Government service
Nafis: UAE salary support for Emiratis in private jobs
UAE salary support for Emiratis in private jobs
What is Nafis?
Who uses it
UAE nationals working in or looking for private-sector jobs; children of Emirati mothers and non-Emirati wives of UAE nationals who meet the conditions; and private companies hiring Emiratis to meet Emiratisation targets.
What you can do with Nafis
- Emirati Salary Support: for new beneficiaries from September 2026, up to AED 6,000 a month for bachelor's holders, AED 5,000 for diploma holders and AED 4,000 for secondary school graduates, for salaries from AED 6,000 to AED 20,000.
- Below secondary level: up to AED 4,000 a month if married or with dependants, otherwise up to AED 3,000.
- Child Allowance: AED 600 a month per eligible child from September 2026, with no cap on the number of children.
- Support of up to AED 3,000 a month for children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector (accredited bachelor's degree, salary AED 6,000-20,000) and for non-Emirati wives of UAE nationals (accredited bachelor's degree, salary AED 6,000-15,000, plus marriage and children conditions).
- Pension programme support, unemployment benefit for Emiratis who lose private-sector jobs, apprenticeships, career counselling and training such as the National Healthcare Programme.
- A job platform where companies connect with Emirati job seekers across specialisations.
Step by step
Check your eligibility
Nafis is for UAE nationals, plus children of Emirati mothers and non-Emirati wives of UAE nationals who meet the degree, salary and family conditions. Other expats are not eligible.
Register on Nafis
Create your profile on the official Nafis website (nafis.gov.ae) or the Nafis app and complete the verification steps.
Find a private-sector job
Browse and apply for jobs on the platform. MoHRE urges companies to use Nafis to find Emirati candidates.
Apply for salary support after hiring
Once hired with a MoHRE work permit, a registered contract and a salary between AED 6,000 and AED 20,000, apply for the Emirati Salary Support Scheme on Nafis. Make sure you are registered in the pension system.
Keep your details up to date
Report any change that affects your eligibility, such as a new job or salary. Failing to report changes, irregular attendance or fake employment can lead to penalties and repayment of support.
Sources:etcc.gov.aeetcc.gov.aekhaleejtimes.comalsuwaidi.aewam.aeu.ae
Frequently asked questions
How much is Nafis salary support?
For new beneficiaries from September 2026, the maximum is AED 6,000 a month for bachelor's holders, AED 5,000 for diploma holders and AED 4,000 for secondary school graduates. The salary must be between AED 6,000 and AED 20,000. Earlier rules paid up to AED 7,000 for bachelor's holders, and existing beneficiaries move to the new levels gradually, with support falling by AED 500 every 6 months.
Can expats get Nafis support?
Generally no. Nafis is for UAE nationals. The exceptions are children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector and non-Emirati wives of UAE nationals, who can get up to AED 3,000 a month if they meet the degree, salary and family conditions.
What is the minimum salary for Nafis eligibility?
AED 6,000 a month for all eligible categories, in line with the AED 6,000 minimum salary for Emiratis in the private sector that applies from 1 January 2026.
How long will the Nafis programme run?
Nafis was launched in September 2021 and has been extended until 2040.
Last reviewed: 17 Oct 2026. General information based on the official sources cited - not legal advice. Check with the relevant authority before acting.
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