Hiring in the UAE — Complete Compliance Guide for 2026

Hiring in the UAE in 2026 requires a fixed-term employment contract (mandatory since the February 2022 labour law reform), a work permit and residence visa processed via MoHRE with a typical 3–6 week end-to-end timeline, mandatory employer-funded medical insurance, WPS registration from the first payroll cycle, and GPSSA social insurance at 12.5% employer and 5% employee for Emirati nationals only. EOSB accrues from day one at 21 days of basic salary per year for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter, on basic salary only.