UAE retirement age: Can private sector employees work after 60?

Dubai: Reaching the age of 60 but want to continue working in the UAE? The UAE Labour Law allows private sector employees to continue working beyond this age, provided the necessary requirements are met. Is there an age of retirement in the UAE? While there is a minimum age of 18 for issuing a standard work permit by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), there is no maximum age limit mentioned, according to Jihene Arfaoui, a Dubai-based legal advisor. “Pursuant to Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 [UAE Labour Law] and its Executive Regulations issued under Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, the UAE private sector is not subject to a mandatory retirement age,” she said. “Accordingly, reaching the age of 60 does not, in itself, constitute a lawful ground for terminating an employment relationship. Any termination must instead comply with the grounds and procedures prescribed under the Labour Law, irrespective of the employee’s age,” she added. Jihene Arfaoui Dubai-based legal advisor This approach allows UAE employers to retain experienced professionals based on business needs, competence and the employee’s continued ability to perform their roles, according to Jihene. “The approach reflects the UAE’s broader policy of fostering a competitive labour market that values expertise, productivity and knowledge transfer, rather than relying solely on age as a determining factor in employment,” she said. MOHRE work permit If you do wish to continue working in the UAE private sector past the age of 60, you will need a work permit issued by MOHRE. “Employees may continue working beyond the age of 60, subject to compliance with the applicable work permit requirements administered by MOHRE, including the relevant regulatory procedures and prescribed government fees,” Jihene said. Conditions and requirements for issuing a work permit While the work permit application is the responsibility of the employer, there are certain conditions and requirements set out by MOHRE that need to be met in order for the work permit to be issued. Some of the conditions, that are applicable on the employee are as follows: The employee must be 18 years of age or older. An employee in a specialised profession or any other profession that requires a licence must meet the requirements stipulated in the applicable legislation. It is essential that the occupation of the proposed employee is compatible with the activities of the establishment. This permit is granted only once, with the option to reapply when the permit expires. All skill levels and professions are eligible to apply for the work permit, according to the terms of service. Retiring in the UAE If you do plan to retire from your job in the UAE’s private sector, you will be eligible for the end-of-service benefits in accordance with the UAE Labour Law. This includes receiving your gratuity in full, or if you have subscribed to an alternative end-of-service benefits scheme , which was launched by MOHRE and the UAE’s the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in 2023. You can also continue living in the UAE after retiring, by applying for the retirement visa, which can be applied for by an individual over the age of 55, as long as they have 15 years of proven work experience and meet the minimum eligibility requirements. To know more, click here .