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How to resign in the UAE: letter, notice period and last day

Resign by email and with a signed letter, and ask HR to confirm receipt in writing: your notice period only starts when your resignation is received. Your last working day is that date plus your notice period. In the same message, ask for a settlement estimate and the date your visa will be cancelled.

When
Your notice period + 10 days before your flight
Time
1 hour
Cost
Free

Official source: u.aeAlso: MOHRE

Have ready

  • Resignation letter
  • Passport and Emirates ID copies for HR

How to do it

  1. Send your resignation by email and hand in a signed, dated letter. Ask HR to confirm receipt in writing. Your employer does not need to accept it for the notice to start.
  2. Agree your last working day: the date your resignation is received plus your notice period, counted in calendar days. You are paid your normal wage until then.
  3. Ask HR for a written estimate of your final settlement: salary to the last day, unused leave, gratuity and any ticket.
  4. Ask when they will cancel your work permit and visa, and tell them the date you want it done (see “Pick your visa cancellation date”).
  5. Request an experience (service) certificate. Your employer must give you one free of charge when your contract ends.
  6. Ask what clearances HR needs from you (bank no-liability letter, company assets, credit card).

Watch out

  • You can take annual leave during your notice only if your employer agrees. Get that in writing. Days you do not take are paid in your final settlement.
  • Some employers ask for a bank no-liability letter before final settlement. Banks can take weeks to issue one after a credit card is closed, so start that task now.
Copy-ready messagePaste it, fill the brackets, send
Subject: Resignation – [Your name]

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [job title] at [company]. In line with the [30/60/90]-day notice period in my contract, my last working day will be [date].

Could you please confirm receipt, and share in writing:
– an estimate of my final settlement (salary to my last day, unused annual leave and end-of-service gratuity);
– the planned date for cancelling my work permit and residence visa;
– an experience certificate.

I will make sure my work is handed over properly before I leave.

Kind regards,
[Your name]
[Employee ID]
Short on time?What to do if you’re starting late

If your departure is closer than your notice period, propose a handover plan and ask for an early release in writing.

Questions people ask

When does my notice period start?

When your employer receives your resignation in writing. They don’t need to accept it. Send it by email and hand in a signed, dated letter so the date is on record.

Can I use annual leave during my notice period?

Only if your employer agrees, so ask HR in writing. Annual leave you don’t take is paid out in your final settlement.

What should I ask HR for when I resign?

A written estimate of your final settlement, the planned date for cancelling your work permit and visa, an experience certificate, and the list of clearances they need from you.

Sources

Official: UAE government portal: ending an employment contract and notice periods · MOHRE: cancellation of work permits and employment contracts

Also checked against: Mondaq: resignation in the UAE · Gulf News: notice period rules (Article 43)

Outro is an independent guide, not a government service or legal advice. If an official page says something different, follow it and .