Domestic workers in the UAE are governed by Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on Domestic Workers — not Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the standard UAE Labour Law).
The gratuity formula is 14 days of wages per year of service — compared to 21 days (first 5 years) and 30 days (after 5 years) under the standard law. Using the standard formula will significantly overestimate domestic worker gratuity. This calculator uses the correct 14-day formula.
| Factor | Domestic Workers (Law 10/2017) | Standard Employees (Law 33/2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 | Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 |
| Gratuity formula | 14 days per year of service | 21 days (yr 1–5) + 30 days (yr 5+) |
| Minimum service | 1 year | 1 year |
| Gratuity cap | 2 years wages (24 months) | 2 years basic salary (24 months) |
| Accommodation | Employer must provide (not counted for gratuity) | Optional allowance (excluded from gratuity) |
| Food & meals | Employer must provide (not counted for gratuity) | Optional food allowance (excluded) |
| Medical care | Employer must provide | Employer-provided health insurance required |
| Annual leave | 30 calendar days per year | 30 calendar days per year (after 1 yr) |
| Rest day | 1 day per week | 1 day per week minimum |
| Dispute resolution | MOHRE (with employer compliance unit) | MOHRE |
🏠 Domestic Workers Gratuity Calculator (14 days/year)
Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 · 14 days per year formula · MOHRE registered
Pre-filled with typical
Domestic salaries.
Adjust and click Calculate.
| Role | Monthly Wage (AED) | In-Kind Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Helper / Maid | 800 – 1,800 | Accommodation, food & medical provided by employer |
| Nanny / Babysitter | 1,200 – 2,500 | Accommodation & food usually included |
| Driver (private household) | 1,200 – 2,200 | May receive vehicle maintenance allowance |
| Cook / Chef (private household) | 1,500 – 2,800 | Accommodation & food provided |
| Gardener / Maintenance Worker | 1,200 – 2,000 | Accommodation usually provided |
Domestic worker rights under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017
The 2017 Domestic Workers Law provides domestic workers in the UAE with the following legal protections and entitlements:
Financial rights
- Wages paid monthly (or as agreed, but not less than monthly)
- End-of-service gratuity: 14 days per year after 1 year of service
- One month wages in lieu of notice if contract terminated early
- Return air ticket to home country on contract completion
- Compensation for unused annual leave days
Other entitlements
- 30 calendar days paid annual leave per year
- 1 rest day per week (Friday or another agreed day)
- 12 hours rest per day (minimum 8 consecutive hours)
- Accommodation, food, and medical care provided by employer
- Retention of own passport (employer cannot hold it)
How domestic workers can claim unpaid gratuity
If your employer fails to pay your end-of-service gratuity, you have several options under UAE law:
Contact MOHRE
File a complaint at mohre.gov.ae, via the MOHRE app, or by calling 800-60. MOHRE has a dedicated domestic workers unit.
Labour complaint & mediation
MOHRE will contact your employer and attempt mediation within 2 weeks. Many cases are resolved at this stage without court involvement.
Labour court referral
If mediation fails, MOHRE refers the case to a labour court. Domestic workers may access free legal aid through the MOHRE legal support unit.
Related calculators and guides
Full UAE Gratuity Calculator — standard employees
For private sector employees outside the domestic worker category — uses the standard 21/30 day formula.
Open Full Gratuity Calculator →