Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF)

About Abu Dhabi Pension Fund

The fund was established under Abu Dhabi Pension Fund Law No 2 of 2000. It manages contributions, pensions and end-of-service benefits for UAE Nationals across the public and private sectors. Employers must register UAE National employees with ADPF within 30 days of the labour card being issued.

Contribution rates depend on whether an employee is a New Active Member or an In-Service Active Member. New Active Members contribute 11 percent while employers contribute 15 percent. In-Service Active Members contribute 5 percent, with the employer rate unchanged. Wage ceilings also differ. New Active Members are capped at AED100,000 and In-Service Active Members at AED150,000. The employer account is debited for the full amount. The employee portion is then returned to the employer by agreement.

Which companies must register with ADPF

Any employer that hires an Emirati national must register both the entity and the employee on the ADPF portal. Companies often reach this point for the first time because of Emiratisation quotas. Since June 2023, private sector entities with 20 or more staff must recruit and retain Emirati employees. Because of this, more businesses fall within scope and must complete ADPF registration when an eligible hire is made.

Meeting Emiratisation quotas is one compliance requirement. Registering staff with ADPF is another. They operate in parallel, which is why companies should treat them as distinct processes.

ADPF registration requirements

To complete registration, companies must provide:

01

An official letter requesting registration with the Abu Dhabi Retirement Pensions and Benefits Fund

02

Power of attorney for the authorised signatory

03

Valid trade licence

04

Memorandum of association or national service agent agreement

05

Signature proof for the authorised signatory, if available

06

Passport, Emirates ID and residence visa copies for the authorised signatory

07

IBAN details for the company bank account

08

Direct debit form, obtained once the portal username is created

09

Contact details for the general manager, HR manager and finance manager

If any item is missing, the application will be delayed. That is common because each document is checked manually.

How Sovereign can help

Sovereign manages the full ADPF process. We prepare the entity submission, create the portal account and register UAE National employees. We also assist with direct debit set-up and keep portal records aligned with employment changes.

Our teams in Abu Dhabi work regularly with the relevant government departments. That way, clients receive clear instructions and predictable timelines. It keeps the process manageable and reduces administrative risk.

Interested in Abu Dhabi Pension Fund – ADPF?