GPSSA Explained: How UAE Nationals Build Their Pension

July 13, 2026 · 1 min read · Employment & Gratuity

While expats in the UAE build their end-of-service payout through gratuity, UAE nationals build retirement security through an entirely different system — GPSSA. And the rules changed significantly in 2023.

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Who's covered

GPSSA (General Pension and Social Security Authority) contributions apply to UAE national employees only. Expats are excluded from GPSSA and receive end-of-service gratuity from their employer instead — the two systems don't overlap.

Two different rate schedules

A major reform under Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023 changed contribution rates for anyone joining the scheme from November 1, 2023 onward:

Before Nov 2023 (legacy): employee 5%, employer 12.5-15%
Nov 2023 onward (new): employee 11%, employer 15% — with the government subsidizing 2.5% of the employer share for employees earning under AED 20,000/month

Why this matters for younger nationals

Anyone starting their career after the reform is contributing at a meaningfully higher rate than someone who joined years earlier — a bigger monthly deduction, but building toward a larger pension pot over a working lifetime.

Frequently asked questions

Can expats opt into GPSSA?

No — GPSSA is specifically for UAE nationals. Expats build their end-of-service benefit through gratuity instead.

Is there a salary cap for GPSSA contributions?

GPSSA-subject salary is generally calculated on basic salary plus specific allowances as defined by GPSSA regulations — check current GPSSA guidance for the exact composition.