Your employment has ended. You know your gratuity amount. But if you do not send a proper application letter, your payment can get delayed for weeks.
A gratuity application letter gives HR the details they need to pay you. It also creates written proof that you asked for your money. In this guide, you get six templates you can copy, edit, and send today. Need the letter fast? Use our Gratuity Application Letter Generator to create a ready-to-send letter for your case.
Resigned? Terminated? Waiting too long for payment? Filing a complaint with MOHRE? Choose the template that fits your case.
Before drafting your letter, calculate your gratuity first using our UAE ESOB calculator. For your unused annual leave, calculate that amount separately using leave encashment calculator.
What is a Gratuity Application Letter?
A gratuity application letter is a formal request submitted to your employer’s HR department to claim your end-of-service benefits after resigning or being terminated. It creates an official record of your request date. Without one, you have no proof you asked. Under Article 53 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, your employer has 14 days to pay from the end date of the contract term.
This letter serves three purposes:
| Purpose | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Creates official record | Proof you requested payment on a specific date |
| Gives HR all details needed | Speeds up processing |
| Helps if you escalate later | Written evidence for MOHRE complaint |
The 14-day payment deadline under Article 53 starts from your employment end date. It does not start from when you submit your letter. Your application creates evidence to help enforce this deadline.
For complete details on your rights and Protections, see our Labour Law Guide 2026.
How to Politely Ask for Gratuity in UAE?
To politely ask for gratuity, use professional language and thank your employer for the opportunity. Avoid demanding tones. Write “I kindly request” instead of “I demand.” A professional tone signals you are organised and serious. HR processes polite, well-structured requests faster. Keep emotions out of the letter, even if your experience was difficult.
Asking for money you earned should not feel awkward. This is your legal right. But a professional tone does matter.
| Instead of This | Say This |
|---|---|
| I demand my gratuity | I kindly request my gratuity settlement |
| Pay me immediately | I request processing at your earliest convenience |
| You owe me money | I am writing to claim my end-of-service benefits |
Phrases that work well:
- “I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunities during my tenure.”
- “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
- “I appreciate your prompt action on this request.”
Even if you had a difficult experience, keep the letter professional. You want your money processed quickly, not delayed by friction.
What is the Correct Format of Gratuity Application?
The correct format includes your name and contact details at the top, the company address, a clear subject line, and a formal greeting. The body states your employment details and bank information. Always include your employee ID, employment dates, last basic salary, and IBAN. Missing any of these forces HR to pause processing and contact you for clarification.
Standard format:
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[Date]
To,
Dear HR Team,
[Company Name]
Subject: Application for Gratuity Payment - [Name] - [Employee ID]
Dear Sir/Madam,
[Body - state request and employment details]
[Bank details for payment]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Subject Lines That Get Attention
Your subject line determines whether HR opens your email immediately or lets it sit. Use clear, specific subjects with your name and employee ID.
| Template Type | Subject Line |
|---|---|
| Resignation | Application for Gratuity Payment – [Your Name] – [Employee ID] |
| Termination | Gratuity Claim – Employment Termination – [Your Name] – [Employee ID] |
| Follow-up | Follow-Up: Gratuity Payment Pending – [Your Name] – [Employee ID] |
| Urgent follow-up | Overdue: Gratuity Payment (Article 53) – [Your Name] – [Employee ID] |
Avoid vague subjects like “Payment Request” or “Question about my salary.” Specific subject lines get processed faster.
How to Write a Gratuity Application Letter?
Gather your documents first: employment contract, last salary slip, and your IBAN. Choose the right template from the options below. Include your employee ID, employment dates, last basic salary, and bank IBAN. Submit by email for timestamped proof. Enable a read receipt. Track the 14-day payment deadline from your employment end date, not your submission date.
Gather Your Documents
Documents: Employment contract, resignation/termination letter, last salary slip, and bank IBAN.
Write Your Letter Using Templates Below
Choose the appropriate template based on your situation. Fill in your personal details and employment information.
Submit Via Email for Timestamped Proof
Email creates an automatic record of when you submitted your request. Send to your HR department and CC your direct manager.
Request Acknowledgment or Enable Read Receipt
Ask HR to confirm receipt in writing. If using Outlook or Gmail, enable read receipts to track when your email was opened.
Track the Deadline from Your Employment End Date
Employers must pay your final settlement within 14 days from the end date of the contract date. Mark this date and follow up if payment is delayed.
If you have not submitted your resignation yet, start with our resignation letter template for UAE employees before using the gratuity application letter after your employment ends.
What Documents Do You Need with Your Gratuity Application?
You need your resignation or termination letter, last three salary slips, Emirates ID copy, and a bank statement showing your IBAN. Some employers also require a signed clearance form before releasing payment. Collect these before submitting your letter. Keep copies of everything. Missing documents are the most common reason for processing delays.
