Understand your end-of-service pay

If you have worked for an employer for a year or more, you are entitled to end-of-service gratuity when your contract ends. The law sets a minimum. Your contract can give you more, but not less.

Before you start

• Your employment contract (check for a gratuity clause)
• Your last payslip showing basic salary separately from allowances
• Your start date and last working day
• Records of any unpaid leave

Step by step

1. Check you have 1 year of service

   Gratuity is due once you have completed at least one year with the same employer. Under one year, the legal minimum is zero.

2. Find your basic wage

   Gratuity is calculated on your last basic wage — not your total package. Housing, transport and other allowances are usually excluded.

3. Work out the minimum

   The minimum is three weeks’ (21 days’) basic wage for each year of service, with part-years counted in proportion. A common way to work it out: (basic monthly salary ÷ 30) × 21 × years of service.

4. Check your contract

   Many employers pay 30 days per year or more. If your contract is more generous, that applies.

5. Know what can be deducted

   Your employer can deduct money you genuinely owe them. Periods of unpaid leave may not count as service.

6. Get it in writing

   Ask for a written final settlement that shows gratuity, unused annual leave and any final salary separately. If it is not paid, the Ministry of Labour has a complaints process.

Common mistakes

• Calculating on total salary instead of basic salary — expectations end up far too high.
• Leaving the country before the final settlement is paid and confirmed in writing.
• Not checking the contract — it may promise more than the legal minimum.

Official sources

• Ministry of Labour ↗
• Al Meezan – Qatar legal portal (Labour Law No. 14 of 2004) ↗

Always check the official source before acting. QatarSteps is independent and not a government website.

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