Do I need a UAE entity to hire employees?

No. An Employer of Record hires through its local UAE entity, sponsors visas, runs WPS payroll, and manages labour law compliance so you can employ workers without opening your own UAE company.

How long does hiring in the UAE take?

Typical onboarding takes 2-4 weeks depending on entry permit timing, medical scheduling, Emirates ID processing, and whether the worker is already in the UAE.

What does UAE employment compliance include?

UAE employment compliance usually includes visa sponsorship, WPS salary payments, medical insurance, end-of-service gratuity accrual, annual leave, notice periods, and the correct mainland or free zone employment structure.

Is there income tax in the UAE?

No personal income tax. Gross salary equals net pay. Corporate tax was introduced in 2023 but does not apply to employment income.

The Wage Protection System requires all private sector salaries through approved banking channels. The EOR is WPS-registered.

MENA

Run United Arab Emirates (UAE) payroll. Hire when you're ready.

Statutory payroll in United Arab Emirates (UAE) — bureau or managed. Add EOR when you don't have an entity yet. Statutory rules, onboarding timing, and key compliance points all on this page.

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CurrencyAED (د.إ)

LanguageArabic (English widely used)

Income taxNone (0%)

Statutory leave30 calendar days

Pay cycleMonthly via WPS

End of service21–30 days/year

Global Kinect runs UAE payroll with WPS file generated on every cycle in your bank's required format. GPSSA on the federal-versus-DIFC split per employee. EOSB tracked across the early-tier and full-tier thresholds. ILOE contributions handled. Emiratisation banding visibility per cycle. Bureau when you submit through WPS yourself; managed when we run the cycle.

Hiring in United Arab Emirates (UAE): Overview

The UAE is one of the most popular destinations for international hiring in the Middle East, offering zero personal income tax, fast visa processing, and a business-friendly environment. All foreign workers require visa sponsorship. Payroll must be processed through WPS. End-of-service gratuity accrues with tenure. An EOR sponsors visas, manages WPS payroll, and handles all compliance.

Payroll routes for United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Two delivery models for payroll. Add EOR when you don't have an entity.

Primary route

Payroll Bureau in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Calculation-only payroll for United Arab Emirates (UAE). You sign off, you submit.

Managed Payroll

We run the cycle on the platform. You keep sign-off authority.

Hiring without an entity (EOR)

Don't have a United Arab Emirates (UAE) entity yet? We employ through ours.

Employment law & employer costs

Zero personal income tax — gross salary equals net take-home pay.

Visa sponsorship includes entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and labour card (2–3 weeks).

WPS (Wage Protection System) requires all salaries through approved banking channels.

End-of-service gratuity: 21 days/year (first 5 years), 30 days/year thereafter.

Mainland vs free zone employment affects visa costs and regulatory requirements.

Key compliance notes

Visa sponsorship required (Emirates ID + labour card)

WPS mandates electronic salary payments

No personal income tax

End-of-service gratuity: 21–30 days/year

Frequently asked questions

Employment Cost Calculator

Use the calculator for indicative employer costs in United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is useful for budgeting, not final pricing. For final EOR pricing, visa items, benefits, and service scope, request a full proposal.

Estimate Costs

Need a hiring route, timeline and pricing view for United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

Tell us the role type, headcount, target start date, and any visa needs. We will come back with the viable route, onboarding timing, cost inputs, and commercial proposal.

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