Nafis Salary Support 2026: How Much It Pays by Qualification
Nafis salary support is a monthly government top-up paid directly to eligible Emiratis in private-sector jobs. From September 2026 the maximum for new beneficiaries is up to AED 6,000 a month for a bachelor's degree, up to AED 5,000 a month for a diploma and up to AED 4,000 a month for secondary school, for salaries of AED 6,000 to AED 20,000 a month. Existing beneficiaries move to the new levels gradually.
How much salary support does Nafis pay?
| Qualification | Maximum monthly support (from September 2026) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | AED 6,000 |
| Diploma | AED 5,000 |
| Secondary school certificate | AED 4,000 |
| Below secondary, married or with dependants | AED 4,000 |
| Below secondary, single | AED 3,000 |
Salary band: at least AED 6,000 and no more than AED 20,000 a month. Above AED 20,000, salary support does not apply. See eligibility.
Paid to the employee, not the employer
It does not reduce the contractual salary and is not an employer credit. An Emirati on AED 14,000 from the employer, with a bachelor's degree, may receive up to AED 6,000 more from Nafis: a total of AED 20,000 at an employer cost of AED 14,000. It only helps hiring if the total is explained in the offer.
Earlier figures you may still see
AED 7,000 and AED 8,000 for bachelor's degree holders still appear across many websites. They are pre-reset figures. See our fact check.
When the new figures apply
- New beneficiaries: from September 2026.
- Existing beneficiaries: the change depends on your situation, and Nafis applies it automatically:
| Your situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Total salary AED 20,000 to 30,000 | Support falls by AED 500 every six months from September 2026 until it reaches zero |
| Total salary up to AED 20,000, above the new cap | Support falls by AED 500 every six months until it reaches the new maximum |
| Free zone and other employers outside MoHRE and Central Bank rules | 100% of current support to February 2027, 70% from March to August 2027, 30% from September to November 2027, then it ends |
| Covered by the AED 6,000 minimum but paid below it | Support stops from September 2026 until the salary meets the minimum |
Conditions that interrupt support
- Salary below AED 6,000 or above AED 20,000.
- Salary not paid through the Wage Protection System.
- A change of employer without checking the effect first.
Frequently asked questions
01How much is Nafis salary support for a bachelor's degree?
Up to AED 6,000 a month for new beneficiaries from September 2026, for salaries between AED 6,000 and AED 20,000.
02Is Nafis salary support AED 7,000?
That was the earlier level for bachelor's degree holders. From September 2026 the maximum for new beneficiaries is AED 6,000; existing beneficiaries move to the new level gradually.
03Who receives Nafis salary support, employer or employee?
The Emirati employee.
Sources
- Nafis updates following the extension to 2040. Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.
- Nafis to phase out benefits for Emiratis earning below AED 6,000. Gulf Today, citing ETCC, 25 August 2026.
- UAE Nafis salary support changes, September 2026. Morgan Lewis, June 2026.
- Explained: Nafis child allowance and eligibility. Gulf News, quoting ETCC, 21 August 2026.
This page explains UAE Emiratisation rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm against the official MoHRE, Nafis or Central Bank source linked above before acting. StrongYes is an independent publication and is not affiliated with MoHRE, Nafis, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council or any UAE government body. Full disclaimer.