About EGSH
What the Wage Protection System Covers
The WPS is an electronic salary transfer platform developed jointly by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and MOHRE to monitor whether employers pay wages in full and on time. It creates a centralised database of salary transactions for every private-sector employee holding a valid labour card.
The system was introduced in July 2009 under Ministerial Decree No. 788 and is currently governed by Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022. Non-compliant employers face work permit suspensions, establishment reclassification, and fines of up to AED 50,000 under Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020.
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships and its implementing regulations, wages become due on the first day of the month following the payment period specified in the employment contract. If no period is specified, the employer must pay at least once a month. An employer is considered late if payment is not made within 15 days after the due date, unless the contract specifies a shorter period.
The system applies to all establishments registered with MOHRE. This includes every mainland company in Dubai that holds an active establishment file and has employees on its labour register. MOHRE does not process work permit applications or other Tasheel transactions for establishments that are not registered with the WPS.
Register Your Company in Dubai
Officially regulated fees
No hidden charges
Queue-free service
VIP support at no extra cost
From AED 2,200
Explore EGSH Government Services in Dubai
Who Must Register for WPS
All private-sector employers registered with MOHRE must subscribe to the Wage Protection System. The obligation extends to establishments of any size that employ non-national or national workers under the UAE Labour Law.
The following employer categories are excluded from WPS compliance:
- UAE nationals owning fishing boats
- UAE nationals owning public taxis
- Banks
- Houses of worship
Most free zones follow separate regulatory frameworks. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) mandated WPS compliance from 2012, and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) introduced mandatory WPS enrolment from February 2023. Employers in other free zones should verify their WPS obligations directly with the relevant free zone authority.
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
Prerequisites for WPS Registration
Before initiating WPS registration, an employer must have completed the following:
1. MOHRE Registration
The company must hold an active establishment file with MOHRE. This file is created when an employer opens a new establishment through a licensed Tasheel centre. The file records the company's trade licence, business activity, and authorised signatories, and provides the establishment code used for all labour transactions.
2. Corporate Bank Account
The employer must maintain an active corporate bank account with a financial institution recognised by the Central Bank of the UAE. This account serves as the funding source for all salary payments processed through WPS.
3. WPS Agent Selection
The employer must select a WPS agent — a bank, exchange house, or financial institution authorised by the CBUAE to process salary payments under the WPS framework. The employer and the agent sign a WPS service agreement that governs payment terms and responsibilities.
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.
Step-by-Step WPS Registration Process
The registration process follows a defined sequence. Each step must be completed before the employer can begin processing salaries through the system.
Step 1 — Confirm MOHRE Establishment File
The company's MOHRE establishment file must be active and free of violations. Without a valid file, no labour transactions can proceed, including WPS enrolment. Employers who have not yet registered their company should complete establishment file registration before proceeding.
Step 2 — Open or Verify a Corporate Bank Account
The corporate bank account must be with a UAE-based financial institution recognised by the CBUAE. The account must be in the company's legal name as registered with MOHRE. This account will be used to deposit the total salary amount before each payroll cycle.
Step 3 — Select and Contract a WPS Agent
Choose a WPS-approved agent. This may be the same bank where the corporate account is held or a separate exchange house or financial institution. The employer signs a WPS agreement with the agent, which outlines submission procedures, payment processing timelines, and reporting obligations.
Step 4 — Register on the MOHRE Portal
Access the MOHRE e-services portal or visit an authorised Tasheel centre to register for the WPS. The employer provides the establishment details, bank account information, and employee data. Upon successful registration, the employer receives a WPS registration number and portal login credentials.
Step 5 — Prepare Employee Data
Compile accurate records for all employees, including bank account numbers, labour card numbers, basic salary amounts, allowances, and any applicable deductions. Each employee must have a bank account or WPS payroll card to receive salary transfers. Employees without existing bank accounts can be issued WPS payroll cards through the agent.
Step 6 — Generate and Submit the Salary Information File
The Salary Information File (SIF) is the core document for WPS compliance. It must be prepared and submitted to the WPS agent each payroll cycle. The file contents and submission process are detailed in the section below.
How WPS Compliance Affects Other MOHRE Transactions
WPS status directly affects a company's ability to conduct labour and immigration transactions. Employers who are not registered with WPS or who have active salary delays cannot:
- Issue new work permits for incoming employees
- Issue or renew labour contracts through the Tasheel system
- Submit visa quota requests for hiring foreign employees
- Modify existing labour contracts or update employee details
- Renew establishment cards through GDRFA
MOHRE's 13 categories of work permits all require the establishment to be WPS-compliant at the time of application. A blocked establishment file remains suspended until all outstanding salaries are paid and compliance is restored.
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
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
WPS registration is not a one-time task. Employers must maintain ongoing compliance to avoid penalties and service suspensions.
Monthly SIF submission. The Salary Information File must be prepared and submitted to the WPS agent each pay cycle. Late or missing submissions trigger automatic monitoring flags from MOHRE.
Employee list updates. Whenever an employee joins or leaves the company, the employer must update the employee list and attach it to the next SIF submission. New employees must be added to the WPS within 30 days of their start date.
