UAE Domestic Worker Gratuity 2025: Rules, Rights & More

In UAE homes, domestic workers are the backbone—whipping up meals, wrangling kids, or even tending to falcons for some families. After years of hard work and loyalty, they’re entitled to end-of-service (EOS) dues when the contract ends. For UAE domestic worker gratuity 2025, the calculation isn’t printed in the statute (unlike the private-sector rules). If you need the standard private-sector math, try our free online gratuity calculator UAE. Curious about how the 2025 rules work for domestic staff? Let’s break it down over a cup of karak tea in Dubai, keeping it clear and straightforward.

What’s Domestic Worker Gratuity?

Gratuity is a cash thank-you for sticking around at least a year. It’s a way to value your hard work. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 (amended 2023), the law does not publish a fixed formula for UAE domestic worker gratuity 2025. Article 22 leaves the calculation/payment mechanism to the UAE Cabinet. In day-to-day practice, end-of-service for domestic workers is assessed through official case handling; do not apply the private-sector formula here.

Dues are based on the basic wage in the contract (not allowances). When a domestic worker’s contract expires, the employer must pay the worker’s financial entitlements within 10 days (this is separate from the monthly wage timing rule).

A gardener I know in Al Ain received his end-of-service dues after 4 years — enough to visit family back home. That’s what gratuity is about: respecting service. Unlike private-sector staff (who follow the 21/30-day formula with a two-year cap), domestic workers follow their own law and case/calculator flow — don’t apply the private-sector formula to domestic workers.

What Kinds of Workers Get Gratuity in the UAE?

Domestic work goes way beyond just maids or nannies. The UAE counts 19 roles, from private drivers and cooks to gardeners, home nurses, personal assistants, and even falcon caretakers. If you’re working in someone’s home with a proper contract, you’re likely eligible for UAE domestic worker gratuity 2025 benefits. No contract? That’s a problem—always get it in writing to cover yourself.

How to Check Your UAE Domestic Worker Gratuity in 2025

Federal Domestic Workers Law (Federal Decree‑Law No. 9 of 2022, amended by No. 21 of 2023) applies nationwide, including all UAE free zones. This law offers core rights and protections to domestic workers across the country.

1. How to check UAE domestic worker EOS (2025):
2. Open MOHRE → Services → “Domestic Workers Calculator” (also in the MOHRE app).
3. Enter contract start/end dates, basic wage (not allowances), and the reason for leaving.
4. Review the official output and follow the steps shown during cancellation/transfer.
   👉 Do not use the private-sector 21/30-day formula for domestic workers; their EOS is determined via the MOHRE systems; their EOS is determined via the MOHRE system.

Standard UAE Labour Law Formula (Non-domestic employees) – For comparison:

• Years 1–5: (Basic × 21 × Years) ÷ 30
• Years 6+: (Basic × 21 × 5) ÷ 30 + (Basic × 30 × Years over 5) ÷ 30
• Cap: Maximum 2 years’ basic salary.
  

For these cases, use our gratuity calculator UAE for instant results

When Gratuity Gets Complicated

Life’s not always smooth. Here’s what can trip things up:

• Quitting without notice: May affect EOS entitlements after case review.
• Proven misconduct or repeated absence: May impact entitlements; disputes go through MOHRE first. (see our UAE Gratuity Dispute Guide for steps to resolve).
• Death or major illness: Your family might claim the payment.
• Part-time or short contracts: Rules depend on your contract.
• No legal contract: You’re at risk, so stick with licensed agencies.
• Switching job categories: Moving between a domestic-worker role and a standard employee role changes how EOS is handled — each follows a different law, so use the correct law and calculator.

Quick Tip: Hiring through MoHRE-approved centers ensures your contract is legit and your domestic worker rights in the UAE are protected, whether in a free zone like JAFZA or mainland Abu Dhabi.

What’s Changed in UAE Labor Laws for 2025?

The UAE’s making big moves to support domestic workers. Updates from 2023–2025 include:

• Contracts must be shared before you arrive.
• Probation’s capped at 6 months.
• Agencies can’t charge workers fees—it’s against the law.
• You keep your passport and ID.
• Employers cover health insurance or medical care.
• Work injuries are fully paid for.
• No discrimination based on race, gender, or nationality.

These protections are mandatory under UAE law.

Employers: What You Need to Do

Hiring a worker? You’re responsible for:

• Safe, comfortable housing.
• Meals or clothing if part of the job.
• Tools like cleaning supplies or uniforms.
• On-time salary and EOS payments for UAE domestic worker gratuity 2025.
• Health insurance or medical care.
• Respecting their privacy and safety.

Don’t retain passports and pay wages/EOS on time — violations can lead to MOHRE penalties.

Workers: Your Responsibilities Count

Workers, you’ve got to:

• Follow your contract’s duties.
• Show up unless you’ve got a solid reason.
• Respect the family’s privacy.
• Care for household items.
• Follow fair employer requests.
• Help in emergencies, like injuries.
• Respect UAE’s culture and norms.

Both sides doing their part keeps things running smoothly.

5 Gratuity Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

1. No contract: Get it in writing, always.
2. Unlicensed agencies: Only deal with legit ones.
3. Late payments: Employers, pay due compensation within 10 days of contract expiry (domestic workers).
4. Ignoring disputes: Reach out to MoHRE early.
5. Not knowing your rights: Learn about domestic worker rights in the UAE.

FAQs: Your Gratuity Questions Answered

Final Word: Gratuity Says Thank You

Gratuity’s not just cash—it’s a way to give credit to the folks who keep UAE homes ticking, from cleaning kitchens to caring for kids. My neighbor in Ras Al Khaimah once told me how her cook’s gratuity helped fund a family wedding back home. Knowing UAE domestic worker gratuity 2025 rules keeps things fair, like a family majlis where everyone’s heard. Got questions? or quick math on private-sector employees, try our gratuity calculator UAE. For domestic workers, follow the steps above to check via the official process/app and confirm the figure.

Author Bio

Written by Noor Al Emarat on behalf of the Gratuity Calculator UAE Editorial Team. Our team specializes in gratuity calculations, HR compliance, and UAE labour law, making workplace rules simple for employees and employers.