11 Payroll Software Options for Businesses in the UAE
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Managing payroll can be a challenging and time-consuming task for recruitment agencies in Dubai. Recruitment firms often deal with employees on various contracts and pay scales. Monthly payroll involves calculating salaries, bonuses, and deductions, then issuing accurate payslips in line with company policy and UAE labour laws. This can become particularly demanding when processing a high volume of candidates within tight timelines. Choosing suitable payroll software can help recruitment agencies in Dubai automate tasks, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.
This article explores payroll software tools suited to businesses in the UAE, beginning with Cercli’s global HR system.
Key Features to Consider in Payroll Software in the UAE
Payroll in the UAE involves unique requirements that differ from those in many other regions. One key difference is the absence of income tax.
Employers must still meet various financial obligations and regulatory requirements, including:
- End-of-service benefits (EOSB) or gratuity payments
- WPS (Wage Protection System) compliance for salary transfers
- Multi-currency support, since many employees send money abroad
- GCC labour laws, particularly for firms with cross-border operations
Due to these specific requirements, generic payroll tools may not meet all compliance needs. Firms operating in Dubai require payroll software aligned with UAE labour regulations and local business practices.
Prioritising WPS Compliance in Payroll Software for the UAE
The Wage Protection System is a key component of payroll in the UAE. Businesses must comply with WPS regulations to avoid penalties such as significant fines or suspension of business licences.
Payroll software supports compliance by generating the SIF (Salary Information File) and integrating with local banks for efficient salary processing. The system should also remain updated with regulatory changes. If the Central Bank of the UAE introduces a new file format, the platform should adjust promptly, reducing manual input and minimising legal risk.
Accurate Gratuity Calculation Tools
UAE labour laws require employers to provide end-of-service benefits when an employee leaves. The gratuity amount is based on the employee’s contract type, length of service, and final salary. Manual gratuity calculations can be time-consuming and error-prone.
Payroll software should include automatic calculation features that account for varying contract conditions, enabling HR teams to plan ahead and manage liabilities more accurately. Some platforms also provide simulation tools to forecast gratuity costs across different scenarios.
Support for Multiple Currencies and Cross-Border Teams
Dubai hosts a highly diverse and international workforce. Many organisations employ professionals from India, the Philippines, Egypt, Europe, and beyond, often requiring payment in multiple currencies, particularly for remote staff or overseas consultants.
A payroll system with multi-currency support and live exchange rate integration simplifies international payments and improves accuracy. This flexibility is beneficial even for smaller firms looking to expand regionally.
Integrated Systems Save Time and Reduce Errors
Using separate systems for attendance, leave management, payroll, and accounting increases the risk of errors and consumes time. For this reason, integration features are particularly valuable. Consider payroll software for small businesses that integrates effectively with biometric systems, HR platforms, and accounting tools such as Tally, QuickBooks, or Xero.
With proper syncing, employee hours and overtime can be imported automatically, leave deductions calculated in real-time, and salary data transferred directly into your accounts, improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Employee Self-Service Portals Improve Transparency
Employees often expect prompt access to payslips, leave balances, or overtime details. When this information is not readily available, HR teams may spend excessive time handling repetitive queries. Payroll platforms with secure self-service portals allow staff to log in, download payslips, check attendance, and submit leave requests without contacting HR.
This not only adds convenience but also supports transparency and trust between employers and employees.
Data Security and Confidentiality
Payroll data is sensitive and must be protected against unauthorised access. This is particularly important in the UAE, where data privacy is a regulatory priority. Payroll providers use encryption and secure storage methods to safeguard employee information, including salaries and bank details.
By using cloud-based payroll platforms, businesses can securely store and access payroll data while ensuring that only authorised personnel have access. Additional features like multi-factor authentication further enhance data security.
Choose User-Friendly Software with Local Support
If the software is difficult to use, your team is less likely to adopt it fully. A straightforward, intuitive interface can significantly improve usability. When evaluating payroll systems, consider whether dashboards are easy to navigate, reports can be customised, and support is available within UAE working hours.
Some firms face challenges with offshore support teams unfamiliar with local payroll practices or operating outside UAE time zones. Prioritise platforms with regional support teams who understand the nuances of UAE payroll.
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Top 11 Payroll Software Solutions for UAE Businesses
1. Cercli: Payroll Software for Businesses in the Middle East
Cercli is designed for companies in the Middle East that need a reliable system to manage their workforce in line with local regulations. It supports businesses in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and across the MENA region by helping them manage HR and payroll processes while complying with local labour laws.
Compliance with Regional Payroll and HR Regulations
Cercli supports key compliance tasks such as managing WPS (Wage Protection System) registrations in the UAE, processing GOSI contributions in Saudi Arabia, and handling DEWS enrolments. It ensures that contracts, benefits, and payroll records are aligned with local legislation, helping businesses avoid penalties and administrative difficulties.
Support for Global and Remote Teams
As UAE-based companies increasingly work with remote employees and international contractors, Cercli allows payroll management across more than 150 countries. With features such as:
- Multicurrency payroll
- Employer of Record (EOR) services
- Legally compliant contracts
It provides a straightforward way to manage distributed teams from a single platform.
Centralised Workforce Management
Cercli offers HR teams a centralised system to manage the employment lifecycle, from onboarding and asset tracking to leave management, payroll, and offboarding. This approach reduces reliance on manual records and helps minimise payroll errors, offering apparent oversight across the organisation.
By combining region-specific compliance tools with global payroll support, Cercli helps UAE businesses simplify their payroll operations and manage local and international teams with greater accuracy.
2. GreytHR: Payroll Software for the Middle East
GreytHR is HR and payroll software that helps:
- