How to Claim Your EOSB in the UAE — Step-by-Step Guide
Your Employer Must Pay EOSB Automatically
Under UAE Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, your employer is legally obligated to pay your End of Service Benefit (EOSB) gratuity as part of your final settlement. You should not have to chase it.
The payment deadline is 14 days from your last working day. This is not a suggestion — it is a statutory obligation under UAE labour law.
Your EOSB should appear as a separate line item on your final payslip, alongside any unused annual leave payout, notice period compensation, and outstanding salary.
What Your Final Payslip Should Show
When you receive your final settlement, check that it includes all of these components:
- End of Service Benefit (EOSB / gratuity) — calculated per Article 51
- Outstanding salary — any unpaid days worked
- Unused annual leave payout — any accrued leave days not taken, paid at basic salary rate
- Notice period compensation — if your employer terminated without giving full notice
- Repatriation ticket — your employer must provide a ticket to your home country (or reimburse the cost)
Use our UAE EOSB Calculator to verify the gratuity amount matches what your employer has paid.
Step 1: Send a Written Request to HR
If your employer has not paid your EOSB within 14 days, your first step is a formal written request. This creates a paper trail that strengthens any future complaint.
What to include:
- Your full name and employee ID
- Employment start and end dates
- Your basic monthly salary
- The calculated EOSB amount (use our calculator)
- A reference to Article 51 of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021
- A request for payment within 5 working days
Send this via email (for a timestamped record) and keep a copy. Our Letter Generator creates a ready-to-send request letter with all required details.
Step 2: File a Complaint with MoHRE
If your employer does not respond or refuses to pay, file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
How to file:
- Visit mohre.gov.ae or download the MoHRE app
- Select "Labour Complaints" → "Submit a Complaint"
- Enter your Emirates ID, employer details, and complaint details
- Upload supporting documents (contract, payslips, written request, termination letter)
- Submit — you will receive a complaint reference number
Important: Filing a MoHRE complaint is free for employees. There is no cost at this stage.
MoHRE will attempt to mediate between you and your employer. This typically takes 2–4 weeks. If mediation fails, MoHRE refers the case to the labour court.
Step 3: Labour Court (If Mediation Fails)
If MoHRE mediation does not resolve your case, it is automatically referred to the labour court. Key facts about UAE labour court:
- Free for employees — no court fees for labour claims
- Timeline: typically 2–4 months for a first-instance judgment
- No lawyer required — you can represent yourself, but a lawyer is recommended for complex cases or large amounts
- Language: proceedings are in Arabic — if you do not speak Arabic, consider hiring a legal representative
- Judgments are enforceable — the court can order payment, freeze employer bank accounts, and impose travel bans on company directors
When to hire a lawyer: If your claim exceeds AED 20,000 or involves complex circumstances (contract disputes, free zone employment, partial years), legal representation significantly improves outcomes.
Evidence Checklist — What to Preserve
Gather and preserve these documents before initiating any complaint. The stronger your evidence, the faster the resolution.
- Employment contract (original or copy)
- Salary certificates or payslips (last 6–12 months)
- Bank statements showing salary deposits
- Termination letter or resignation acceptance
- Written EOSB request (your email to HR + any response)
- Emirates ID / passport copy
- Visa cancellation document (if applicable)
- WPS records (Wage Protection System — available via MoHRE)
Download your EOSB calculation as a PDF from our UAE Calculator — this provides a formal reference document with law article citations.
Special Cases
Free zone employees (DIFC / ADGM): If you work in the DIFC or ADGM, you are covered by separate employment laws, not the UAE Federal Labour Law. File disputes with the DIFC Courts or ADGM Courts respectively, not MoHRE.
Domestic workers: Domestic workers are covered by Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022. The EOSB entitlement is similar but complaint procedures may differ — contact MoHRE directly.
Employer closed / unreachable: If your employer has closed operations, you can still file a MoHRE complaint. The Ministry maintains records of companies and can pursue claims against dormant or liquidated entities. In the context of the 2026 conflict, MoHRE has established an expedited process for affected workers.
UAE Savings Scheme (Oct 2025+): If you were enrolled in the voluntary savings scheme, your EOSB is held in your savings fund. Contact your fund provider directly for your balance and withdrawal process.
Expected Timelines
| Stage | Expected Duration |
|---|---|
| Employer payment deadline | 14 days from last working day |
| Written request → employer response | 5–10 working days |
| MoHRE complaint → mediation attempt | 2–4 weeks |
| Labour court first instance | 2–4 months |
| Appeal (if needed) | Additional 2–3 months |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my employer have to pay EOSB in the UAE?
Your employer must pay your EOSB within 14 days of your last working day, as part of your final settlement. This is a statutory obligation under UAE Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021.
Is it free to file an EOSB complaint in the UAE?
Yes. Filing a labour complaint with MoHRE is completely free for employees. Labour court proceedings are also free for workers claiming unpaid entitlements.
Do I need a lawyer to claim EOSB in UAE?
No. You can file a MoHRE complaint and represent yourself in labour court without a lawyer. However, for claims exceeding AED 20,000 or complex cases, legal representation is recommended.
What if my employer has left the UAE?
You can still file a complaint with MoHRE. The Ministry can pursue claims against companies that have ceased operations. Bank guarantees and insurance bonds may cover your entitlement.
Can I claim EOSB after leaving the UAE?
Yes. You can file a MoHRE complaint remotely through their website or app. There is a 1-year limitation period from the date your entitlement was due.