Can You Get Gratuity Before Leaving Your Job?
Quick Answer: No. Gratuity is only paid when you leave your job. You can't get it early or in parts while still employed. There are rare exceptions, but they're unusual.
Gratuity isn't a savings account you can dip into. It's an end-of-service benefit. Here's what you need to know.
The Short Answer
No advance. No partial payments. That's the law.
Under UAE labour law:
- Gratuity is paid when you leave your job
- Must be paid within 30 days after you stop working
- No way to withdraw it while still employed
- Any deal allowing early withdrawal is technically void
Are There Any Exceptions?
1. Company Loans Against Gratuity
Some employers offer loans backed by your future gratuity. This isn't an advance — it's a loan.
How it works:
- You borrow money now
- When you leave, it's deducted from your gratuity
- Must be in writing
Example:
- Your gratuity will be: AED 5,000
- You borrow: AED 2,000
- Final gratuity: AED 5,000 - AED 2,000 = AED 3,000
2. Court Orders
If there's a court case against you (divorce, debt, etc.), the court can order early payment from your gratuity. This is rare and requires legal proceedings.
3. Employer Goodwill
Some employers choose to help with emergency loans. This is:
- Their choice, not your right
- Must be documented properly
- Deducted from your final gratuity
Why Can't You Get Advances?
The law protects you:
- Prevents employers from pressuring you ("Take this advance or quit")
- Makes sure you get your full amount when you leave
- Stops financial manipulation
The numbers change until you leave:
- Your service years grow until your last day
- Whether you quit or get fired affects your percentage
- You might cross the 3-year or 5-year mark
What You CAN Ask for While Working
Salary advance (separate from gratuity)
Loan against future salary
Emergency help (if your company offers it)
Gratuity estimate (ask HR what you'd get if you left today)
Actual gratuity payment
Partial gratuity
Early withdrawal
Your Gratuity Changes Until Your Last Day
Small timing differences can change your amount:
Example:
- You plan to quit Nov 30, 2025
- Quit Nov 28 Lose 2 days of service
- Quit Dec 1 Gain 1 day of service
That's why advances aren't allowed. The final number isn't known until you actually leave.
Need Emergency Money?
While still employed, try:
- Ask for a salary advance
- Apply for an employee loan (pay deducted from salary)
- Get a personal bank loan
- Check if your company has an emergency fund
Don't ask for early gratuity. Employers can't legally give it, and asking might hurt your relationship.
Related Pages
Use our free gratuity calculator for an instant estimate.
Note: MOHRE law as of 2025. Call MOHRE (600 590 000) for special cases.
