About EGSH
What Is a Salary Certificate and When Do You Need One
A salary certificate is an official letter printed on company letterhead. The employer signs and stamps the document to verify the employee's job title, date of joining, and detailed salary breakdown. It serves as primary proof of income across a wide range of transactions in the UAE.
Banks require a salary certificate when processing personal loan, mortgage, or credit card applications. The certificate allows the lender to assess repayment capacity before approving credit. Landlords and property management companies request the document to verify a prospective tenant's ability to meet rental obligations. Government authorities require salary certificates for immigration-related procedures, including family visa sponsorship and dependent residence applications. The minimum salary threshold for sponsoring a spouse and children is AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation. Embassies and consulates request the document for travel visa processing. Tax authorities in the employee's home country may require an attested salary certificate to verify foreign-sourced income.
Get a DLD To Whom It May Concern Certificate
Officially regulated fees
No hidden charges
Queue-free service
VIP support at no extra cost
From AED 610
Explore EGSH Government Services in Dubai
Get Labour Services in Dubai Through EGSH
Authorised One-Stop Government Services Centre
- All government services in one place
- Completed in one visit
- VIP service without queues
- Regulated government fees
What a Salary Certificate Must Include
A valid salary certificate in the UAE contains structured information about the employer, the employee, and the compensation package. Omitting any element may result in rejection by the requesting institution.
Employer Details
The certificate must display the company name, trade licence number, registered address, and contact information. It must be printed on official company letterhead.
Employee Details
The document must state the employee's full name as it appears on official identification documents. It must include the passport number, Emirates ID number, nationality, job title, department, and date of joining. The employment status (full-time or part-time) must be clearly indicated.
Salary Breakdown
The compensation section must itemise the basic salary, housing allowance, transport allowance, and any other fixed monthly benefits. The total gross salary and net salary must both appear. If the requesting institution is a bank, the certificate must specify the salary transfer method, the receiving bank name, and the IBAN. Salaries in the UAE private sector must be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS) as mandated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Additional Fields
The certificate must include the date of issuance, the stated purpose (loan application, visa processing, tenancy agreement, or other), and the name, title, and signature of the authorised signatory. A company stamp or seal completes the document.
Why Choose EGSH for Government Services in Dubai
VIP Service
Personal assistance and priority processing with no queues.
Affordable Fees
Official government rates with transparent, fixed pricing.
All Services in One Place
Comprehensive range of UAE government services under one roof.
One-Visit Completion
Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.
How to Request a Salary Certificate
The request process follows a standard sequence in most UAE companies.
Step 1 — Submit a Formal Request
Contact the human resources department or use the company's internal HR portal. Specify the purpose of the certificate, the name of the recipient organisation (if applicable), and any particular details the recipient requires. Banks often request specific wording or a salary transfer letter addressed directly to the bank.
Step 2 — Provide Supporting Information
HR may request a copy of the employee's Emirates ID, passport, or visa page to verify personal details. Confirm whether the recipient institution requires the certificate in English, Arabic, or both languages.
Step 3 — Review and Collect
The employer processes the request within one to three working days in most cases. Review all details for accuracy before submitting the certificate to the requesting party. Incorrect details are the primary reason for document rejection.
Validity Period
Most institutions accept a salary certificate dated within 30 days of submission. Some banks and government authorities accept certificates issued up to 90 days prior. Confirm the validity requirement with the requesting institution before obtaining the certificate.
Attestation Requirements
Attestation verifies the authenticity of the salary certificate for official or international use. Domestic transactions within the UAE do not require attestation in most cases. Banks and landlords accept the company-stamped original for local purposes.
When Attestation Is Required
International use of the salary certificate triggers the attestation process. Common scenarios include submission to foreign tax authorities, immigration applications in other countries, family court proceedings abroad, and international bank facility requests. Certain visa-related procedures within the UAE may also require attested documentation.
Attestation Process
The attestation follows a multi-stage sequence.
The first step is Chamber of Commerce attestation. The employer submits the certificate to the Chamber of Commerce in the emirate where the company is registered. The fee ranges from AED 100 to AED 200 depending on the emirate.
The second step is attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). The employee submits the Chamber-stamped certificate to MOFAIC either in person at a service centre or through the MOFAIC online portal. The attestation fee is AED 150 plus a small e-Dirham processing charge. MOFAIC also offers digital attestation through the UAE Pass application.
The third step applies only when the document is intended for use in a specific foreign country. The relevant embassy or consulate in the UAE must perform a final attestation to confirm the document meets the destination country's standards.
Salary-Based Attestation Variations
Employees earning above AED 10,000 per month follow the standard Chamber of Commerce and MOFAIC attestation route. Employees earning below AED 10,000 may need an affidavit through IVS Global before proceeding with MOFAIC attestation, depending on the employee's nationality and the document's intended use.
