UAE Salary Certificate Format in 2026 [Template Included]

A salary certificate is a formal document issued by an employer to confirm an employee’s job status and income. In the UAE, it is commonly requested by banks, landlords, embassies, and government authorities as proof of employment and salary.

This guide explains when you need a salary certificate, what it must include, current attestation requirements in 2026, and provides a clear sample format you can use.

• Purpose and when you need a salary certificate
• Legal compliance and attestation requirements
• Standard components of a UAE salary certificate
• Sample salary certificate template
• Best practices and tips
• Attestation process overview
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

Purpose and when you need a salary certificate

A salary certificate serves as official verification of employment details and monthly income. It is typically required for the following purposes:

• Bank applications, including loans and credit cards
• Visa applications and family sponsorships
• Rent agreements and tenancy contracts
• Embassy or consulate submissions for overseas documentation
• Government services or official authority requests

Because it is used for verification rather than payroll, a salary certificate must be accurate, up to date, and issued by the employer.

Legal compliance and attestation requirements

Depending on where and how the certificate will be used, additional legal attestation may be required.

Key compliance points include:

• Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is required for use outside the UAE
• If the declared salary is above AED 10,000, a Chamber of Commerce stamp is often required
• If the salary is below AED 10,000, an IVS Global affidavit may be accepted for certain purposes
• Physical or digital signatures, along with the company seal, are mandatory

As of 2026, salary certificates digitally signed using UAE PASS or authorised corporate digital signature systems are legally recognised and widely accepted in the UAE. Some overseas authorities may still require physical stamping.

Always confirm attestation requirements with the requesting authority before submitting the document.

Standard components of a UAE salary certificate

A valid salary certificate follows a structured format and includes information about both the employer and the employee.

Employer information

The employer section should clearly identify the issuing company.

It must include:

• Company name and address
• Contact details
• Trade licence or registration number
• Official letterhead, logo, and company stamp

Employee information

Employee details must match the information on official identification documents.

Required information includes:

• Full name (as per passport or Emirates ID)
• Nationality
• Passport number and/or Emirates ID number
• Employee ID or number (if applicable)
• Job title or designation and department
• Date of joining
• Contract type (permanent or contractual)

Salary breakdown

Salary details should be itemised clearly and consistently.

Sample salary certificate template

Below is a standard format commonly accepted in the UAE.

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Employee Name], holding Passport No. [Passport Number] and Emirates ID [Emirates ID Number], is employed with [Company Name] (Licence No. [Licence Number]) as [Designation] in the [Department] since [Date of Joining]. The employment contract is [Permanent / Contractual].

This certificate is issued upon the employee’s request for [state purpose, e.g., bank loan, visa, rent agreement]. The information stated above is true and correct to the best of our knowledge and is subject to change without prior notice.

Authorised signatory:
[Name]
[Position]

Company stamp and signature

Contact details: [Phone number / Email]

Best practices and tips

To avoid rejection or delays, keep the following best practices in mind:

• Always issue the certificate on the official company letterhead.
• Include the trade licence or registration number.
• Ensure the issue date is current (usually accepted for up to three months).
• Address the certificate to a specific authority where possible.
• Double-check salary figures and allowance breakdowns.
• Confirm whether the contract type or benefits must be mentioned.
• Keep both digital and physical copies with clear stamps and signatures.

For private-sector employees, some banks may also request an MOHRE employment contract, in addition to the salary certificate, as an additional verification measure.

Attestation process overview

The attestation process typically follows these steps:

1. The employer issues and signs the salary certificate
2. Chamber of Commerce attestation, if required
3. MOFA attestation for legal or overseas use
4. Embassy or consulate attestation, if required by the destination country

As a general guideline:

• Salaries below AED 10,000 may require an IVS Global affidavit
• Salaries above AED 10,000 usually require Chamber of Commerce and MOFA attestation

As of 2026, MOFA attestation fees for most individual documents range from AED 150 to AED 200 and can be completed via the MOFA digital portal or mobile app, including courier collection and delivery.

Key takeaways

A UAE salary certificate must include accurate employer and employee details, as well as a clear salary breakdown. It differs from a payslip and is used solely for verification purposes. Attestation requirements depend on salary amount and intended use, especially for overseas applications. 

Using official letterhead, authorised signatures (physical or digital), and proper stamping helps ensure acceptance. Most authorities accept certificates issued within the last 3 months, unless otherwise stated.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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