29 August 2026 · 2026 Rule
The 2026 Salary Rule & 85% Threshold
Under the 2026 rules, wages for a Gregorian month must be transferred through WPS by the 1st of the following month, and an employer is treated as compliant where at least 85% of total due wages are transferred on time. The previous 15-day grace period has been removed, and electronic monitoring begins from the first unpaid day. In practice this caps lawful salary deductions at 15%.
Exiloz Management & Tax Consultant · Dubai-based FTA-focused advisory · VAT, corporate tax & accounting
Pay by the 1st
One unified due date.
- Wages due via WPS by the 1st of next month.
- No 15-day grace period.
- Monitoring starts from the first unpaid day.
- Plan your pay run to clear in time.
Transfer 85%+
Near-complete payment is required.
- At least 85% of due wages on time.
- Effectively caps deductions at 15%.
- Up from the previous 80% threshold.
- Applies each month.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
For meeting the new monthly rule.
By when must salaries be paid?
By the 1st of the month following the month the wages relate to, through WPS.
How much must be transferred on time?
At least 85% of total due wages, up from 80%.
Is there any grace period?
No. The previous 15-day grace window has been removed.
Can Exiloz align our pay run?
Yes. We adjust your payroll timing to clear WPS by the deadline.
Meet the new deadline
Exiloz aligns your payroll to the pay-by-the-1st, 85% WPS rule.