Digital Salary Certificates
Salary certificates digitally signed using UAE Pass or an authorised corporate digital signature system are legally recognised in the UAE. Many employers now issue certificates through digital HR management platforms. The employee can request, track, and download the certificate electronically. Some overseas authorities still require a physically stamped and signed original. Confirm attestation format requirements with the requesting authority before submission.
Legal Framework and Employee Rights
Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships governs labour relations in the UAE private sector. MOHRE is the competent authority responsible for enforcing compliance with employment regulations.
An employer cannot refuse to issue a salary certificate to a currently employed individual without a valid legal reason. The employee has the right to request the document for any legitimate purpose without facing discrimination. If an employer refuses to issue the certificate, the employee may file a labour complaint through MOHRE. MOHRE investigates the complaint and may impose penalties on non-compliant employers. The complaint can be filed through the MOHRE website, mobile application, call centre (600 590000), or at a Tasheel services centre. EGSH operates as an authorised Tasheel services centre and processes employment-related document requests, including labour contract attestation and MOHRE submissions.
Submitting a salary certificate containing false information is a criminal offence under UAE law. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and potential deportation for expatriate employees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Inaccurate personal details are the most frequent cause of rejection. The name, passport number, and Emirates ID number must match official records exactly. An outdated certificate that exceeds the recipient's validity window will be returned. A missing company stamp or authorised signature renders the document invalid. Failure to specify the purpose may result in the recipient requesting a new certificate with corrected wording. Requesting a general-purpose certificate when the bank requires a salary transfer letter addressed specifically to that bank causes delays.
Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues
You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.
Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai
Operating hours
Monday–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
When a Salary Certificate Is Needed for Property and Investment Transactions
Property investors and business owners in the UAE encounter salary certificate requirements at multiple stages. Banks require the document during mortgage pre-approval applications for residential and commercial property purchases. The family visa sponsorship process requires proof of income through an employer-issued salary certificate. Employees applying for a UAE residence visa or renewing an existing visa must demonstrate continued employment and income.
Related Government Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer refuse to issue a salary certificate?
An employer cannot refuse to issue a salary certificate to a currently employed individual. Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 protects the employee's right to request employment documentation. If the employer refuses, the employee may file a complaint with MOHRE.
How long is a salary certificate valid in the UAE?
Most banks and government authorities accept a salary certificate issued within the last 30 days. Some institutions accept certificates up to 90 days old. Confirm the validity requirement with the requesting party.
Does a salary certificate need attestation for local use?
Attestation is not required for most domestic transactions. Banks, landlords, and local government offices accept the company-stamped original. Attestation is required when the document is used outside the UAE or for certain formal immigration applications.
What is the difference between a salary certificate and a salary transfer letter?
A salary certificate confirms employment status and total compensation. A salary transfer letter is a specific bank document confirming that the employee's salary will be credited to a particular bank account. Banks issuing loans or credit cards often require both documents.
How much does salary certificate attestation cost?
Chamber of Commerce attestation costs AED 100 to AED 200. MOFAIC attestation costs AED 150 plus a small e-Dirham processing fee. Embassy attestation fees vary by country. The total cost for full international attestation ranges from AED 250 to AED 500 excluding embassy charges.
Can a salary certificate be issued in Arabic?
The certificate can be issued in English, Arabic, or both. Government authorities in the UAE accept both languages. Confirm the language requirement with the requesting institution. International use may require certified Arabic-to-English translation or vice versa.
What if my salary certificate contains incorrect information?
Return the certificate to the HR department immediately. Request a corrected version before submitting the document. Submitting a certificate with inaccurate details may delay the application and could raise compliance concerns.
Can I get a salary certificate during my probation period?
An employer can issue a salary certificate during the probation period. The document will reflect the employee's probationary status. Some banks may not accept probation-period certificates for loan approvals.
Explained by
Amira Ali Alhammadi
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Tasheel) Consultant
Amira Ali Alhammadi is a MOHRE (Tasheel) Consultant with 10 years of experience in commercial licensing and labour services. She handles contract issuance, amendments, and labour file management, ensuring accurate and compliant processing of company and employee transactions in line with UAE regulations.
Official Sources and References
The following government authorities regulate employment documentation, wage protection, and document attestation in the UAE.
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — regulates labour relations, wage protection, and employment documentation in the UAE private sector
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) — provides official document attestation services for domestic and international use
- UAE Government Portal (u.ae) — publishes consolidated employment laws and regulations including Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021
- UAE Legislation Portal — hosts the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships
Important Notice
The information in this article reflects regulations and fee structures applicable at the time of publication. Government fees, attestation procedures, and regulatory requirements are subject to change. Final approval of any visa, employment, or attestation application rests with the relevant UAE government authority. Verify all figures and procedural requirements with the competent authority or an authorised government services centre before submitting any application.
