27 September 2026
Quick answer
For end of service settlement letter translation in the uae, accuracy depends on consistency across the complete business file. Company names, legal form, licence or registration numbers, parties, monetary figures, dates, defined terms and signing capacities should match related corporate records. Translation does not replace attestation, notarisation, approval or filing where a separate UAE procedure requires those steps.
Settlement letter you can't read?
Send it via WhatsApp before you sign. We'll translate it so you know the exact figures and terms.
You’ve been with the company for six years. You resigned. HR told you your gratuity would be a certain amount. Then they handed you a settlement letter, in Arabic, and asked you to sign it. You signed. When the money arrived, it was thousands less than what you were told.
The Arabic letter you signed had the lower number. What HR told you verbally doesn’t matter. You agreed to what the document says.
- Why the numbers don’t match
Gratuity calculations look simple but hide several traps:
Basic salary vs total salary. Gratuity is calculated on basic salary only. Not total. If your total package is significantly higher than your basic salary, the gratuity is based on the basic portion only. Many employees calculate using total salary and get a higher number in their heads.
Deductions. Companies sometimes deduct outstanding loans, salary advances, or notice period shortfalls from the gratuity. These deductions should appear in the settlement letter, but if the letter is in Arabic and you can’t read it, you won’t know what was deducted.
Calculation errors. Mistakes happen. The wrong start date, the wrong salary figure, or a miscalculation of the service period can all produce a lower number.
Resignation vs termination. Under UAE Labour Law, employees who resign with less than five years of service receive a reduced gratuity (two-thirds in some cases). Employees who are terminated receive the full amount. If you were laid off and are in your grace period, getting these documents translated is time-sensitive.
The Arabic document problem
Many companies produce settlement letters in Arabic, especially the final settlement that you’re asked to sign before receiving your end-of-service payment. The Arabic version is the legally binding one. If you sign it without reading it, you’ve agreed to whatever it says.
Getting the settlement letter translated before you sign takes an hour. It shows you the exact figures: base salary used, service period calculated, deductions applied, and the final amount. If any of these are wrong, you can challenge them before signing, not after.
- How to check your gratuity
Step 1: Know the formula. 21 days of basic salary per year for the first five years. 30 days per year after that. Total cannot exceed two years’ salary. MOHRE has a gratuity calculator on their website and app.
Step 2: Get the Arabic letter translated. Before signing anything, understand what you’re agreeing to. The translation shows you the company’s calculation and any deductions.
Step 3: Compare. Does the company’s figure match MOHRE’s calculator? If not, identify where the difference is. Wrong basic salary? Wrong service period? Unexpected deductions?
Step 4: Raise it in writing. If the numbers don’t match, email HR with your calculation. Reference the specific discrepancy. Keep it factual.
Step 5: File with MOHRE if needed. If HR doesn’t resolve it, file a complaint through the MOHRE app or call 800 60. MOHRE offers free mediation. Most disputes are resolved at this stage. If mediation fails, it goes to labour court, where the Arabic settlement letter becomes the key document.
- Don’t sign first, translate later
The worst position to be in is having already signed an Arabic document that says you accepted a lower figure. This is worse when you believe you’re owed more. At that point, you’re arguing against your own signature.
If your employer hands you an Arabic settlement letter, take it home. Get it translated. Verify the numbers. Then sign, or push back.
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Petra Legal Translation makes every effort to keep the content accurate and up to date; however, UAE laws, regulations, and procedures may change without notice. We assume no liability for any action taken or not taken based on this content. Please consult the relevant government authority or a qualified legal adviser for guidance specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is gratuity calculated under UAE Labour Law?
Under UAE Labour Law, employees who have completed one or more years of continuous service are entitled to gratuity. The calculation is 21 days of basic salary for each of the first five years, and 30 days of basic salary for each additional year. The total cannot exceed two years' worth of salary. Basic salary excludes allowances, commissions, and benefits.
What should I do if my gratuity calculation seems wrong?
First, get the Arabic settlement document translated so you know the exact figures and terms. Then calculate your expected gratuity based on your basic salary and years of service. If the numbers don't match, raise it with HR in writing. If HR doesn't resolve it, file a complaint through the MOHRE app or call 800 60. MOHRE offers free mediation before cases go to labour court.
Does the Arabic settlement letter override what HR told me verbally?
Yes. In UAE legal proceedings, the written Arabic document is what the court or MOHRE relies on. Verbal promises are extremely difficult to prove. If you sign an Arabic settlement letter agreeing to a specific amount, that amount becomes binding regardless of what was discussed verbally.
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PLT quality review before delivery
- Registered company name and legal form in Arabic and English
- Licence, registration and corporate reference numbers
- Shareholder, director, manager and authorised-signatory capacities
- Monetary figures, percentages, dates, defined terms and clause references
- Consistency with the MOA/AOA, trade licence and previously approved bilingual terminology
How Petra Legal Translation Can Help
For a project-specific quotation, send PLT the complete document plus any related trade licence, MOA/AOA, prior bilingual version or approved company-name spelling that should control terminology. Tell us the receiving authority, target language and deadline so the translation can be aligned with the corporate file rather than treated as an isolated document.
Important Note
This article provides general information and is not legal, immigration, employment, financial or medical advice. Laws, procedures and institutional requirements may change. Confirm current requirements directly with the receiving authority or a qualified adviser before taking action.