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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Jul 29, 2025
In the UAE, a salary certificate is super important for employees. There are also two other similar documents that might leave you scratching your head about which one to use.
We'll break down the differences between these documents, tell you when you should use each one, and walk you through how to get them, step by step.
We'll break down the differences between these documents, tell you when you should use each one, and walk you through how to get them, step by step.
- What is a salary certificate in the UAE?
- When do you need a salary certificate in the UAE?
- Why do banks need this certificate?
- Steps on how to get a salary certificate in the UAE
- When do you need to get your salary certificate attested in the UAE?
- How to attest a salary certificate in the UAE
- Additional attestation for International use (Check it before submitting)
- Salary certificate format in the UAE – Sample and editable template
- What is a salary letter?
- What’s the difference between a salary certificate and a salary letter?
- What is a salary slip in UAE?
- Difference between a salary certificate and a salary slip in Dubai
- Salary certificate FAQ
What is a salary certificate in the UAE?
A salary certificate is an official document that your employer issues to you. It confirms your job title, date of hire, monthly salary (including allowances), and total monthly salary. It is usually printed on the company letterhead and stamped with the company seal.
When do you need a salary certificate in the UAE?
You may need a salary certificate when you:
- Need to verify your financial standing with a bank
- Rent an apartment or property
- Apply for a visa for family sponsorship
- Need to prove your financial status in other situations
Why do banks need this certificate?
Banks ask for a salary certificate to check your financial stability. This helps them verify the information they need for legal and personal reasons. For example, it helps them approve credit cards or loans:
- Your employment status in the UAE
- Your monthly income
- That your employer is a registered UAE company
Steps on how to get a salary certificate in the UAE
- Ask HR or your company’s administrative team — Most companies have a standard format for this certificate.
- Submit a salary certificate request form (if required).
- Wait for company approval — It usually takes 1–5 working days.
- Upon completion, you will receive a signed and stamped certificate.
When do you need to get your salary certificate attested in the UAE?
In the UAE, verifying a salary certificate means checking the authenticity of the document. For example, it can be done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, or other local government bodies. This could come in handy for the following:
- Government-related applications. For instance, when applying for a visa to another country, it proves your employment status and income level.
- Visa process outside the UAE.
- Submitting it to a foreign embassy.
How to attest a salary certificate in the UAE
- Obtain the original salary certificate from your employer (see above).
- Submit it to a notary public or typing center for authentication.
- Submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for attestation.
- For additional verification, visit the embassy of your destination country.
Additional attestation for International use (Check it before submitting)
- Notarization from UAE notary public.
- Embassy attestation of the destination country.
- Attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Translation into the required language (if needed).
It may all look complicated. If you need help with this or other documents in the UAE, know that we are here to support you.
Salary certificate format in the UAE – Sample and editable template
Here's a simple template for you to use. You can edit and customize it to fit your needs.
Get your free Salary certificate template
To download the editable salary certificate format, please enter your email address below. The file will open automatically after submission.
What is a salary letter?
A salary letter is similar to a salary certificate, except it is written as a letter and is often addressed to a specific organization, such as a bank.
What’s the difference between a salary certificate and a salary letter?
- Salary certificate: A general document not addressed to anyone specific.
- Salary letter: Addressed to a specific bank or institution.
A sample letter is provided below. Feel free to edit it as needed.
Get your free Salary letter template
To download the editable salary letter format, please enter your email address below. The file will open automatically after submission.
What is a salary slip in UAE?
There is another document that is similar to the two above — salary slip (payslip). It is a monthly document given by your employer that shows:
- Salary paid for that month
- Deductions like insurance or fines
- Overtime or bonuses
- It's different from a salary certificate, which is a one-time document that confirms your earnings.
Difference between a salary certificate and a salary slip in Dubai
Managing all your paperwork in the UAE can be overwhelming, especially when it's complex and requires multiple documents. That's why we're here to simplify the process and handle all your documentation needs.
movingo provides comprehensive services for company formation, visa processing, and everyday legal requirements in the UAE. We help you navigate bureaucratic hurdles smoothly, ensuring your journey remains obstacle-free. Here's what we offer:
Salary certificate FAQ
Contact your company's HR or administrative department to request a salary certificate.
A salary certificate is used for applying for bank loans, credit cards, opening a bank account, renting property, or visa applications
A salary transfer certificate confirms that your salary will be deposited into a specific bank account each month.
Some banks in the UAE accept a salary transfer letter instead of a salary certificate. Check before submitting.
Some landlords and property agents may ask for a salary certificate to confirm your ability to pay the rent.
Yes, the UAE now allows digital attestation through approved online channels, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (MOFA) smart services.
Depending on the authority and whether embassy attestation is required for international use, attestation can take 1–3 working days.
Yes, you can request a customized salary certificate for a specific purpose, such as one addressed to a bank or landlord.
Yes, you have to complete an attestation for that (see above).
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