UAE Resignation Notice Period Rules: What You Need to Know (2025)

The Standard Rule (30 to 90 Days)

Under the new UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), the notice period is the time an employee must continue working after submitting a resignation.

• Minimum: The standard minimum notice period is 30 days.
• Maximum: The contract can agree on a longer period, but it cannot exceed 90 days.
• Consistency: The notice period must be the same for both the employer and the employee.

Leaving Early (Compensation in Lieu)

What happens if you want to leave immediately without serving the full notice period?

According to the law, the party terminating the contract without observing the notice period must pay the other party a compensation called "Notice Period Compensation" (often referred to as 'Salary in Lieu of Notice').

Probation Period Rules

Resigning during probation (usually the first 6 months) has stricter rules to protect the employer's recruitment investment.

1. Leaving the UAE: If you resign to leave the country permanently, you must provide 14 days' notice.
2. Joining a New Employer: If you resign to join another company in the UAE, you must provide 1 month notice. Additionally, your new employer may be required to compensate your old employer for recruitment costs.

Job Search Day

If the employer terminates your contract, you are entitled to one day of unpaid leave per week during the notice period to search for a new job. You must inform your employer 3 days in advance of the day you intend to take.