A Salary Certificate in the UAE is a key document often required for financial and legal purposes. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about a salary certificate in the UAE. This includes what it is, why you need it, how to obtain one, and the steps to get it attested for official purposes.
We’ve also included an example salary certificate to give you a clear idea of its format and key components. By understanding the role and requirements of this vital document, you’ll be well-prepared for any financial or legal need in the Emirates.
What is a Salary Certificate in the UAE?
A Salary Certificate in the UAE is an official document issued by an employer that confirms an employee’s salary details and employment status. This certificate is often required for various official purposes, such as applying for a loan, obtaining a credit card, or renting a property. A salary certificate offers confirmation to banks, landlords, and government authorities regarding an individual’s financial stability.
Key Details in a Salary Certificate:
- Employee’s full name
- Job title and designation
- Company name and address
- Monthly salary breakdown, including basic pay and allowances
- Date of employment commencement
- Employee Identification Number and Company Trade License Number, as these may be required by financial institutions or government bodies.
- Currency in which the salary is paid, crucial for international transactions or loans in foreign currencies.
- Authorisation and signature from the employer, typically with the company stamp
When Do You Need a Salary Certificate in the UAE?
A Salary Certificate is a crucial document in the UAE for various formal and financial transactions. It serves as proof of income and employment, enabling individuals to meet specific requirements set by organisations or authorities. Here are some common scenarios where you may need a salary certificate:
1. Loan Applications
Banks and financial institutions require a salary certificate to verify your income and assess your eligibility for personal loans, car loans, or mortgages.
2. Credit Card Approval
Credit card providers often request a salary certificate to confirm your income meets their minimum requirements.
3. Renting a Property
Landlords and real estate agents may require a salary certificate to ensure you can afford the rent and meet contractual obligations.
4. Visa Applications and Sponsorship
When sponsoring family members or applying for specific types of visas, authorities may require a salary certificate to validate your financial capacity. This is particularly important for demonstrating that you can support the person you are sponsoring in the UAE.
5. Opening a Bank Account
Some banks may request a salary certificate, particularly for opening salary-transfer accounts.
6. Legal Situations and Family Court
In legal matters such as family court proceedings, a salary certificate may be requested to demonstrate your ability to support dependents.
7. Tax Purposes
If you need to provide evidence of income for tax authorities abroad, a salary certificate can serve as an official document.
8. Government Transactions
Certain government-related services, such as utility registrations or clearance procedures, might require a salary certificate to validate your employment and income.
By presenting a salary certificate, you demonstrate your financial reliability, making it a vital document for navigating both personal and professional matters in the UAE. If you use a salary certificate outside the UAE, you might need extra validation from authorities like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) to prove it’s legitimate.
How Do You Get a Salary Certificate in the UAE?
Obtaining a Salary Certificate in the UAE is a straightforward process, as it is typically provided by your employer upon request. Here’s how you can get one:
1. Contact Your HR Department
Reach out to your company’s Human Resources (HR) or administration department. They are usually responsible for issuing salary certificates.
2. Specify the Purpose
Clearly state why you need the certificate, as the format and details may vary depending on the requirement (e.g., for a bank loan, visa application, or rental agreement). Mention if specific details such as the employee identification number or the company trade license number are needed.
3. Provide Necessary Information
Share any required details, such as:
- The name of the recipient organisation (e.g., bank, landlord, government authority).
- The specific purpose (e.g., loan application, visa sponsorship).
- Any additional information requested by the recipient, like salary breakdown or employment duration.
4. Request Attestation (if needed)
For certain purposes, the salary certificate may need to be attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) or the Consulate General of your home country. Confirm with the requesting organisation whether this is necessary.
5. Allow Time for Processing
Employers typically require 1–3 business days to issue a salary certificate, though this may vary depending on company policies.
6. Review the Certificate
Once issued, check the certificate for accuracy, ensuring it includes all required details such as your name, job title, monthly salary, and employment duration.
When Do You Need to Get Your Salary Certificate Attested in the UAE?
Attestation of a Salary Certificate in the UAE may be required in certain situations to ensure the document is officially recognised by government bodies, banks, or other institutions. This process validates the authenticity of the document and its contents. Here are the scenarios where attestation might be necessary:
1. Visa Applications and Sponsorships
When sponsoring a family member or applying for certain types of visas, authorities may require an attested salary certificate to confirm your financial capacity and employment status.
