The United Arab Emirates General Pension and Social Security Authority has opened registration for an expanded social insurance system covering Emirati business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals aged 21 to 55. Participation is optional and provides access to a monthly retirement pension or, where full pension eligibility is not met, an end-of-service gratuity, as well as coverage for total disability and death. Applicants must hold a valid commercial or professional license, verified evidence of business activity and official articles of association. Contributors can select an insurance income tier aligned with their earnings and move to an adjacent tier after completing the required contribution periods. They may also combine previous service periods, transfer accumulated benefits to designated beneficiaries and access reciprocal arrangements with other UAE pension and social security schemes. Employees working for third parties and existing pensioners are excluded.
2026-07-01General Pension and Social Security Authority
United Arab Emirates General Pension and Social Security Authority opens optional social insurance registration for Emirati entrepreneurs and self-employed workers
The United Arab Emirates General Pension and Social Security Authority has opened optional social insurance registration for eligible Emirati business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals aged 21 to 55. The system provides pension, gratuity, disability and death benefits, with flexible contribution income tiers, while excluding third-party employees and existing pensioners.