Quick Answer
Nafis is the UAE federal programme that supports Emiratisation — salary top-ups paid to Emirati private-sector employees, child allowances, training support, and pension contributions.
Nafis (Arabic for 'compete') is the brand of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, the federal body coordinating Emiratisation incentives. It runs alongside MOHRE's compliance side: MOHRE enforces quotas, Nafis pays for them.
The biggest Nafis incentive is the salary top-up: the official scheme bridges the employee's salary toward a target salary, capped at a ceiling Nafis does not publish — the amount is confirmed per employee on the Nafis platform. A published child allowance adds AED 600 per child per month (up to four children, for salaries under AED 50,000); Nafis also supports pension contributions.
To claim Nafis, the employer must be registered on the Nafis portal, the employee must be a UAE national on a registered contract paid through WPS, and the role must be classified as one of MOHRE's skilled categories. ZETUP PRO assists clients with Nafis registration and monthly subsidy claims.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nafis?
Nafis is the UAE federal programme that funds Emiratisation — salary top-ups paid to Emirati employees in the private sector, child allowances, training support, and pension contributions.
How much is the Nafis salary subsidy?
Nafis does not publish a fixed amount — the official scheme tops up the employee's salary toward a target salary, capped at an unpublished ceiling (eligibility includes earning up to AED 30,000/month). The figure is confirmed per employee on the Nafis portal.
What is the difference between Nafis and MOHRE on Emiratisation?
MOHRE enforces the Emiratisation quotas; Nafis pays the incentives that make hiring Emiratis financially attractive.
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