Salary Certificate in the UAE

A salary certificate in the UAE is an official document your employer provides that confirms your income and job details. It is very important because it is often needed for various purposes, such as getting a visa, applying for a loan, or renting an apartment.

If you work in the UAE, knowing about salary certificates is crucial. This document shows banks, landlords, and government officials your financial status, making it easier to open a bank account, get a loan, or secure a rental.

Here’s what you need to know about salary certificates, why they matter, and how to get one.

What is a salary certificate?

A salary certificate is an official document from your employer that confirms your income, job status, and position. It shows your financial situation and employment details, breaking down your salary into base pay, allowances, deductions, and net income.

Here’s what you’ll typically find on a salary certificate:

• Your name and job title
• Employment start date
• Basic salary
• allowances (like housing or transportation)
• Deductions (such as taxes or social security)
• Net salary
• Details of the issuing authority (usually the HR department), including their contact information

The certificate is printed on the company’s letterhead, signed by an authorized person, and stamped with the company seal. It usually remains valid for around three months.

Remember, a salary slip shows your monthly earnings, while a salary certificate gives a broader view of your income and job status.

Who needs a salary certificate in the UAE?

A salary certificate is an important document required for various purposes in the UAE. Here’s who might need it:

1. Visa applications
   • Residents and visitors often need a salary certificate when applying for, renewing, or changing their visa status.
2. Bank loans and mortgages
   • Banks and other financial institutions use salary certificates to check if you qualify for a loan or mortgage. It helps them decide how much they can lend you and whether you can repay it.
3. Rental agreements
   • Many landlords ask for a salary certificate to ensure you can afford the rent. This is especially common for more expensive properties.
4. Government services
   • Some government services, like getting a driver’s license or applying for certain benefits, may require a salary certificate to prove your income.
5. Other financial transactions
   • You might also need a salary certificate for buying property, applying for credit cards, or other financial commitments.

Salary certificate format

This is to confirm that Mr./Ms. [Employee Name], holding Passport Number [Passport Number], is employed at [Company Name], located at [Company Address], UAE. They have worked with us as a [Job Title] since [Joining].

Employee details:

• Name: [Employee Name]
• Passport number: [Passport Number]
• Job title: [Job Title]
• Department: [Department]
• Date of joining: [Date of Joining]

Salary details:

• Basic salary: AED [Amount]
• Housing allowance: AED [Amount]
• Transportation allowance: AED [Amount]
• Other allowances (if any): AED [Amount]
• Total allowances: AED [Total]
• Gross salary: AED [Basic Salary + Total Allowances]

Deductions:

• UAE federal Tax: AED [Amount]
• Social security: AED [Amount]
• Other deductions (if any): AED [Amount]
• Total deductions: AED [Total]
• Net salary: AED [Gross Salary – Total Deductions]

This salary is paid monthly.

This certificate is issued at the employee’s request for [Purpose of Certificate, e.g., Visa Application, Bank Loan].

Issued on: [Date]

[Authorized Signatory Name]

[Designation]

[Company Stamp]

How to request a salary certificate in the UAE?

Getting a salary certificate in the UAE is usually a simple process:

1. Request from your employer
   • Start by asking your HR department or employer for the salary certificate. You must provide your full name, job title, employee ID, and department.
2. Processing time
   • The time to process your request can vary depending on your company. It generally takes a few working days.
3. Receiving the certificate
   • After processing, HR will provide the salary certificate on the company’s letterhead. Make sure it includes all necessary details like your name, job title, salary breakdown, and deductions. Also, check that it has the required signatures and company stamp.
   • For some uses, such as visa applications or international transactions, the certificate might need to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and your home country’s consulate.

How do you have your salary certificate attested in the UAE?

Getting your salary certificate attested proves its authenticity. This step is usually required when submitting the certificate to foreign agencies, such as embassies or immigration offices. Attestation verifies that your document is genuine and reliable.

Documents required for attestation:   

• Original salary certificate (not laminated)
• Passport copy with valid UAE visa
• Emirates ID
• In some cases, the original labor contract might be required

How to get your salary certificate attested

1. Company attestation: First, have your salary certificate attested by your company. This involves getting it stamped and signed by your HR department.
2. Chamber of Commerce attestation: Next, you need to get the certificate attested by the Chamber of Commerce in the emirate where your company is located. Depending on the emirate, the fee typically ranges from AED 100 to AED 200.
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation: The final step is to have the certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the most formal level of attestation in the UAE.

Online attestation through MOFAIC:

You can also complete the attestation process online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) website or app. Here’s how:

• Check if your document is eligible for online attestation.
• Register on the MOFAIC portal.
• Upload your documents in the required digital format.
• Pay the attestation fee of about $41 (AED 150).
• Track your application online.
• After approval, you may download the attested certificate or pick it up from a specified location.

Legal requirements and regulations

Although the UAE Labor Law does not specifically require the issuance of salary certificates, they are commonly used and accepted as official documents. Here are some important legal points to keep in mind:

• Accuracy: The salary certificate must correctly state the employee’s salary, job title, and duration. Providing incorrect information can lead to legal issues for the employee and the employer.
• Employee Rights: Employees can request a salary certificate from their employer. Refusing to provide one could be seen as a violation of employee rights.
• Data protection: Employers must follow data protection laws when issuing salary certificates to keep sensitive employee information confidential.
• International use: If the certificate needs to be used outside the UAE, it may need to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) and possibly by the embassy of the country where it.

Key takeaways

Salary certificates are crucial for employees and employers in the UAE. For employees, having an up-to-date and accurate salary certificate can simplify various tasks and provide reassurance. It’s important to make sure your certificate is current and readily available.

For employers, providing accurate salary certificates not only fosters trust with employees but also ensures compliance with local regulations.

If you’re setting up a business in Dubai or already have one there, understanding the local rules about salary certificates and other employment documents is essential. Consulting with our business setup experts can help you navigate these requirements and ensure your business operates smoothly and in line with local laws.