Minimum Salary in UAE: Unlike many countries, the UAE does not have a unified national minimum wage for all workers. However, minimum salary benchmarks exist by profession, visa category, and residency type. As an employer, knowing the minimum salary in UAE is crucial for
Complying with labor laws
Issuing valid work and residency visas
Avoiding fines or visa rejections
Retaining and protecting your workforce
Let’s break down what you need to know about minimum salary requirements in 2025.
Minimum Salary in UAE What Employers Must Know (2025 Update)
Is There a Minimum Salary in UAE?
Minimum Salary in UAE: As of 2025, there is no official minimum wage for all private sector workers across the UAE. However, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) requires employers to pay salaries that:
Match the worker’s job title and qualification
Are sufficient to support their visa sponsorship
Align with WPS (Wage Protection System) compliance
Additionally, immigration, bank loan, and family visa rules impose minimum income thresholds, which employers must be aware of.
Minimum Salary in UAE by Worker Category (2025)
| Worker Type | Minimum Recommended Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Unskilled Laborer/Helper | AED 1,200 – AED 1,500 |
| Housekeeping Staff/Cleaners | AED 1,200 – AED 1,600 |
| Security Guards | AED 1,500 – AED 2,000 |
| Delivery Riders (Own visa) | AED 2,000 + per delivery pay |
| Light Vehicle Drivers | AED 2,000 – AED 3,000 |
| Office Clerks/Admins | AED 2,500 – AED 4,000 |
| Engineers/Professionals | AED 5,000 – AED 10,000 |
| Managers/Executives | AED 7,000 – AED 25,000+ |
💡 These are market averages, not legally fixed wages. Use them for hiring, salary letters, and visa applications.
MOHRE Salary Classification (Visa Purposes)
Minimum Salary in UAE: The UAE uses a job classification system based on academic qualification.
| Education Level | MORE Job Category | Minimum Salary for Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Category 1 | AED 12,000 |
| Diploma | Category 2 | AED 7,000 |
| High school | Category 3 | AED 5,000 |
If the declared salary is below this threshold, the work permit application may be rejected or require justification.
Minimum Salary in UAE for Family Visa Sponsorship
Minimum Salary in UAE: Employees planning to sponsor family members must meet these income thresholds in 2025:
| Sponsorship Type | Minimum Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Children | AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + housing |
| Parents | AED 20,000 or special approval |
| Maid/Domestic Help | AED 25,000 + housing |
As an employer, you should inform staff of these thresholds when issuing salary certificates for visa use.
Minimum Salary for Renting & Loans
Minimum Salary in UAE: Banks and landlords often enforce minimum salary rules.
| Purpose | Minimum Salary |
|---|---|
| Bank account with cheque book | AED 5,000 |
| Credit card eligibility | AED 5,000 – AED 8,000 |
| Flat rental in Dubai | AED 3,500 – AED 5,000 minimum |
| Car loan | AED 7,000 – AED 10,000 |
| Personal loan | AED 8,000+ |
💡 Employees requesting salary certificates from your company should have accurate, WPS-matching salaries on record.
Legal Risks of Underpaying Workers
Minimum Salary in UAE: Paying workers below market standard or delaying payments can result in
MORE complaints and fines
Labour ban or suspension from hiring
Visa rejection during renewal
WPS non-compliance status
Cancellation of company quotas
Mahad HRC UAE recommends documenting all salary payments and ensuring transparency with staff.
How Mahad HRC Helps with Salary Compliance
Minimum Salary in UAE: We assist UAE employers with:
Salary benchmarking by industry
HR policy setup (minimum pay per grade)
Legal salary structuring (basic + allowance)
Salary certificate and offer letter formatting
WPS file preparation and compliance
Visa documentation support
Whether you employ 10 or 1,000 workers, we help you stay legal, fair, and efficient.
Employer Tips: Setting Fair Salaries in 2025
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Base salaries on worker skill level & qualification | Retains talent |
| Always include housing & transport allowances | Enhances offer |
| Offer OT or commission where relevant | Boosts motivation |
| Ensure WPS match with offer letter | Avoids MORE issues |
| Update salary letters yearly | Useful for visa and banking |
FAQ: Minimum Salary in UAE
Is there a minimum salary law for private workers?
Answer: No, but minimum thresholds apply for visa, WPS, and bank purposes.
Can a company pay AED 1,000 to a cleaner?
Answer: Technically yes, but it may lead to visa rejection, worker disputes, or legal penalties.
What happens if salary is delayed or unpaid?
Answer: MOHRE can fine the company, block new visas, or cancel the establishment card.
Sample Salary Structure for a Light Driver (2025)
Minimum Salary in UAE:
| Component | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 1,500 |
| Housing Allowance | 500 |
| Transport Allowance | 500 |
| Mobile Allowance | 100 |
| Total | 2,600 |
Ensure this matches the employment contract and WPS report.