Resigning from a job in the UAE is straightforward when you follow the correct process. Doing it properly protects your end-of-service dues and your future employment.
Step 1 — Check your notice period
Your contract sets your notice period, typically between 30 and 90 days. You must serve this notice unless you and your employer agree otherwise. Resigning without serving notice can expose you to liabilities.
Step 2 — Submit written resignation
Provide a clear, dated, written resignation to your employer, stating your intended last working day based on your notice period. Keep a copy for your records.
Step 3 — Serve notice and hand over
Continue working through your notice period and complete a proper handover of your responsibilities. A clean exit matters for references and for a smooth final settlement.
Step 4 — Settlement, visa and gratuity
- Your employer processes your final settlement, including any unpaid wages, accrued leave and end-of-service gratuity.
- Under current law, resignation no longer reduces gratuity for private-sector staff on standard contracts.
- Your employer cancels your work permit and residence visa; keep evidence of this.
A note on limited contracts
Under the 2021 law all contracts are fixed-term, and the old penalties for early resignation from a 'limited' contract have largely been removed. See our guide to limited-contract resignation for detail.
Calculate what you're owed
Use our free UAE gratuity calculator to estimate your end-of-service entitlement before you resign.
Employers: make final settlements accurate and fast with TimeChart. Book a demo.
Schedule a free demoPlease note: This article is general information, not legal advice. UAE labour rules are updated periodically — always confirm the current details with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (mohre.gov.ae) or a qualified professional.