Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about gratuity application procedures as of November 2025. It is not legal advice. For specific cases, consult MOHRE or a qualified employment lawyer.

Steps to Write Application for Gratuity by an Employee 2025

TL;DR: UAE employees do not legally need to apply for gratuity as it is an automatic statutory obligation paid within 14 days of termination. However, a formal written gratuity application letter becomes necessary when employers delay payment, dispute amounts, or when building evidence for MOHRE complaints, requiring documentation of employment details, calculation breakdown, and legal references to Article 51.

Under UAE Labour Law 2025, employees do NOT need to "apply" for gratuity—it's a statutory obligation that employers must pay automatically upon termination within 14 days. However, if your employer delays or disputes payment, you should submit a formal written request (gratuity application letter) documenting your entitlement. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, proper format, and sample letter templates to request your end-of-service gratuity under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Use this when resignation is confirmed, or as evidence for MOHRE complaints if employer refuses payment.

Do You Need to "Apply" for Gratuity?

Short answer: Usually not.

Under Article 51, gratuity is automatic:

Employer must pay upon termination/resignation
No formal "application" required by law
Payment deadline: 14 days from last working day

When to write a gratuity application letter:

Scenario 1: Employer asks for written request (procedural requirement)
Scenario 2: 14-day deadline has passed, no payment received
Scenario 3: Employer disputes amount or eligibility
Scenario 4: Building evidence for MOHRE complaint
Scenario 5: HR requires formal documentation for settlement processing

Purpose: Formal written proof of your gratuity claim, amount calculation, and payment request.

Step-by-Step: How to Write a Gratuity Application

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before writing, collect:

Employment contract (for basic salary verification)
Labour Card or work permit copy
Payslips (last 6 months recommended)
Service dates:

Contract start date
Probation period (if applicable)
Last working day
Total service years (excluding probation) Termination details:
Resignation letter (if you resigned)
Termination notice (if employer terminated)
Notice period served Calculated gratuity amount (use our calculator below)

Gratuity Calculator

Basic Monthly Salary (AED)

AED

Contract Type

Reason for Leaving

Start Date

End Date

Step 2: Choose Letter Format

Two formats:

Friendly request: When relationship is good, employer willing to pay
Formal demand: When employer delays or disputes

We provide both templates below.

Step 3: Draft the Letter

Essential components:

Your details: Name, employee ID, position, department
Employer details: Company name, HR contact, address
Date: Letter submission date
Subject line: Clear and specific
Salutation: Formal greeting
Introduction: State employment end date and service duration
Gratuity calculation: Itemized breakdown
Legal reference: Cite Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021
Payment request: Specific amount, payment method, deadline
Supporting documents: List of attachments
Closing: Polite but firm
Signature: Handwritten signature + printed name

Step 4: Review and Finalize

Checklist before sending:

Accuracy: Basic salary, service years, calculation correct
Professional tone: Polite but assertive
Complete information: All required fields filled
No emotional language: Stick to facts and law
Proper formatting: Clear, readable, well-organized
Attachments included: Copies of supporting documents

Step 5: Submit the Letter

How to submit:

Option 1: Email

Send to HR department and your direct manager
Subject: "Gratuity Settlement Request - [Your Name] - [Employee ID]"
Keep copy of sent email as proof

Option 2: Hand-delivery

Print two copies
Submit to HR, request signature/stamp on your copy as acknowledgment
Keep acknowledged copy for records

Option 3: Registered mail

Send via registered post (Emirates Post with tracking)
Proof of delivery for MOHRE complaint if needed

Best practice: Use multiple methods (email + hand-delivery) for redundancy.

Sample Gratuity Application Letter (Template 1: Friendly Request)

Use when: Employer is cooperative, relationship is good

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Employee ID: XXXXX]

Date: [DD Month YYYY]

To:
[HR Manager Name / HR Department]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Subject: Request for End-of-Service Gratuity Settlement

Dear [HR Manager Name / Sir/Madam],

I am writing to formally request settlement of my end-of-service gratuity 
following the conclusion of my employment with [Company Name].

Employment Details:
- Employee Name: [Your Full Name]
- Employee ID: [XXXXX]
- Position: [Your Job Title]
- Department: [Department Name]
- Contract Start Date: [DD Month YYYY]
- Probation End Date: [DD Month YYYY] (6 months)
- Last Working Day: [DD Month YYYY]
- Total Service Years: [X.XX] years (post-probation)

Gratuity Calculation:
As per Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, my gratuity 
entitlement is calculated as follows:

Basic Monthly Salary: AED [XXXXX]
Daily Wage: AED [XXXXX] ÷ 30 days = AED [XXX.XX]

Years 1-5: AED [XXX.XX] × 21 days × [X] years = AED [XXXXX]
Years 5+: AED [XXX.XX] × 30 days × [X] years = AED [XXXXX]
[If resignation penalty applies: Less resignation penalty ([XX]%)]

Total Gratuity Due: AED [XXXXX]

I kindly request settlement of the above amount within 14 days as required 
by law, payable via bank transfer to my registered salary account or by 
cheque.

