When you are working or living in the UAE, you may often be asked to provide proof of your salary for various purposes. This proof is in the form of a salary certificate. In addition to this, if you are applying for a visa, opening a bank account, or requesting a loan in the UAE, you need to provide a mandatory document, which is the salary certificate.
Therefore, if you are an employee in the UAE or an employer looking to provide a salary certificate to your employees, understanding salary certificate format, purpose, and legal requirements is significant. In this article, we describe a salary certificate, how it differs from a payslip, and why it is necessary. We also cover the key elements of a salary certificate with an example, how to apply for it, its method of attestation, and how Now Consultant can help you obtain it.
What Is a Salary Certificate In The UAE?
A salary certificate in the UAE is an official document issued by an employer to an employee. It provides details about the employee’s monthly salary, allowances, and other financial information related to their employment. The document is proof of income, which may be required by banks, government bodies, or landlords for purposes such as loan applications, visa processes, or rental agreements, respectively.
The certificate outlines the employee’s base salary, bonuses, allowances, and any other payments received from the employer. The salary certificate is a mandatory document that validates the financial standing of an employee, allowing them to avail of various services and rights in the UAE.
Difference Between a Salary Certificate And a Payslip In The UAE
While both a salary certificate and a payslip contain similar information regarding an employee’s income, they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts. The following is the clear difference between the two:
Salary Certificate:
This is a formal document issued by the employer confirming the employee’s salary details for a specific period. It is a more official document and can be used for various legal or financial purposes, such as applying for loans or visas.
Payslip:
A payslip is a monthly document provided by the employer that details the employee’s earnings and deductions for a particular month. It includes information on the employee’s gross salary, deductions, and net salary after all adjustments.
In short, while the payslip is a monthly statement, a salary certificate is a more formal and general document that provides an overview of the employee’s salary and is often used for larger official purposes.
Why Do You Need a Salary Certificate in the UAE?
A salary certificate is an important document for both employees and employers in the UAE. It is often required for the following purposes:
Loan Applications
Banks and lending institutions in the UAE often request a salary certificate to confirm the applicant’s income. It helps them assess the borrower’s repayment capacity before approving loans or issuing credit cards. Without it, the loan approval process can be delayed or denied due to a lack of proof of income.
Visa Processing
For certain visa types, especially family sponsorships, a salary certificate is a mandatory requirement. It verifies the sponsor’s ability to financially support dependents in the UAE. Authorities use this document to ensure the income meets the minimum threshold for sponsorship.
Renting Property
Landlords commonly ask for a salary certificate to verify if the tenant can afford the rent. It builds trust between tenants and property owners and ensures financial accountability. Without one, tenants may struggle to secure leases or negotiate rental terms.
Employment Benefits
Some employment benefits or government services may require proof of income and designation. A salary certificate serves this purpose by confirming job title, salary, and employment status. It is important to access benefits like housing allowance, health insurance, or child education support.
For Expats in the UAE
For expatriates, a salary certificate is mandatory to prove employment and financial credibility. It plays a key role when dealing with banks, applying for credit, or renting apartments. This document also supports interactions with government bodies for official matters.
Key Elements Included In a UAE Salary Certificate Format:
A salary certificate in the UAE includes the following key elements:
- Employee’s Full Name: The employee’s complete name as per official records.
- Designation: The employee’s job title or position within the organization.
- Employment Starting Date: The date when the employee started working with the company.
- Salary Details: This includes the basic salary, allowances, bonuses, and any other compensation that the employee receives.
- Company Information: The employer’s name, address, and contact details.
- Employer’s Signature: The signature of the authorized person from the company who certifies the document.
Each of these elements is significant for ensuring that the salary certificate is valid and accepted by the relevant authorities or institutions.
Standard Salary Certificate Format In UAE (With Example)
The standard format of a salary certificate in the UAE follows the structure outlined below:
[Company’s Name & Logo]
Salary Certificate
Date: [Date of Issuance]
To Whom It May Concern,
This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Employee’s Name], holding the position of [Employee’s Designation] with [Company’s Name], has been employed with us since [Date of Joining].
The employee’s salary details are as follows:
- Basic Salary: AED [Amount]
- Housing Allowance: AED [Amount]
- Transportation Allowance: AED [Amount]
- Total Salary: AED [Total Amount]
This salary certificate is issued upon the request of the employee for [State the Purpose, e.g., loan application, visa processing].
For any further inquiries, please contact us at [Company Contact Information].