Salary consistency. The salaries recorded in the SIF must match the amounts stated in the MOHRE-registered employment contract. Any changes to salary, allowances, or deductions must be reflected in both the contract and the SIF. For contract amendments, employers can submit a labour contract modification through the Tasheel system.
Monthly monitoring. MOHRE issues an interactive monthly establishment statement to each registered employer. This statement includes a WPS report covering the last three months, showing total wages paid, percentage of wages transferred, outstanding amounts, and the number of employees who were underpaid or not paid. Employers can use this report to verify their WPS salary status and identify compliance gaps before MOHRE takes further action.
How to Access WPS Registration Services in Dubai
WPS registration can be completed through the MOHRE e-services portal, the MOHRE Smart App, or in person at a licensed Tasheel service centre.
EGSH — Emirates Government Services Hub — is a government-authorised Tasheel centre in Dubai, fully integrated with MOHRE systems. EGSH assists employers with the complete WPS registration process, including establishment file verification, document preparation, employee data compilation, and agent coordination. The centre also processes all related Tasheel transactions, including work permit applications, labour contract issuance, quota requests, and establishment management. All approvals are issued by MOHRE upon review of the submitted application; EGSH facilitates submissions through official MOHRE channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-resident foreigner buy property in Dubai without a visa?
Yes. A valid passport is the only identification document required. Non-residents do not need a UAE visa or residence permit to purchase property in designated freehold areas. The DLD's Property Sale Registration service confirms that a valid passport for non-resident foreigners is accepted for identity verification.
Do foreigners pay the same fees as UAE nationals when buying property?
Yes. The DLD transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price, trustee fees, and title deed fees apply identically to all buyers regardless of nationality. There are no additional charges or surcharges for foreign buyers.
Can foreigners buy land in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can purchase freehold land plots in designated areas. However, eligibility for the two-year property investor visa requires a completed, habitable property — vacant land alone does not qualify for this visa category. Additionally, for the two-year visa, at least 50% of the property value or AED 750,000 must have been paid if the property is mortgaged.
What is the minimum amount needed to buy property in Dubai?
There is no government-mandated minimum purchase price for buying property in Dubai. However, for residency visa eligibility, the minimum thresholds are AED 750,000 for a two-year property investor visa and AED 2,000,000 for a Golden Visa.
Can foreign companies buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Companies established in Dubai free zones, mainland companies, and entities from other emirates with a DLD memorandum of understanding can acquire freehold property in designated areas. The company must be registered with the DLD through a company registration request before proceeding with any transaction.
Is buying property in Dubai safe for foreigners?
Dubai has a well-regulated real estate market overseen by the DLD and RERA. All transactions must be registered with the DLD to be legally valid. The DLD issues electronic title deeds confirming ownership, and all agents must hold valid RERA licences. Buyers should verify title deeds, use RERA-certified agents, and confirm that properties have valid marketing permits.
Can foreigners rent out their property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign property owners can lease their units to tenants. Tenancy contracts must be registered through the Ejari system. There is no income tax on rental income for individuals in the UAE.
Do I need to be present in Dubai to complete a property purchase?
Not necessarily. A buyer can appoint a representative through a legally attested power of attorney (POA) to complete the transaction at the DLD or trustee office on their behalf. The POA must be notarised and, if issued outside the UAE, attested by the UAE Embassy in the relevant country.
What are the mortgage options for non-resident foreigners?
Non-resident foreigners can obtain mortgage financing from UAE banks, typically at LTV ratios between 50% and 65%. Requirements are stricter than for residents, including higher down payments and more extensive documentation. Most banks require a minimum monthly income of approximately AED 15,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency. The CBUAE's Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans set the applicable LTV caps.
Can I combine multiple properties to qualify for a Golden Visa?
Yes. The DLD's Golden Visa Investor service confirms that multiple properties can be combined to meet the AED 2,000,000 threshold, provided all properties are registered under the applicant's name.
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 official government sources were referenced in this article.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) — Government authority responsible for real estate registration, ownership transfers, fee administration, and property transaction oversight in Dubai.
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) — (RERA division) — Regulatory body under the DLD responsible for agent licensing, service charge administration, and real estate market regulation.
The UAE Federal Portal — National-level government platform providing information on property ownership rights for expatriates, taxation, and residency visas.
The Dubai Legislation Portal — Official repository for Dubai legislation, including Regulation No. 3 of 2006 and other real estate laws.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai (GDRFA) — Authority responsible for residency visas in Dubai, including the property investor visa and Golden Visa processing.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) — Federal authority responsible for Golden Visa and long-term residency processing at the national level.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) — Regulatory authority setting mortgage lending standards, including maximum LTV ratios and debt burden limits.
Important Notice
The information in this article is accurate as of March 2026 and is based on currently available official government sources. Government fees, regulations, eligibility criteria, and procedural requirements may change without prior notice. Final approvals for property registration are issued by the Dubai Land Department, and final decisions on residency visas are made by the GDRFA and the ICP — not by EGSH. Buyers and investors should verify all fees, requirements, and eligibility conditions directly with the relevant government authority before proceeding with any transaction.