Please find attached:
1. Copy of Employment Contract
2. Copy of Labour Card/Work Permit
3. Recent payslips (last 6 months)
4. [Resignation letter / Termination notice]

I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to 
receiving the settlement statement.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with [Company Name]. It has been 
a valuable experience.

Yours sincerely,

[Handwritten Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Employee ID]
[Contact Number]

Sample Gratuity Application Letter (Template 2: Formal Demand)

Use when: Employer delays payment, disputes amount, or refuses to pay

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Emirates ID: XXX-XXXX-XXXXXXX-X]
[Employee ID: XXXXX]

Date: [DD Month YYYY]

URGENT & REGISTERED

To:
[HR Manager / General Manager]
[Company Name]
[Trade License No: XXXXXX]
[Company Address]

Subject: FORMAL DEMAND FOR END-OF-SERVICE GRATUITY PAYMENT

Dear [Name / Sir/Madam],

I write to formally demand immediate payment of my lawful end-of-service 
gratuity, which remains outstanding [X] days after my last working day 
in violation of Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.

Employment Record:
- Full Name: [Your Full Name as per Emirates ID]
- Employee ID: [XXXXX]
- Position: [Job Title]
- Contract Start: [DD Month YYYY]
- Service Commencement (post-probation): [DD Month YYYY]
- Last Working Day: [DD Month YYYY]
- Total Service: [X] years [X] months ([X.XX] years)

Legal Entitlement:
Under Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, I am entitled 
to gratuity calculated as follows:

Basic Monthly Salary: AED [XXXXX] (as per registered employment contract)
Daily Wage: AED [XXXXX] ÷ 30 = AED [XXX.XX]

Calculation Breakdown:
• Years 1-5: AED [XXX.XX] × 21 days × [X] years = AED [XXXXX]
• Years 5+: AED [XXX.XX] × 30 days × [X] years = AED [XXXXX]
• Gross Gratuity: AED [XXXXX]
[If applicable: Less resignation penalty as per Article 51]

TOTAL GRATUITY DUE: AED [XXXXX]

Payment Deadline:
Article 51 mandates gratuity payment within 14 days of employment 
termination. This deadline was [DD Month YYYY]. As of today, [X] days 
have elapsed without payment or explanation.

Formal Demand:
I hereby demand payment of AED [XXXXX] within 7 (seven) days of receipt 
of this letter, failing which I will escalate this matter to the Ministry 
of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) without further notice.

Payment Method:
Bank transfer to account: [Bank Name], Account No: [XXXXXXXXXX]
Or: Manager's cheque payable to [Your Full Name]

Supporting Documents Attached:
1. Employment Contract (copy)
2. Labour Card (copy)
3. Payslips for last 6 months
4. [Resignation letter / Termination notice]
5. Calculation breakdown

Legal Notice:
Failure to comply with this demand within 7 days will result in:
• MOHRE complaint filing (ref: mohre.gov.ae)
• Claim for penalty interest on delayed payment
• Potential legal action for recovery plus costs

I trust this matter will be resolved promptly without need for official 
intervention.

Yours formally,

[Handwritten Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Emirates ID: XXX-XXXX-XXXXXXX-X]
[Contact: +971 XX XXX XXXX]
[Email: your.email@example.com]

CC: MOHRE (for record purposes)

Key Elements Explained

1. Subject Line

Good examples:

"Request for End-of-Service Gratuity Settlement"
"Gratuity Payment Request - [Your Name] - Employee ID [XXXXX]"
"Formal Demand for EOSB Payment"

Bad examples:

"Money I'm Owed"
"Pay Me Now"
"Where's My Gratuity?"

Rule: Clear, professional, specific.

2. Gratuity Calculation Section

Must include:

Basic salary (stated amount from contract)
Daily wage formula: Basic ÷ 30
Years 1-5 calculation: Daily wage × 21 × years
Years 5+ calculation: Daily wage × 30 × years (if applicable)
Resignation penalty (if applicable)
Total amount

Example:

Basic Salary: AED 12,000
Daily Wage: 12,000 ÷ 30 = AED 400

Years 1-5: 400 × 21 × 5 = AED 42,000
Years 6-7: 400 × 30 × 2 = AED 24,000

Total Gratuity: AED 66,000

3. Legal Reference

Always cite Article 51:

"As per Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021..."

This shows:

You know your rights
Claim is legally grounded
Not an arbitrary request

4. Payment Deadline and Method

Specify:

Deadline: "within 14 days" or "by [specific date]"
Method: Bank transfer (preferred) or cheque
Account details: If bank transfer

Example:

"Please settle the amount within 14 days via bank transfer to 
my registered salary account [Account No: XXXXXXXXXX, Bank Name]."

