Sample Gratuity Claim / Demand Letter (UAE): 2 Templates For Request and Follow up
You don’t need any technical knowledge to apply for gratuity in the UAE, it’s a statutory payment your employer owes automatically within 14 days of your last working day. But a written letter creates a documented record of your request, which matters if payment is delayed and you need to escalate to MOHRE. Below are two templates: a polite initial request, and a firmer follow-up once the deadline has passed.
When You Need Gratuity Demand Letter
Under Article 53 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, gratuity is due automatically within 14 days of your last working day, without you needing to formally request it. So why write a letter at all? Two reasons. First, it puts your request on record with a clear date, which is useful evidence if you later need to file a MOHRE complaint. Second, in practice, a written reminder often speeds up an HR department that’s simply behind on processing, before things need to become adversarial at all.
Before You Write
Gather these details so your letter is specific rather than vague:
- Your full name, employee ID, and labour card or work permit number
- Your joining date and last working day
- Your basic salary (the figure gratuity is actually calculated on)
- Your own estimate of the gratuity amount owed, so the letter states a specific figure rather than an open-ended request
- A bank account or IBAN for payment, if not already on file
Template 1: Initial Request Letter
Use this version first, whether you’re writing on your last working day or shortly after, before any deadline has been missed.
To: The HR Manager, [Company Name]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Subject: Request for End-of-Service Gratuity Payment
Dear [HR Manager’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], employee ID [Your Employee ID]. I worked with [Company Name] as [Your Job Title] from [Joining Date] to [Last Working Day].
I’m writing to formally request the processing of my end-of-service gratuity and final settlement, in line with Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Based on my basic salary of AED [Amount] and [X] years of service, I estimate my gratuity entitlement at approximately AED [Your Estimate].
I’d appreciate confirmation of the payment timeline and a written breakdown of the final settlement, including gratuity, any unused leave encashment, and any other amounts due. Please transfer the payment to my registered account [Account Number / IBAN] within the 14-day period required under Article 53.
Thank you for your assistance in processing this promptly.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature]
[Contact Number]
Template 2: Formal Follow-Up After the Deadline
Use this firmer version if the 14-day deadline under Article 53 has already passed without payment. It states your intent to escalate, which is often what actually prompts a response.
To: The HR Manager, [Company Name]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Subject: Formal Demand for Overdue End-of-Service Gratuity Payment
Dear [HR Manager’s Name],
I previously requested payment of my end-of-service gratuity on [Date of First Letter]. My last working day was [Last Working Day], which means the 14-day payment deadline under Article 53 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 expired on [Deadline Date]. As of today, I have not received this payment.
I’m writing to formally request immediate settlement of my outstanding gratuity, calculated as follows:
- Basic salary: AED [Amount]
- Years of service: [X]
- Estimated gratuity due: AED [Your Estimate]
Please note that if this matter isn’t resolved within [X] days, I intend to file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) regarding this delay.
I’d appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and a written confirmation of the payment date.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature]
[Contact Number]
What You Need to Attach in Letter When You Claim Gratuity
Whichever version you send, attach copies of your employment contract, your labour card or work permit details, your last few payslips showing your basic salary, and, if applicable, your resignation letter or termination notice. Keeping a dated copy of whichever letter you send, and proof it was delivered, whether by email or hand, is useful if you do need to file a MOHRE complaint later.
FAQs
No. A letter isn’t a legal prerequisite to filing with MOHRE, but it’s good practice, since it documents that you gave your employer a chance to resolve things directly, and it strengthens your paper trail if the case does escalate.
Either works, but email is usually easier to prove and timestamp later. If you do hand-deliver a printed copy, ask HR to sign or stamp a copy for your own records as proof of delivery.
This page provides a general template and is not legal advice. Adjust the wording to fit your specific situation, and consult MOHRE or a licensed UAE labour lawyer if your case is complex or involves a significant amount.
If your employer still doesn’t pay after sending this letter, see our full guide on what to do if your employer won’t pay your gratuity, including the MOHRE complaint process and contact details. To check your own gratuity estimate first, use the UAE gratuity calculator on the homepage.
