A UAE private-sector employer must give you an experience certificate, free of charge, if you ask for it when your contract ends. Article 13(11) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 says it must show your start date, end date, total service, job title or type of work, last wage and the reason the contract ended, and must not contain anything that harms your reputation or reduces your job prospects. If your employer refuses, ask in writing and then complain to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). MoHRE also offers its own "To Whom It May Concern" certificate for private-sector employees.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for employees of private-sector companies registered with MoHRE whose job has ended and who need proof of their employment for a new job, a visa, a licence or study. It follows Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (the Labour Law).
It does not cover domestic workers, government employees, or DIFC and ADGM employees, who have separate laws. The certificate is one item in a wider exit process; see our visa cancellation and final settlement checklist for the rest.
What must the certificate say?
Article 13(11) of the Labour Law, confirmed in MoHRE's guide for new employers, sets the content.
| Point | What the law requires |
|---|---|
| When | At the end of the employment contract |
| Trigger | Your request |
| Cost | Free of charge |
| Start date | The date you joined |
| End date | The date the work ended |
| Total service | Your whole period of service |
| Role | Your job title or the type of work you did |
| Pay | The last wage you received |
| Reason | Why the contract ended |
| Limit | Nothing that may harm your reputation or reduce your job opportunities |
Because Article 1 of the Labour Law defines "wage" as basic wage plus allowances and benefits in kind, the last wage shown would normally be your full wage, not only your basic salary. Our guide on basic and total salary explains the difference.
The law does not require a reference or a recommendation letter. It covers only the facts listed above.
Common questions about the certificate
Can the certificate say I was dismissed? The law requires the reason for ending the contract, but also bars anything that may harm your reputation or reduce your job prospects. If you think the wording goes beyond a neutral statement of the reason, ask in writing for factual wording and raise it with MoHRE if the employer refuses.
Can my employer charge a fee? No. Article 13(11) says the certificate is given free of charge.
Is there a deadline? The law sets no specific deadline for the certificate. Article 53 gives employers 14 days from the end of the contract to pay wages and other dues, but we found no official statement applying that period to the certificate. Ask for it together with your final settlement.
Can the employer hold it back until I sign something? Article 13(11) makes the certificate depend only on your request at the end of the contract. It sets no other condition.
Can I get one while I am still working? The legal duty applies when the contract ends. During employment, ask HR for a salary or employment letter under company practice.
Is there a penalty? The Labour Law sets a general fine of AED 5,000 to AED 1,000,000 for breaches that have no specific penalty (Article 63). Whether a fine is imposed is a matter for the authorities.
Other official proof of your employment
If the certificate is late or never arrives, other records can help:
- MoHRE "To Whom It May Concern" certificate. In March 2025 MoHRE announced that private-sector employees can request this certificate through its call centre on 600590000. The announcement does not describe its contents, so ask what it shows before you rely on it.
- Your MoHRE contract. MoHRE's "Know Your Rights" guide says you can review and get a copy of your employment contract through MoHRE's website or a Tawjeeh centre. Article 22(1) requires the wage to be set in the contract.
- Employer records. Article 13(1) requires the employer to keep each worker's file for at least two years after the service ends.
- Your own records. Article 8(2) lets a worker prove the contract and wage by any means of proof, such as payslips and bank statements showing salary credits.
Step by step
- Ask for it at the end of your contract. Include the request in your resignation email or in a reply to your termination letter.
- Put it in writing. For example: "Under Article 13(11) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, please issue my experience certificate, free of charge, showing my start date, end date, total service, job title, last wage and reason for leaving."
- Give a reasonable date. Ask for it with your final settlement and note the date you asked.
- Check the draft. Compare each detail with your contract and payslips.
- Ask for corrections in writing. If anything is wrong or goes beyond a neutral reason, say exactly what to change.
- Get free advice. MoHRE's Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre is on 80084.
- File a MoHRE complaint. Use the MoHRE website or app, with no fee. MoHRE's guidance refers to complaints within 30 days of the employer's breach.
- Request MoHRE's own certificate. Call 600590000 to ask for a "To Whom It May Concern" certificate as a fallback.
- Combine with other claims. If wages or dues are also unpaid, include them in the same complaint. See our guide on filing a labour complaint after resignation.
Documents checklist
- Your written request and proof it was sent
- Any reply from the employer, or a draft certificate
- Employment contract and offer letter
- Resignation or termination letter, with the last working day
- Latest payslips and bank statements
- Passport and Emirates ID
- MoHRE complaint reference number, if you file
Common mistakes
- Asking only verbally. A dated written request is your evidence if you complain.
- Paying a fee. The law says the certificate is free.
- Accepting damaging wording without comment. Ask for factual wording in writing before you leave.
- Waiting months. MoHRE's guidance refers to complaints within 30 days of the breach.
- Handing over your passport to get the certificate. Article 13(2) bars employers from keeping workers' official documents. See our guide on an employer holding your passport.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Most certificate problems are solved by a written request or a MoHRE complaint. Advice may help if the certificate states a reason for dismissal that you dispute, if the wording is damaging your job prospects, or if the refusal is part of a wider dispute over dues or an absence report. The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is my employer required to give an experience certificate in the UAE?
Yes, Article 13(11) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 requires it, on your request, when the contract ends.
What must a UAE experience certificate include?
Your start date, end date, total service, job title or type of work, last wage and the reason the contract ended.
Can my employer charge for an experience certificate?
No, the law says it is given free of charge.
What can I do if my employer refuses?
Ask in writing, then file a labour complaint with MoHRE through its website or app.
Can the certificate include negative comments?
The law bars anything that may harm your reputation or reduce your job opportunities.
Can MoHRE give me a certificate instead?
MoHRE has announced a "To Whom It May Concern" certificate for private-sector employees through its call centre on 600590000.
How long does my employer have to issue it?
The law sets no specific deadline, so ask with your final settlement and complain promptly if it does not come.
Official sources
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (official Arabic text)
- MoHRE — New Employers' Awareness Kit (PDF)
- MoHRE — 18 interactive and informational phone services (news, 6 March 2025)
- MoHRE — Register labour complaints (private sector employees)
- MoHRE — Dear Worker: Know Your Rights
- MoHRE — Dear Worker: Know Your Rights guide (PDF)
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.