5. Supporting Documents

Attach copies (not originals) of:

Employment contract (page showing basic salary)
Labour Card or work permit
Payslips (last 3-6 months)
Resignation letter or termination notice
Your calculation breakdown (optional but helpful)

List them in letter:

"Please find attached:
1. Employment Contract (copy)
2. Labour Card (copy)
3. Payslips (last 6 months)
4. Resignation letter dated [DD Month YYYY]"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Emotional or accusatory language

Bad: "You're cheating me out of my money!"
Good: "I request settlement of my statutory gratuity entitlement."

Mistake 2: Incorrect calculation

Double-check: Basic salary amount, service years, formula
Use our calculator to verify

Mistake 3: Including allowances in calculation

Use basic salary only (not gross or total package)

Mistake 4: Not keeping proof of submission

Always keep copy of sent email or acknowledged hard copy

Mistake 5: Threatening legal action prematurely

Use friendly tone first; escalate only if ignored

Mistake 6: Handwritten letter (unless no alternative)

Typed letters are more professional and legible

What Happens After You Submit?

Timeline:

Days 1-7: Employer review

HR processes your request
Verifies calculation
Prepares settlement statement

Days 7-14: Payment processing

Finance approves payment
Bank transfer or cheque issued
You receive settlement statement

Day 14+: If no response

Send follow-up email/letter
Reference original letter (attach copy)
Set new deadline (7 days)

Day 21+: If still no response

File MOHRE complaint online
Attach your application letter as evidence

If Employer Disputes Your Calculation

Possible disputes:

Issue 1: "Your basic salary is different"

Response: Provide contract page showing basic salary
Reference Labour Card (shows registered basic)

Issue 2: "You didn't complete 1 year"

Response: Show service dates, excluding probation
Provide proof of post-probation start date

Issue 3: "You were terminated for misconduct"

Response: Request written explanation under Article 44
If no valid Article 44 violation, entitlement stands

Issue 4: "Contract says no gratuity"

Response: Cite Article 51 (contract clauses waiving gratuity are void)
MOHRE will enforce statutory minimum

If employer provides different calculation:

Request itemized breakdown
Compare with your calculation
If discrepancy > 5%, query specific line items

Filing a MOHRE Complaint (If Letter Fails)

When to escalate:

Employer doesn't respond within 21 days
Employer refuses payment
Employer offers significantly less than calculation

How to file:

Visit mohre.gov.ae
Navigate to "Complaints" section
Select "Labour Relations Complaint"
Fill online form
Attach:
- Your gratuity application letter
- Employment contract
- Labour Card
- Payslips
- Any employer responses

MOHRE process:

Complaint registered (receive reference number)
MOHRE contacts employer
Mediation session scheduled (within 14-30 days)
70% resolved at mediation
Unresolved cases escalated to Labour Court

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a lawyer to write a gratuity application?

No. Use the templates above. Lawyers are useful for complex disputes or Labour Court cases, not simple gratuity requests.

2. Can I request gratuity before my last working day?

Yes, you can submit during notice period, but payment is only due after your last working day (within 14 days).

3. Should I hand the letter directly to my manager or HR?

HR department. Copy your manager if appropriate, but HR handles settlement processing.

4. What if my contract is in Arabic and I don't understand it?

Request official translation. MOHRE can provide translation services. For gratuity calculation, you need to know your basic salary figure.

5. Can employer ask me to sign a waiver before paying gratuity?

Employers may ask you to sign a "full and final settlement" statement acknowledging receipt of all dues. This is standard. Read it carefully before signing. Once signed, you cannot later claim additional amounts.

6. What if I left UAE and didn't claim gratuity?

You can still claim, but file MOHRE complaint online or appoint a representative (power of attorney). Time limit: 2 years from termination date.

Sample Email Subject Lines

For initial request:

Subject: Gratuity Settlement Request - [Your Name] - Emp ID [XXXXX]

For follow-up:

Subject: FOLLOW-UP: Gratuity Settlement Request - [Your Name] - [Date of Original Request]

For formal demand:

Subject: URGENT: Final Demand for Gratuity Payment - [Your Name] - [X Days Overdue]

Quick Checklist

Before submitting gratuity application:

Employment officially ended (last working day passed)
Basic salary verified from contract
Service years calculated (excluding probation)
Gratuity amount calculated using official formula
Letter drafted using template above
Supporting documents attached
Professional tone maintained
Specific payment deadline stated
Kept copy of letter and all attachments
Submitted via trackable method (email + delivery confirmation)

Calculate Your Gratuity Before Writing Application

Use our free calculator to verify your exact entitlement. Include accurate figure in your gratuity application letter.

Calculate Now

For an instant end-of-service estimate, use our online gratuity calculator UAE.

Final Disclaimer: These templates are for informational purposes and reflect UAE labour law as of November 2025. They are not legal advice. Modify templates to fit your specific situation. For complex disputes exceeding AED 50,000, consider consulting a qualified employment lawyer.

Steps to Write Application for Gratuity by an Employee 2025