Required certification · United Arab Emirates
MOHRE & Emiratisation (Nafis)
Federal labour rules + Emiratisation quotas
Market position
The federal labour regulator enforces Emiratisation quotas (with steep per-position fines) while the Nafis programme subsidises Emirati hiring. Payroll/HR software must track Emirati ratios and integrate WPS.
United Arab Emirates-specific note
Emiratisation is the UAE equivalent of Saudi’s Nitaqat — a different ruleset, so UAE payroll tools must track Emirati headcount, not Saudi GOSI banding.
Pros
- + Centralises labour contracts and work permits
- + Nafis offers salary subsidies for hiring Emiratis
- + Clear quota framework
Cons
- − Per-vacancy fines (AED 108k→120k) for missed quotas
- − Quotas expanding to smaller firms
- − Requires Emirati-headcount tracking + WPS
Typical United Arab Emirates pricing
Government (service fees apply).
Why this matters for United Arab Emirates trades
Dubai Municipality (reshaped by Dubai Law No. 7 of 2025) and federal MOEI handle contractor registration/classification; VAT is 5% via the Federal Tax Authority; e-invoicing follows a decentralised Peppol model (mandatory for large taxpayers from 2027); Emiratisation (MOHRE/Nafis) governs labour; and Abu Dhabi adds the mandatory Estidama Pearl rating.
UAE construction & trades software selection is shaped by Dubai's BIM mandate, a 5% VAT (Federal Tax Authority), the upcoming Peppol e-invoicing model, Emiratisation labour quotas, a Dubai-vs-Abu-Dhabi regulatory split (Dubai Municipality contractor classification vs Abu Dhabi DMT + Estidama), and AED pricing.
Frequently asked
Is MOHRE & Emiratisation (Nafis) a good fit for United Arab Emirates trades?
The federal labour regulator enforces Emiratisation quotas (with steep per-position fines) while the Nafis programme subsidises Emirati hiring. Payroll/HR software must track Emirati ratios and integrate WPS. Emiratisation is the UAE equivalent of Saudi’s Nitaqat — a different ruleset, so UAE payroll tools must track Emirati headcount, not Saudi GOSI banding.
What does MOHRE & Emiratisation (Nafis) cost in United Arab Emirates?
Government (service fees apply).. Pricing and availability can change by region — confirm current United Arab Emirates pricing on the vendor's site before committing.
Is MOHRE & Emiratisation (Nafis) recommended?
Yes — it is a Tier S (Recommended) pick in our United Arab Emirates directory for required certification, based on market fit and reputation. Still compare it against the alternatives for your specific trade and region.
Other United Arab Emirates vendors
Dubai Municipality (Contractor Licensing)
Required certification
Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure (MOEI)
Required certification
UAE VAT (Federal Tax Authority)
Required certification
UAE E-Invoicing (Peppol)
Required certification
Abu Dhabi DMT & Estidama
Required certification
Dubai BIM Mandate
Required certification