2. Government Transactions
Some government-related services, such as obtaining permits, registering a business, or accessing public benefits, may require an attested salary certificate as part of the application process.
3. Overseas Use
If you need to use your salary certificate outside the UAE, it may require attestation from the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) and the consulate or embassy of the destination country.
4. Legal Matters
For legal cases such as family court proceedings or financial disputes, an attested salary certificate may be necessary to prove your income and employment details.
5. Financial and Banking Requirements
Some banks and financial institutions may request an attested salary certificate, particularly for loans, mortgages, or other financial products with stringent requirements.
6. Educational Purposes
Certain schools or universities may require an attested salary certificate as part of their admission process or to verify financial sponsorship arrangements.
Income-Based Attestation Requirements
The process and additional steps for attestation can vary depending on your income level:
For Incomes Below AED 10,000 (USD 2,723):
- An affidavit from IVS Global is required to validate your income and employment details.
- Additional documents, such as your labour contract or recent bank statements, may also be requested, especially if the attestation is for use in India.
For Incomes Above AED 10,000:
- A stamp from the Chamber of Commerce may be needed alongside the IVS Global affidavit to verify your financial standing and employment.
By tailoring the attestation process to income levels, these requirements ensure that the document aligns with the specific criteria of the requesting authority.
How to Attest a Salary Certificate in the UAE
1. Request the Salary Certificate from Your Employer
- Contact your HR or administration department and formally request a salary certificate.
- Provide the purpose of the attestation (e.g., visa application, overseas use) to ensure the document includes all necessary details such as your name, job title and designation, monthly salary breakdown, date of joining the company, employers name, address and official stamp.
- Confirm that the certificate is addressed correctly to the relevant institution or authority.
2. Check for Pre-Attestation Requirements
Before submitting your salary certificate to MOFAIC, ensure it is pre-attested by relevant local authorities, such as the municipality or labour department if required.
3. Register and Log in to MOFAIC Online Services
- Visit the MOFAIC eServices portal: www.mofaic.gov.ae or download the UAE MOFA app.
- Create an account if you’re a new user or log in using your UAE Pass or existing credentials.
4. Navigate to the Appropriate Service
- For individuals: Select Services for Individuals and choose Attestation of Official Documents, Certificates.
- For businesses: Choose Business Services under the appropriate section.
5. Select the Document Type and Issuance Details
- Specify Salary Certificate as the document type.
- Enter the place of issuance and ensure all pre-attestation stamps from relevant authorities are in place.
6. Courier or Digital Certificate Option
- Courier Service: Arrange for your documents to be picked up and delivered after attestation.
- Customer Happiness Centres: For in-person assistance, visit a MOFAIC Customer Happiness Centre near you. No prior appointment is needed for this option.
- Digital Certificate (e-Stamp): Opt for the document to be digitally attested and made available for download through the MOFAIC portal or app. This eliminates the need for physical copies in many cases.
7. Upload and Submit Documents
- Scan and upload the salary certificate and any required supporting documents.
- Ensure all details are accurate and complete.
8. Pay the Attestation Fees
- Fees typically range from AED 150–200, with an additional AED 6.06 for E-dirham transactions.
- Payment can be made directly through the MOFAIC platform or at the Customer Happiness Centre for in-person submissions using credit or debit cards.
9. Track and Collect Your Document
- For digital certificates: Log in to your MOFAIC account or app to download the attested document with the official e-stamp.
- For physical copies via courier: The courier service will deliver the attested document to your specified location.
- For in-person collection: Collect the attested document directly from the Customer Happiness Centre where you submitted it.
Fees for Attestation Services
Here’s a breakdown of the fees associated with salary certificate attestation in the UAE:
- IVS Global Affidavit: AED 30 (USD 8.16)
- IVS Global Attestation Service: AED 54 (USD 14.70)
- Courier Service for Affidavit: AED 50 (USD 13.60)
- Chamber of Commerce Stamping: Free of charge
If you are residing outside the UAE, local UAE embassies can assist with the attestation process. Additionally, you can authorise a representative to handle the submission on your behalf. Registered typing centres in the UAE also offer attestation services for a nominal fee, providing an alternative option for document preparation and submission.
Additional Attestation for International Use
If you plan to use your salary certificate outside the UAE, further attestation by the destination country’s authorities may be required. Here’s what to do:
1. Visit the Embassy or Consulate
Take your MOFAIC-attested salary certificate to the embassy or consulate of the destination country located in the UAE.