- Authorized Signatory
- [Name]
- [Designation]
- [Signature]
- [Company Stamp]
This salary certificate format can be changed according to the company’s requirements or the specific purpose of the salary certificate.
How to Apply for a Salary Certificate from Your Employer
The following is the step-by-step process for applying for a salary certificate from your employer:
Identify the Purpose
In the first step, you should clearly describe why you need the salary certificate. Whether it is for applying for a loan, a visa, a rental agreement, or any other reason, it is necessary to confirm that the certificate includes the right information for your purpose.
Contact the HR Department
In the second step, you need to get in touch with your company’s HR department. You can do this through email, phone, or by visiting their office, depending on how your company usually handles such requests.
Provide Necessary Detail
In this step, you have to provide all the necessary details related to the salary certificate, such as your full name, employee ID, and the name of the company in which you are employed.
Submit the Request
In the fourth step, you need to send your request through the correct channel, whether it is an email, HR portal, or company form. If your company asks for a formal letter or email, write a clear and polite request including the above information.
Most companies issue the certificate within 1 to 3 working days. If you do not receive it within that time, you should follow up on the request with the HR team.
Is Attestation Required for Salary Certificates In UAE?
Yes, salary certificates need to be attested, especially for a specific purpose, such as applying for a visa, a bank loan, or other official procedures. The following are the reasons that require attestation of your salary certificate in the UAE:
Verification of Authenticity:
An attestation is required to verify that the salary certificate is genuine and authentic. This adds official validation to the document when used for any financial purposes.
Legal Requirements:
Many UAE government bodies and institutions require attested documents for formal processes. It also includes your attested salary certificate that presents the authenticity of your employment for legal purposes.
International Use:
If you are going to submit the salary certificate outside the UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) attestation is required. This step ensures international recognition of the document’s legitimacy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your Salary Certificate Attested
The following is the step-by-step process for the attestation of your salary certificate:
- Obtain the Salary Certificate: First, you should obtain the salary certificate from your employer, ensuring it includes all the necessary details.
- Visit the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Second, you have to take the original certificate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or the relevant government office for attestation.
- Submit and Pay the Fees: Third, you should submit your certificate for attestation and pay any applicable fees. The attestation process typically takes a few days.
- Collect the Attested Certificate: Once the certificate is attested, it will be stamped, confirming its authenticity for use in official and legal matters.
UAE Labour Law and Your Right to Request a Salary Certificate
As per the Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationship, employees in the UAE can apply for a salary certificate from their employment company whenever it is required. Your employer is responsible for issuing your salary certificate within the specified timeframe upon the employee’s request.
Employees should be aware of their right to request such documents and should follow the proper channels for a smooth process. If your company does not issue your salary certificate, you can complain about this with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing a Salary Certificate
You should avoid the following common mistakes while preparing a salary certificate:
Inaccurate Salary Details: You have to check that all salary components are correctly mentioned. Any mistake may lead to delays in processing your salary certificate application.
Missing Employer’s Signature: It is mandatory that the employer sign the salary certificate. If this signature is missing, the certificate will lose its validity.
Incorrect Purpose Mentioned: The salary certificate must describe the correct purpose for which the certificate is being issued. If you put an incorrect purpose, it may cause issues if the certificate is submitted for official use.
How Can We Help You?
At Now Consultant, we understand the importance of a salary certificate for employees and employers in the UAE. We help you resolve the loopholes in the preparation of the salary certificate and simplify complexities, especially when it comes to attestation, legal requirements, and meeting official standards in the UAE.
Our experts help you at every step to get a properly formatted salary certificate. Whether you need it for a visa, bank, rental, or you are an employer unsure how to issue one, we make sure all details are correct, legal, and fully attested.
FAQs
Can My Employer Refuse To Issue a Salary Certificate In The UAE?
No, your employer cannot refuse to issue a salary certificate if you are currently employed in their company. Your employer is obliged to issue the salary certificate; if your employer still denies it, you can file a complaint with MOHRE.
Is There a Specific Validity Period For a Salary Certificate In The UAE?
A salary certificate is usually valid for 30 days from the date it is issued by your employer in the UAE. However, some banks or authorities may accept it for up to 90 days, depending on their policies.
Can a Salary Certificate Be Issued In Arabic Instead of English?
Yes, a salary certificate can be written in Arabic. If it needs to be submitted to a foreign body, it may require translation and legal attestation.
Is There a Fee For Requesting a Salary Certificate From My Company?
Most companies in the UAE provide salary certificates for free because there are no fees charged according to the UAE labour laws regarding the issuance of salary certificates in the UAE.
