The UAE probation period under Article 9 of the Labour Law: up to six months, once per employer, 14 days' notice to end it, one month to move to another UAE employer, the one-year permit ban, and the exemptions.
The probation period in the UAE private sector is governed by Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, with exemptions in Article 11 of its Implementing Regulation (Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022). This guide is built from MOHRE's consolidated text of both, read on 25 October 2026.
How long can probation be?
Quick answer: No more than six months from the start of work, and only once with the same employer. If the employee passes and keeps working, the contract continues on its agreed terms, and the probation period counts towards the term of service (Art. 9(1)–(2)).
Gratuity for a full-time foreign employee needs one year or more of continuous service (Art. 51(2)); since probation is counted within the term of service, it counts towards that year, while unpaid days of absence do not (Art. 51(4)). See the gratuity calculator.
Ending employment during probation
| Who ends it, and why | Notice the law requires |
|---|---|
| The employer | At least 14 days' written notice before the termination date (Art. 9(1)) |
| The employee, to join another employer in the UAE | At least one month's written notice; the new employer compensates the original employer for recruitment or contracting costs, unless agreed otherwise (Art. 9(3)) |
| A foreign employee, to leave the UAE | At least 14 days' written notice (Art. 9(4)) |
If a foreign employee who left during probation comes back within three months on a new work permit, the new employer pays the same compensation, unless the employee and the original employer agreed otherwise (Art. 9(4)).
A party that ends the contract without following these rules pays the other compensation equal to the employee's wage for the notice period, or what is left of it (Art. 9(5)).
The one-year work-permit ban, and who is exempt
A foreign employee who leaves the UAE without following Article 9 is not given a work permit for one year from the date of departure (Art. 9(6)). The Implementing Regulation (Art. 11) lets MOHRE exempt, by exception:
- workers with the skill, professional or knowledge levels in demand in the UAE
- workers whose residency visa is sponsored by their family
- Golden visa holders
- other professional categories set by ministerial resolution
Leave and sick leave during probation
- Sick leave: no paid sick leave during probation; the employer may grant unpaid sick leave on a medical report (Art. 31(2)).
- Annual leave: the employer may agree to grant leave from the employee's balance during probation, and an employee who does not pass keeps the right to be paid for the rest of their balance (Art. 29(3)). See our annual leave guide.
After probation
Once probation ends, the normal rules apply: notice of 30 to 90 days as agreed in the contract (Art. 43), paid sick leave of up to 90 days a year, and the full termination and gratuity rules. Our UAE Labour Law guide covers them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum probation period in the UAE? A: Six months from the start of work, and only once with the same employer (Art. 9).
Q: What notice does an employer give to end employment during probation? A: At least 14 days' written notice before the termination date (Art. 9(1)).
Q: Can I resign during probation in the UAE? A: Yes. To join another UAE employer, give at least one month's written notice; to leave the UAE, at least 14 days' written notice (Art. 9(3)–(4)).
Q: Is there a ban for leaving during probation? A: A foreign employee who leaves the UAE without following Article 9 is not given a work permit for one year from departure. MOHRE can exempt in-demand skill levels, family-sponsored residents, Golden visa holders and other categories set by ministerial resolution (Art. 9(6); IR Art. 11).
Q: Does probation count towards gratuity? A: Probation is counted within the term of service (Art. 9(2)). Gratuity for a full-time foreign employee needs one year or more of continuous service (Art. 51(2)), so probation counts towards that year; unpaid days of absence are excluded (Art. 51(4)).
Q: Am I paid for sick leave during probation? A: No. The employer may grant unpaid sick leave on a medical report (Art. 31(2)).
Q: Can probation be extended or repeated? A: It cannot exceed six months, and an employee cannot be put on probation more than once with the same employer (Art. 9).
Related guides
All guidesAbsconding in the UAE (2026): What It Means, How Employers Report It, and the One-Year Ban
Absconding (work abandonment) in the UAE, from MOHRE's service page and the Labour Law: the 7-day rule, how an employer files the report, documents, 2 working days, the one-year work-permit ban and who is exempt.
Annual Leave in the UAE (2026): Days, Pay, Carry-Over and the Rules for Employers
UAE annual leave under Article 29 of the Labour Law and its Implementing Regulation: 30 days a year, 2 days a month after six months, full pay, carry-over up to half, public holidays, part-time leave and pay on exit.
Notice Period in the UAE (2026): 30–90 Days, Pay in Lieu, and When No Notice Is Needed
The UAE notice period under Article 43 of the Labour Law: 30 to 90 days in writing, full pay during notice, notice-period allowance, the weekly job-search day, probation notice, and the cases where either side can end the contract without notice.
UAE Labour Law 2026: The Employer's Guide to Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
The UAE Labour Law for private-sector employers, article by article from MOHRE's official text: contracts, probation, working hours, overtime, leave, notice, gratuity, disputes and fines.
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