2. Submit the Document
Provide the MOFAIC-attested document along with any additional forms or requirements specified by the consulate.
3. Pay the Fees
Be prepared to pay additional fees for the consulate’s attestation services.
4. Follow Specific Requirements
Each country may have unique requirements for document attestation, so confirm the exact process in advance (e.g., translation of documents, additional notarisation).
By completing this step, your salary certificate will be officially recognised in the destination country for legal or official purposes.
Example Salary Certificate in the UAE
[Company Letterhead with Logo]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, UAE]
[Contact Information]
[Date]
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
This is to certify that [Employee Full Name], holder of Emirates ID number [Emirates ID Number], is currently employed with [Company Name] as a [Designation/Job Title]. The details of their employment and salary are as follows:
- Employee Name: [Full Name]
- Employee ID (if applicable): [Employee ID Number]
- Designation: [Job Title]
- Date of Joining: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Monthly Salary Breakdown:
- Basic Salary: AED [Amount]
- Housing Allowance: AED [Amount]
- Transportation Allowance: AED [Amount]
- Other Allowances: AED [Amount]
- Total Monthly Salary: AED [Total Amount]
This certificate is issued upon the employee’s request for [specific purpose, e.g., loan application, visa sponsorship, etc.].
Should you require further information, please feel free to contact us at [Contact Number/Email Address].
Yours sincerely,
[Authorised Signatory’s Name]
[Designation of the Authorised Signatory]
[Company Name]
Company Stamp
Request Your Salary Certificate in the UAE Today
A salary certificate in the UAE is an indispensable document for financial and legal processes, and it acts as proof of your income and employment status. Whether you’re applying for a loan, sponsoring a visa, or meeting government requirements, understanding how to obtain, attest, and use this certificate is essential. By following this guide, you can navigate the steps with ease, from requesting the document to ensuring its validity for local and international purposes.
With the inclusion of a detailed step-by-step process, attestation options, and an example salary certificate, you’re equipped with everything you need to handle this critical document efficiently. Keep this information handy to ensure your salary certificate meets all necessary requirements for your financial and legal needs in the UAE and beyond.
FAQ’s
What is a Salary Certificate Used For in the UAE?
A salary certificate is required for various purposes, including applying for loans, credit cards, renting a property, visa sponsorships, legal proceedings, and more. It provides confirmation of your income and employment status to banks, landlords, government authorities, and other institutions.
Do I Need to Get My Salary Certificate Attested in the UAE?
In some situations, authentication is necessary. Institutions or authorities may require your Salary Certificate to be attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) or the Consulate General of your home country. This ensures that the certificate is valid and meets official requirements for use in the UAE.
How Do I Get My Salary Certificate Attested in the UAE?
You can get your salary certificate attested through the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) via their online platform, mobile app, or Customer Happiness Centres. Ensure the document is pre-attested by local authorities (if required) before submission.
Can I Get a Digital Attestation For My Salary Certificate?
Yes, MOFAIC offers digital attestation services. Once your salary certificate is processed, you can download the attested document with an official e-stamp directly from the MOFAIC portal or app.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Salary Certificate Attested?
The processing time typically ranges from 1–3 business days. For urgent requirements, express services may be available for faster processing.
Can You Customise a Salary Certificate in the UAE?
Yes, a Salary Certificate UAE can be tailored to meet the needs of the requesting entity. This might involve including specific details, formatting it according to official standards, or translating it into another language. Your employer is responsible for providing an accurate and comprehensive salary certificate that meets these requirements.
Are There Additional Steps for Using a Salary Certificate Abroad?
Yes, if your salary certificate is intended for international use, it must first be attested by MOFAIC and then by the embassy or consulate of the destination country. You may also need to comply with specific requirements like document translation or additional notarisation.
What’s the Difference Between a Salary Certificate and a Salary Letter?
A salary certificate is a formal document issued by an employer that verifies an employee’s current salary and employment details. It is usually stamped or signed by someone in authority within the company and is often used for official purposes like loan applications or visa requests. A salary letter, on the other hand, is a less formal document that outlines an employee’s salary information, typically provided upon request by the employee. It might include details about the employee’s role, salary, and other compensation benefits but doesn’t always carry the same level of formal attestation as a salary certificate.
