United Arab Emirates pension 2026: expatriates and the GPSSA
Expatriates working in the UAE are not covered by the state pension system and build no pension there. What they receive when a job ends is the end-of-service gratuity, which the severance calculator works out. UAE nationals are insured with the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA): choose “UAE national” in the calculator above to see an Emirati pension.
The rules in brief
- GPSSA pension (Emiratis): For Emiratis insured from 31 October 2023, the pension is 2.67% of the average contribution salary of the last 6 years for each year of contributions up to 30 years (80.1%), then 4% a year, reaching 100% at 35 years. It is paid from 60 with at least 15 years, or on request from 55 with 30 years; with fewer than 15 years you get an end-of-service gratuity instead. Mothers can retire earlier.
- Expatriates: Expatriates are not covered by the GPSSA and build no state pension. They receive the end-of-service gratuity when a job ends; some employers offer the voluntary end-of-service savings scheme instead.
GPSSA pension by years of contributions
| Years of contributions | Share of the pension calculation salary | Pension on an average of AED 20,000 (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 40.05% | 8,010 |
| 20 | 53.4% | 10,680 |
| 25 | 66.75% | 13,350 |
| 30 | 80.1% | 16,020 |
| 32 | 88.1% | 17,620 |
| 35 | 100% | 20,000 |
For Emiratis insured from 31 October 2023. The pension calculation salary is the average contribution salary of the last 6 years (AED 3,000 to AED 70,000 a month in the private sector). The pension is paid from 60 with at least 15 years of contributions, or on request from 55 with 30 years; no income tax is due on it.
Frequently asked questions
Do expatriates get a pension in the United Arab Emirates?
No. Expatriates pay no pension contributions and build no state pension in the UAE. They receive the end-of-service gratuity when a job ends, and their home country’s pension may count the years they worked there before.
How is the GPSSA pension calculated?
For each year of contributions up to 30 years you get 2.67% of the pension calculation salary (80.1% after 30 years), then 4% for each further year, reaching 100% after 35 years.
When can Emiratis retire?
At 60 with at least 15 years of contributions, or on request from 55 with 30 years. With fewer than 15 years an end-of-service gratuity is paid instead. Mothers can retire earlier.
Is this my official pension?
No, it is an estimate under the 2026 rules. Your GPSSA statement is the final word.
Rules and official sources: see “Rules applied (2026)” above. Last checked: October 2026. The amounts are estimates for information, not financial or legal advice.