Pensions and social security for UAE citizens: how it works

What UAE nationals should know

1. 1

   Register and contribute — it's mandatory

   Registration of UAE nationals working in the government and private sectors, together with contributions to their pension, is mandatory under the provisions of Federal Law No. 7 of 1999 on pensions and social security, as amended. Making your contributions every month and on time is what unlocks the benefits later.

   Documents:Emirates IDEmployment contract
2. 2

   Understand what contributions buy you

   Monthly and timely contributions result in pension and retirement benefits, an end-of-service gratuity, and compensation in the case of a work-related disability or death. Keeping your record current protects both you and your family.

3. 3

   Check your eligibility for a pension

   An Emirati national is entitled to a pension if, as an insured person, he or she reaches the retirement age of 60 years and completes an insured service period of 15 years. Ask your employer or the pension authority to confirm how your service period is counted.

   Documents:Service record
4. 4

   Know the early retirement route

   An Emirati national may be eligible for an early retirement pension if an insured man reaches 55 years and completes 20 years of insured service, or an insured woman reaches 50 years and completes 20 years of insured service. Conditions apply, so confirm your standing before you plan around it.

5. 5

   Find out which law applies to you

   The new Federal Decree Law applies to Emirati employees who join the labour market for the first time on or after 31 October 2023 in organisations participating in the GPSSA's pension scheme. Employees registered before that date continue to be covered by the provisions of Federal Law No. 7 of 1999 on Pension and Social Security. Your first registration date decides which set of rules governs your case.

6. 6

   Note the Dubai government rules

   H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Decree No. 21 of 7A approving the retirement and pension procedures applicable to Dubai government employees. If you work for the Dubai government, this is the framework that shapes your retirement path.

7. 7

   Confirm the current figures at the source

   Contribution rates, exact amounts and processing timeframes are set by the authority and can change. Before you make any decision, verify the current numbers directly on the authority's website rather than relying on older summaries.

Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.

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