Employment Certificate Format UAE: Sample & What to Include

An employment certificate – also called an experience certificate or service certificate – is a letter from your employer confirming that you worked for them, in what role, and for how long. In the UAE, employees request one when leaving a job, applying for a new role, processing a visa, or for attestation abroad. This guide explains what a UAE employment certificate should contain and gives a ready-to-use format you can adapt.

When do you need an employment certificate?

An employment or experience certificate is typically needed for:

• A new job – to prove your work history and experience to a future employer;
• Visa and immigration processes – some visas ask for proof of experience;
• Attestation and use abroad – when your UAE experience needs to be recognised in another country;
• Professional registration or licensing that requires evidence of experience.

Under UAE labour law, an employee is generally entitled to a certificate of experience at the end of service. It confirms your history; it is different from a salary certificate, which confirms your current pay.

What an employment certificate should include

On company letterhead, an employment/experience certificate usually states:

• the date and the addressee (“To Whom It May Concern”);
• the employee’s full name and, often, passport or Emirates ID number;
• the designation(s) held;
• the period of employment – joining date and last working day;
• optionally, a brief note on duties or conduct;
• the company details, an authorised signature and the company stamp.

A basic service certificate simply confirms dates and role; an experience certificate may add a short description of responsibilities and performance.

Employment certificate format (sample)

Adapt the template below on your company letterhead:

[Company Letterhead]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

To Whom It May Concern,

Subject: Experience Certificate

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Full Name], holder of Emirates ID [Emirates ID No.], was employed with [Company Name] as [Designation] from [Joining Date] to [Last Working Day].

During this period, [he/she] was responsible for [brief description of duties] and carried out [his/her] duties [to our satisfaction / professionally].

We wish [him/her] every success in [his/her] future endeavours. This certificate is issued upon [his/her] request.

For [Company Name]

[Authorised Signatory Name]
[Designation]
[Signature & Company Stamp]

Common mistakes and tips

Make sure the dates and job title match your labour contract and records, use official letterhead with a stamp and authorised signature, and keep the tone factual. If the certificate will be used abroad, you may need it attested – check the requirements of the destination country early. Employers should avoid negative or subjective remarks, as a service certificate is a factual record, not a reference.

Related

Understand your end-of-service entitlements in the UAE labour law guide and calculate your payout with the gratuity calculator. For a pay confirmation, see the salary certificate format.

FAQ

What is an employment certificate in the UAE?

An employment certificate (also called an experience or service certificate) is a letter from your employer confirming that you worked for them, in what role, and for how long. It is used for new jobs, visas, attestation abroad and professional registration.

Am I entitled to an experience certificate when I leave a UAE job?

Under UAE labour law, an employee is generally entitled to a certificate of experience at the end of service. It should state your role and period of employment, on company letterhead with an authorised signature and stamp.

What should an employment certificate include?

On company letterhead: the date, “To Whom It May Concern”, the employee’s full name and Emirates ID, the designation(s) held, the period of employment (joining date to last working day), an optional note on duties or conduct, and an authorised signature and company stamp.

What is the difference between an employment certificate and a salary certificate?

An employment (experience) certificate confirms your work history – role and dates – typically at the end of service, while a salary certificate confirms your current employment and pay for banks, landlords or visa applications.