Foreign hires must have valid work authorization and residence status before starting work. Employers are responsible for lawful onboarding and compliant documentation.

Application Process

Typical flow: entry/status setup → medical test → Emirates ID → residence visa → work permit finalization. Timelines vary by emirate and jurisdiction.

Types of Work Permits

Mainland (MOHRE) and Free Zone permits are the most common routes. Short-term/project permits and long-term residency paths may apply depending on eligibility.

Key Employment Rules

Permits are sponsor- and role-linked. Keep contracts, payroll records, leave policies, and renewals aligned to avoid compliance risk.

Discover working conditions in UAE

Coverage Overview

UAE nationals are covered under pension schemes. Most expats are not enrolled in UAE pension and rely on contractual benefits.

Employer Compliance

Even without pension for expats, employers must run compliant payroll, contracts, and HR records tied to visa/work permit status.

End-of-Service Gratuity (EOSG)

Expats commonly receive EOSG at termination if eligibility rules are met. Accurate service and basic salary records are essential.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is generally mandatory for residents, and employers often sponsor coverage (especially in major emirates).

Discover social security in UAE

No Salary Income Tax

Employment income is generally not subject to personal income tax withholding in the UAE.

Employer Tax Duties

Companies may have VAT/corporate compliance depending on structure and activity. Keep finance ops audit-ready.

Tax Residency Use

Residency matters for certificates and treaty purposes, even without salary income tax.

Common Risks

Misaligned payroll vs contract/visa records, incorrect EOSG settlements, and corporate/VAT non-compliance.

Taxation system in UAE

Termination Framework

Rules cover notice, lawful reasons, and final settlement. Procedures must be documented and consistent.

Final Settlement

Final pay usually includes unused leave and EOSG (if eligible). Timing and calculations must be clean.

Notice & Probation

Notice periods apply based on contract and law. Probation has separate rules and shorter notice standards.

Visa/Permit Closure

Work permit and residence visa cancellation steps must be completed to avoid overstay issues.

Employment termination in UAE

Public vs Private

Public schools mainly serve nationals; private schools serve most expats with English/bilingual tracks.

Enrollment Requirements

Usually needs residence visa/Emirates ID, passport, and previous school records; assessments may apply.

International Curricula

IB, British, American, Indian and other curricula are widely available—especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Support Services

Many schools offer language support and SEN services, with stronger options in major cities.

Education Options for Children

System Overview

UAE offers strong public regulation and high-quality private healthcare across emirates.

Insurance Model

Employer-sponsored or private insurance is common and often required for residency processing.

Private Care (Expat Default)

Expats often prefer private hospitals for faster access, specialists, and multilingual services.

Emergency Access

Emergency care is widely available; major cities have international-standard facilities.

Healthcare Options in UAE

Entity Options

Mainland LLC, Free Zone company, branch, and representative office—chosen based on activity and visas.

Ongoing Compliance

License renewals, accounting, VAT/corporate compliance (if applicable), and ongoing visa/HR support.

Business Setup Services

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FAQ

Gini Talent simplifies hiring and employment in the UAE by managing payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance in one platform. Our UAE services include Employer of Record (EOR), contractor management, and payroll solutions. The UAE uses the Dirham (AED) and Arabic is the official language. With a population of 11+ million, the UAE is a major hub for technology, finance, logistics, tourism, and international trade. Standard working hours are typically around a 40-hour week, and employees receive key protections and benefits such as health insurance, leave entitlements, and lawful termination processes under UAE regulations.

UAE nationals can work freely without any work permit restrictions. Their employment is governed by UAE Labor Law and mandatory pension registration with GPSSA.

Yes. Foreign nationals must obtain a valid work permit and residence visa sponsored by their employer before starting employment in the UAE.

Employment is regulated by MOHRE for mainland companies and by Free Zone Authorities for free zone entities, alongside immigration authorities.

Common permit types include:

· Mainland Work Permit (MOHRE)

· Free Zone Work Permit

· Golden Visa (employment-related categories)

· Temporary or Mission Work Permits

Yes. Work permits are generally linked to a specific employer and job title. Any change may require a permit amendment or new application.

Employment may begin only after work permit approval, residence visa issuance, and Emirates ID registration are completed.

They are typically issued for 1–2 years, depending on the authority and emirate, and must be renewed before expiration.

Yes. UAE Labor Law applies equally to UAE nationals and foreign employees, except for pension and end-of-service benefit differences.

Standard working hours are 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, with reduced hours during Ramadan.

Yes. Overtime is paid at statutory premium rates, with higher rates for night work, rest days, and public holidays.

· UAE nationals: Mandatory registration with GPSSA (pension system)

· Foreign employees: No pension system; entitled to End-of-Service Gratuity (EOSG) instead

Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, and employers must provide coverage for foreign employees in most emirates.

No. The UAE does not levy personal income tax on employment income for either local or foreign employees.

Employers must maintain compliant payroll records and, where applicable, pay salaries through the Wages Protection System (WPS).

Employers must:

· Observe notice periods

· Settle final salary and accrued leave

· Pay End-of-Service Gratuity (if eligible)

· Cancel work permits and residence visas

Gini Talent’s EOR service enables companies to hire employees in the UAE without setting up a local entity. Gini Talent acts as the legal employer, managing contracts, payroll, work permits, and labor law compliance.

Yes. Gini Talent provides recruitment services for both local and international talent, including sourcing, screening, hiring advisory, and onboarding support.

Gini Finance manages payroll processing, WPS compliance, EOSG calculations, VAT and corporate tax filings, and ongoing financial compliance.

Yes. Together, Gini Talent and Gini Finance provide full Business Setup Services, including company incorporation, licensing, accounting, tax registration, payroll setup, and ongoing corporate compliance.