Do you get full gratuity if you resign in the UAE?
Written by Usama Afzal. Last updated: October 2026. Based on the UAE Labour Law; not legal advice.
Yes. Under the UAE Labour Law in force since February 2022, resigning no longer reduces your gratuity. Once you complete 1 year of continuous service, you get the full amount whether you resign or the employer ends the contract.
What changed in 2022
Under the old 1980 law, people who resigned early got only a part of their gratuity. Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021 removed those reductions: Article 51 pays the same gratuity whoever ends the contract.
How much: examples on an AED 3,000 basic
| Service | Gratuity (AED) |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 2,100 |
| 3 years | 6,300 |
| 5 years | 10,500 |
| 7 years | 16,500 |
21 days of basic salary a year for the first 5 years, then 30 days a year. See how it's calculated.
Serve your notice
Resigning keeps your gratuity, but you must serve the notice period in your contract (30 to 90 days). See notice periods in the UAE.
Get paid within 14 days
All dues, including gratuity, must be paid within 14 days of your last day. If they aren't, see what to do.
Work out your own amount
Enter your dates and salary to see your end-of-service pay instantly.