Notice Period

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021:

The notice period is defined in your employment contract
It must be between 30 and 90 days
Both parties must serve the notice period (or pay compensation for it)
Notice must be in writing
If your employer terminates you (not when you resign), you may take 1 unpaid day per week of notice to look for work, giving 3 days' notice (Article 43(5))

How to Resign Properly

Submit written resignation: email your manager and HR with a clear statement and your proposed last working day
Serve your notice period: continue working normally during this time
Complete handover: document your work and transfer responsibilities
Collect your final settlement: your employer must pay within 14 days of your last day
Ensure visa cancellation: get your visa cancellation paper and exit/re-enter within the grace period

Your Final Settlement

Your employer must pay you a final settlement within 14 days of your last working day. It should include:

Pro-rated salary for days worked in the last month
End-of-service gratuity (if you've completed 1+ years)
Unused annual leave: calculated at your basic daily rate
Pending overtime, allowances, or commissions
Repatriation: by law the employer bears your repatriation cost unless you have joined a new employer or the termination was your fault (Article 13(12))

The Visa Grace Period

After your employer cancels your work visa:

You have a grace period to stay legally in the UAE that depends on your residence category (up to 6 months)
During this period, you can transfer your visa to a new employer
Or you can exit and re-enter on a new visa
Overstaying the grace period results in fines (a flat AED 50 per day once the grace period ends)

Non-Compete Clauses

Your contract may have a non-compete clause. Under the 2021 law:

Non-compete cannot exceed 2 years
Must be limited to a specific geographic area and type of work
Must be proportional to the nature of the job
If overly broad, courts may refuse to enforce it, and it is void if your employer terminated you in breach of the law (Article 10)
Only applicable if the employee had access to clients or confidential information

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Absconding: Never just stop showing up, this can result in an absconding report and a one-year ban on new work permits (Article 50)
Not serving notice: You'll owe your employer compensation (salary for the unserved notice period)
Signing a "final settlement" without reviewing: Make sure the amount matches your calculation before signing
Not getting visa cancellation paper: Always get written confirmation of visa cancellation

Calculate Your Settlement

Use our gratuity calculator to estimate your end-of-service benefits, then add your unused leave and pro-rated salary for the complete picture.