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Resignation/Termination letter | Yes | Proves employment end date |
| Last 3 salary slips | Yes | Verifies basic salary |
| Emirates ID copy | Yes | Identity verification |
| Bank statement (first page) | Yes | Confirms IBAN |
| Employment contract | Recommended | Shows contract terms |
| Company clearance form | If required | Confirms no pending dues |
For domestic workers like housemaids or drivers, different documentation may apply. Check our domestic worker gratuity calculator for specific requirements.
For the general federal-law comparison of resignation versus termination outcomes, see our Termination vs Resignation guide.
What Information Does HR Need to Process Gratuity?
Include your full name, employee ID, joining and end dates, last basic salary, and bank IBAN. HR uses these details to locate your file and calculate your entitlement. Missing even one item forces HR to follow up, which adds days to your settlement timeline. Submitting a complete application once is faster than two incomplete attempts.
| Information | Why HR Needs It |
|---|---|
| Full name (as per contract) | Identity verification |
| Employee ID | Locates your HR file |
| Date of joining | Calculates service period |
| Employment end date | Calculates service period |
| Last basic salary | Gratuity calculation base |
| Bank name + IBAN | Direct deposit transfer |
| Phone number | Contact for queries |
| Payment confirmation |
Pro tip: Double-check your IBAN before submitting. An incorrect IBAN is one of the most common reasons for payment delays. UAE IBANs are 23 characters (start with ‘AE’ + 21 digits).
6 Ready-to-Use Gratuity Application Letter Templates
Copy these templates and replace bracketed text with your details.
Template 1 – After Resignation
Email Subject: Application for Gratuity Payment – [Name] – [Employee ID]
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Email]
[Date]
To,
Dear HR Team,
[Company Name]
Subject: Application for Gratuity Payment - [Name] - [Employee ID]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I kindly request settlement of my end-of-service gratuity. I worked at [Company] as [Designation] with Employee ID [ID].
Employment Details:
- Date of Joining: [Date]
- Employment End Date: [Date]
- Service Period: [X years, X months]
- Last Basic Salary: AED [Amount]
I have completed all exit formalities and returned all company assets. As per Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, I am entitled to gratuity payment.
Bank Details:
- Bank: [Bank Name]
- IBAN: [IBAN]
Under Article 53, payment is due within 14 days from employment end date.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 2 – After Termination
Email Subject: Gratuity Claim – Employment Termination – [Name] – [Employee ID]
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Email]
[Date]
To,
Dear HR Team,
[Company Name]
Subject: Gratuity Claim - Employment Termination - [Name] - [Employee ID]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I kindly request my gratuity payment following termination of my employment at [Company Name] effective [End Date].
Employment Details:
- Employee ID: [ID]
- Designation: [Position]
- Employment Period: [Start Date] to [End Date]
- Service Duration: [X years, X months]
- Last Basic Salary: AED [Amount]
I have returned all company property. As per Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, I am entitled to gratuity.
Bank Details:
- Bank: [Bank Name]
- IBAN: [IBAN]
Payment is due within 14 days from employment end date per Article 53.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Template 3 – Follow-Up When Payment is Delayed
Email Subject: Follow-Up: Gratuity Payment Pending – [Name] – [Employee ID]
Dear HR Team,
I am following up on my gratuity application submitted on [Original Application Date]. My employment at [Company Name] ended on [End Date].
Under Article 53 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, settlement is due within 14 days from the employment end date.
Reference Details:
- Employee ID: [ID]
- Service Period: [X years, X months]
- Last Basic Salary: AED [Amount]
Please provide an update on payment status and confirm the expected payment date.
If I don’t hear back by [date], I may need to raise this with MOHRE.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Email]
Template 4 – MOHRE Complaint
Use this when your employer ignores requests after the legal deadline has passed.
To,
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Labour Relations Department
Subject: Complaint for Non-Payment of Gratuity
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, [Full Name], Passport [Number], Emirates ID [Number], wish to file a complaint against my former employer for non-payment of gratuity.
Employer: [Company Name]
Employment Details:
- Employee ID: [ID]
- Designation: [Position]
- Employment Period: [Start Date] to [End Date]
- Service Duration: [X years, X months]
- Last Basic Salary: AED [Amount]
Timeline:
1. Employment ended: [Date]
2. Gratuity application submitted: [Date]
3. 14-day legal deadline passed: [Date]
4. Status: No payment received as of [Today's Date]
Attachments:
- Employment contract
- Resignation/Termination letter
- Recent salary slips
- Email correspondence with employer
- Details of Company (Address / license number)
I request MOHRE to intervene and ensure payment as per Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Phone: [Number]
Email: [Email]
You can file this complaint through the MOHRE Smart App or through mohre.gov.ae.
Template 5 – WhatsApp Quick Follow-Up
For informal follow-up with an HR contact you know personally.
Hi [HR Concerned Official Name],
This is [Your Name] (Employee ID: [ID]) from [Company Name].
I submitted my gratuity application on [Date] and wanted to check on the status. My employment ended on [End Date].
