Gratuity Rules for Housemaids and Domestic Workers in UAE (2025 Guide)

Introduction

In the United Arab Emirates, thousands of households employ helpers and support staff, making domestic work a vital part of daily life. To protect their rights, the government has introduced clear rules regarding gratuity for housemaids and domestic workers. This benefit, also known as end-of-service pay, ensures that workers receive fair compensation once their employment ends.

Many people often ask whether there is gratuity for housemaid in UAE or if domestic helpers are covered under labor law. The answer is yes — as per the gratuity for domestic workers in UAE, housemaids, drivers, nannies, cooks, and other domestic staff are entitled to end-of-service benefits, provided they complete the required service period.

In this 2025 guide, we will explain the updated rules, eligibility, and calculation formula for domestic workers gratuity. We will also look at real examples, FAQs, and the use of official calculators to help both employers and workers clearly understand their rights and obligations.

What is Gratuity for Housemaids and Domestic Workers in UAE?

Gratuity is a financial entitlement given to employees when their service ends, and this also applies to household staff. Housemaid gratuity in UAE is essentially the end-of-service payment that compensates helpers for their years of work in a household. It is calculated according to basic salary and length of service, similar to other private sector employees, but is covered under the domestic workers law.

The domestic workers gratuity in UAE covers a wide range of employees, including:

• Housemaids and nannies
• Private drivers
• Cooks and chefs
• Gardeners
• Security guards and household cleaners

The gratuity of domestic helper in UAE is designed to ensure that every worker receives recognition for their contribution once their employment ends. This entitlement helps protect domestic staff financially and legally, giving them security and fair treatment.

In simple terms, gratuity for housemaids and other helpers is their right after completing at least one year of service in the UAE.

Domestic Workers Gratuity Law 2025

The UAE has established a special legal framework known as the Domestic Workers Law, which protects the rights of housemaids, drivers, nannies, and other household staff. One of the most important provisions of this law is the entitlement to end of service gratuity for domestic workers in UAE.

Under the UAE gratuity for domestic workers 2025 guidelines:

• Gratuity is payable to any domestic worker who has completed at least one year of continuous service with an employer.
• The benefit is calculated based on the worker’s last drawn basic salary.
• Employers are legally obliged to pay gratuity once the contract ends, whether through resignation, expiry, or termination.
• The amount cannot exceed the equivalent of two years’ wages, similar to private sector rules.

This law ensures that domestic workers receive fair treatment and financial security at the end of their service. It also places a clear responsibility on employers to honor the domestic worker gratuity law and process payments promptly.

By 2025, these rules have become even more important as the UAE continues to strengthen labor protections and align domestic workers’ rights with broader employment laws.

Eligibility for Housemaid Gratuity in UAE

Many families and workers often ask: is housemaid entitled for gratuity in UAE? The answer is yes — housemaids and other domestic staff are legally eligible, provided they meet the conditions set out in the law.

According to UAE labor regulations, are domestic workers entitled to gratuity? Absolutely. The entitlement applies to all categories of household employees such as maids, drivers, nannies, cooks, and gardeners. However, eligibility is subject to certain rules:

1. Minimum Service Requirement

• The worker must complete at least one year of continuous service with the employer to qualify.

2. Resignation or Termination

• Whether the worker resigns or the employer terminates the contract, gratuity remains payable if the service requirement is met.

3. Completion of Contract

• Gratuity becomes due at the end of the contract, regardless of whether it is renewed or not.

4. Misconduct Clause

• Workers dismissed for gross misconduct as defined in the law may lose gratuity rights.

In short, are housemaids eligible for gratuity? Yes, they are entitled just like any other employee in the UAE, provided they fulfill the minimum service condition and leave their job legally.

Gratuity Calculation for Domestic Workers in UAE

The method of housemaid gratuity calculation in the UAE is very similar to the private sector, but it is specifically covered under the domestic workers law. The calculation is based only on the worker’s last basic monthly wage, without including allowances such as food, accommodation, or travel.

Formula for Gratuity Calculation for Domestic Workers in UAE:

• For the first five years of service: 21 days of basic salary for each completed year.
• For more than five years: 30 days of basic salary for each additional year.
• The total gratuity cannot exceed the equivalent of two years’ wages.

Steps in the Calculation:

• Identify the last drawn basic salary.
• Divide the monthly salary by 30 to find the daily wage.
• Multiply by 21 (for up to 5 years) or 30 (for service beyond 5 years).
• Multiply by the total years of completed service.

Employees and employers can also use a domestic workers gratuity calculator or MOHRE’s online service to check accurate entitlements instantly.

This ensures fairness and transparency in settlements, reducing the risk of disputes when a domestic worker’s service ends.

Examples of Gratuity Calculation for Housemaids

To make the process clearer, let’s look at some gratuity for domestic workers UAE examples. These practical cases show how to calculate gratuity for domestic workers in UAE using the official formula.

