Probation Period Checker
Enter your start date and agreed probation length to see your exact end date — and whether it's within the legal 6-month cap.
Based on Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021: probation may not exceed 6 months from the start date, and this cap cannot be extended by any agreement. This is a general calculation, not legal advice for a specific dispute — confirm anything contentious with MOHRE or a legal professional.
UAE probation rules at a glance
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum length | 6 months from the start date — an absolute ceiling |
| Extension | Not permitted under any circumstances or agreement |
| Repeat probation | Each employer may apply probation only once per employee |
| Employer terminates | 14 days' written notice |
| Employee resigns (leaving UAE) | 14 days' written notice |
| Employee resigns (joining a UAE employer) | 30 days' written notice |
| After 6 months with no action | Employee automatically becomes confirmed |
Need to work out your exact last working day from a resignation or termination date instead? Use the Notice Period Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum probation period in the UAE?
Six months from the employee's start date, under Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. This is an absolute ceiling — no contract clause, addendum, or verbal agreement can extend it.
Can my probation period be extended?
No. The 6-month cap cannot be extended under any circumstances, by any agreement between employer and employee. If your contract or an addendum states a longer period, the excess is unenforceable and probation still legally ends at 6 months.
What happens if 6 months pass and my employer hasn't said anything?
You automatically become a confirmed employee once the 6-month cap is reached, regardless of whether your employer formally confirms it. From that point, the normal (non-probation) notice and termination rules apply.
Can I be put on probation again after being confirmed?
Generally no — an employer may only apply probation once per employee. Moving to a new role with the same employer doesn't usually restart a fresh probation period, though specific contract terms can matter here.
How is notice different during probation vs after?
During probation, notice is much shorter (14 days if the employer terminates, or if the employee resigns to leave the UAE; 30 days if the employee resigns to join another UAE employer). After probation, notice runs 30-90 days as set in the contract. Use the Notice Period Calculator for the exact last working day.
Is this checker legal advice?
No. It applies the 6-month statutory ceiling to the dates you enter. Specific disputes — including contract wording, role changes, or unusual employment structures — can change the outcome, so confirm anything contentious with MOHRE or a legal professional.
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