Minimum Wage Framework
The UAE does not impose a statutory minimum wage applicable across all sectors. Instead, wage floors are established through visa category requirements, sector-specific guidelines, and the Wage Protection System (WPS) administered by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Statutory Minimum Wage | None (no federal minimum) |
| WPS Requirement | Mandatory electronic salary payment |
| Skilled Worker Visa Threshold | AED 4,000/month minimum salary |
| Golden Visa (salary route) | AED 30,000/month minimum |
| Green Visa (skilled worker) | AED 15,000/month minimum |
Visa Category Salary Thresholds
| Visa/Permit Type | Minimum Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Standard Employment Visa | No fixed minimum |
| Skilled Worker Classification | 4,000 |
| Family Sponsorship Eligibility | 4,000 + accommodation or 3,000 + housing |
| Green Visa (freelancer) | Annual income of 360,000 |
| Green Visa (skilled employee) | 15,000 |
| Golden Visa (employment) | 30,000 |
Average Monthly Salaries by Sector (2024)
| Sector | Average Salary (AED/month) |
|---|---|
| Financial Services | 22,000-45,000 |
| Technology | 18,000-38,000 |
| Oil and Gas | 20,000-42,000 |
| Healthcare (physicians) | 25,000-55,000 |
| Legal | 18,000-40,000 |
| Construction (professional) | 12,000-25,000 |
| Construction (labour) | 1,500-3,000 |
| Hospitality | 3,500-12,000 |
| Retail | 3,000-8,000 |
| Education | 10,000-25,000 |
Wage Protection System (WPS)
The WPS mandates that all private-sector employers pay salaries through approved electronic channels (bank transfers, exchange houses, or approved financial institutions). Non-compliance triggers MOHRE enforcement actions including work permit suspension.
| WPS Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Payment Deadline | Within 15 days of due date |
| Penalty for Late Payment | Work permit freeze, fines |
| Coverage | All private-sector employees |
| Reporting | Automated MOHRE monitoring |
Labour Market Scale
The UAE private-sector workforce comprises approximately 5.7 million employees across over 450,000 registered establishments. The public sector employs roughly 90 percent UAE nationals in federal entities.
End-of-Service Benefits
In lieu of pension contributions, the UAE mandates end-of-service gratuity payments calculated at 21 days of basic salary per year for the first five years and 30 days per year thereafter, capped at two years’ total salary. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 introduced an optional alternative savings scheme through approved investment funds.
Key Considerations
While the absence of a statutory minimum wage provides employer flexibility, the WPS and visa threshold systems create de facto wage floors for documented employment. Labour market reforms since 2021 have expanded worker mobility rights, including the ability to change employers without consent under certain conditions and enhanced protections against wage theft.