Example 1: Housemaid with 2 Years of Service

• Basic Salary: AED 1,500
• Service: 2 years
• Formula: (1,500 ÷ 30) × 21 × 2 = AED 2,100
• Gratuity Payable = AED 2,100

Example 2: Nanny with 5 Years of Service

• Basic Salary: AED 2,000
• Service: 5 years
• Formula: (2,000 ÷ 30) × 21 × 5 = AED 7,000
• Gratuity Payable = AED 7,000

Example 3: Driver with 8 Years of Service

• Basic Salary: AED 2,500
• Service: 8 years
• First 5 years: (2,500 ÷ 30) × 21 × 5 = AED 8,750
• Next 3 years: (2,500 ÷ 30) × 30 × 3 = AED 7,500
• Total Gratuity = AED 16,250

These calculations confirm that domestic workers gratuity in UAE is directly linked to years of service and last drawn basic salary. Using a gratuity calculator UAE for domestic workers can make the process easier for both employers and workers.

MOHRE Domestic Worker Gratuity Calculator

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) provides an official tool known as the MOHRE domestic worker gratuity calculator, which helps employers and employees calculate the exact gratuity amount as per UAE law. This tool is designed to ensure transparency and accuracy in settlements.

How it Works:

1. Visit the official MOHRE website or mobile app.

2. Select the option for gratuity or end-of-service calculation.

3. Enter details such as:

• Last drawn basic salary
• Start and end date of employment
• Contract type (domestic worker)

4. The system automatically shows the gratuity amount payable.

For those living in Dubai, there are also emirate-specific services like the Dubai gratuity calculator, but the official MOHRE tool remains the most reliable option.

Employees who want to double-check their entitlements can also use a gratuity calculator UAE for domestic workers available on trusted government and financial portals. This ensures that workers receive the correct payment without relying solely on manual calculations.

Are Domestic Workers and Housemaids Entitled to Gratuity in UAE?

A common question many families ask is: is there a gratuity for housemaid in UAE? The answer is yes. Domestic workers, including housemaids, drivers, cooks, and nannies, are legally entitled to gratuity under UAE law, provided they complete the minimum service requirement of one year.

So, are domestic workers entitled to gratuity? Absolutely. Just like private sector employees, household staff must also be compensated at the end of their service. The entitlement applies whether the worker resigns, retires, or the employer ends the contract.

The gratuity for domestic helper in UAE is calculated using the standard formula:

• 21 days of basic salary per year of service for the first 5 years.
• 30 days of basic salary per year for each year beyond 5.
• The total amount is capped at 2 years of wages.

This ensures that helpers and housemaids are not only recognized for their contribution but also protected financially at the conclusion of their employment.

Rights of Domestic Workers Beyond Gratuity

While domestic workers gratuity in UAE is one of the most important entitlements, it is not the only right guaranteed by law. The government has implemented a comprehensive legal framework to protect housemaids, drivers, and other household staff.

Apart from end of service gratuity for domestic workers in UAE, employees are also entitled to:

1. Monthly Salary

• Payment must be made on time, at least once a month, as agreed in the employment contract.

2. Rest and Leave Benefits

• Domestic workers have the right to one day of paid rest per week and 30 days of annual paid leave after completing a year of service.

3. Medical and Health Coverage

• Employers are responsible for providing medical care or health insurance to their domestic staff.

4. Accommodation and Food

• The law requires employers to provide suitable accommodation and meals at no additional cost.

5. Air Ticket Allowance

• At the end of the contract, the employer must provide a return air ticket to the worker’s home country, unless the worker transfers sponsorship.

6. Safe and Respectful Treatment

• Domestic worker rights UAE also emphasize the right to a safe working environment, protection from abuse, and freedom to retain personal documents like passports.

In short, gratuity is only one part of the broader protection system. Domestic workers in the UAE enjoy a wide range of rights that guarantee their dignity, safety, and financial well-being.

Common Questions Employers and Workers Ask

Conclusion

The domestic workers gratuity in UAE reflects the country’s commitment to protecting household employees and ensuring their financial security at the end of service. Whether it is a maid, driver, nanny, or cook, every domestic worker has the right to receive gratuity once they complete one year of service.

The rules for gratuity for housemaids and domestic workers are clear: 21 days of basic salary per year for the first five years and 30 days per year beyond that, capped at two years’ wages. This system ensures fair recognition of service and applies regardless of whether the employment ends due to resignation, retirement, or non-renewal of the contract.

Understanding the end of service gratuity for domestic workers in UAE helps both employers and employees avoid disputes and comply with the law. For more accuracy, workers and sponsors can also use the official MOHRE calculator or trusted online tools to determine exact amounts.

In 2025, these protections serve as a reminder that domestic staff are a vital part of UAE households, and their rights must always be respected.