Could you let me know when I can expect the transfer? Or if anything is pending from my side?
Thank you!
[Your Name]
[Phone]
Important: WhatsApp messages do not create strong legal evidence. Always follow up with email if you need documentation for a potential MOHRE complaint.
Template 6 – Advance Gratuity Request During Employment
Advance gratuity is not a legal right under UAE law. It depends entirely on your company’s internal policy.
Email Subject: Request for Advance Against End-of-Service Benefits – [Name]
To,
The Finance Manager
[Company Name]
Subject: Request for Advance Against EOSB (Subject to Company Policy)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am requesting an advance of AED [Amount] against my accumulated end-of-service benefits due to [brief reason].
I have been employed at [Company Name] since [Joining Date], completing [X years] of continuous service. My current basic salary is AED [Amount].
I understand that:
- This request is subject to company policy and management approval
- Any approved amount will be deducted from my final settlement
- This is not a statutory entitlement under UAE labour law
Please let me know the approval process and required documentation.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Employee ID]
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When Should You Submit Your Application?
Submit your gratuity application on your last working day. Do not wait. The 14-day payment deadline starts from your employment end date, not from when you submit your letter. Early submission gives HR time to process your file. Late submission does not restart the deadline, but it makes delays harder to challenge with MOHRE.
| Situation | When to Submit |
|---|---|
| Resignation | On your last working day |
| Termination | Same day or next day |
| Contract completion | Last day of contract |
| Death of employee | Legal heir submits as soon as possible |
Best practice: Submit via email and CC your personal email as backup. This creates timestamped proof.
Do not wait until you leave UAE. Some employees delay and then face difficulties collecting from abroad.
Can a Family Member Claim Gratuity for a Deceased Employee?
Yes. UAE labour law requires employers to pay end-of-service gratuity to the legal heirs of an employee who passes away during service. The heir or nominee should contact the employer’s HR department directly.
The family member must submit:
- A copy of the employee’s death certificate
- Proof of identity and relationship (marriage certificate, family book, or court-appointed heir document)
- The employee’s Emirates ID and latest salary slip
- Bank account details of the heir
A different deadline applies on death. Article 15(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 gives the employer ten days. The clock starts at the date of death, or the date the employer learns of it. Wages, other entitlements, and gratuity are all covered. If the employer does not pay, heirs can file a MOHRE complaint on behalf of the deceased employee’s estate.
What If Your Employer Does Not Pay Within 14 Days?
If your employer does not pay within 14 days from your employment end date, you have two clear options. Send a follow-up email or file a MOHRE complaint immediately. You do not need to send multiple follow-ups before escalating. MOHRE will contact your employer and schedule a mediation meeting. Most cases resolve without going to court.
Option 1: Send a follow-up email (Template 3)
Give HR a chance to resolve administrative delays. Many payments get stuck due to paperwork backlogs.
Option 2: File MOHRE complaint (Template 4)
You can file a complaint as soon as the deadline passes.
What happens after filing:
- MOHRE contacts your employer
- Mediation meeting scheduled (usually within 2 weeks)
- Under amended Article 54, MOHRE can itself decide certain disputes, including claims not exceeding AED 50,000. Higher unresolved claims follow the court-referral route.
- Court can order payment
Most cases get resolved through MOHRE mediation without going to court. For the full process after a gratuity dispute starts, see our UAE gratuity appeal guide, including evidence, filing deadlines, the AED 50,000 threshold, and court escalation.
Why Is Your Gratuity Payment Delayed?
Most gratuity payment delays come from incomplete applications, wrong bank details, or pending clearance items. Fix these before you submit. A wrong IBAN or a missing document can hold your payment for weeks. Unresolved company loans are another common cause. Review the table below and address each item before sending your application.
| Reason | How to Prevent |
|---|---|
| Incomplete application | Include all details from HR checklist above |
| Wrong IBAN | Double-check format before submitting |
| Pending clearance | Return all company assets before applying |
| Outstanding loans | Clear any advances before last day |
| HR backlog | Submit early, follow up politely |
| Dispute over amount | Check your MOHRE contract against your offer letter first. See our CTC and gratuity guide for the full verification checklist. |
Unsure about your contract type? Review the differences between limited and unlimited contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about your settlement? Check our UAE Gratuity FAQs.
- Article 51 & 53, Federal Decree–Law No. 33 of 2021 — End-of-service benefits entitlement and settlement timing
- UAE Government Portal — Official end-of-service benefits explanation
- MOHRE Services — Filing complaints and inquiries
Claim Your UAE Gratuity Today
A proper gratuity application letter takes five minutes to write. It can save you weeks of payment delays. Use the templates above and submit on your last working day. Keep proof of submission.
If payment is delayed past the legal deadline, send a follow-up. Still unpaid? File with MOHRE. UAE labour law protects your end-of-service benefit. Now you have the tools to claim it.
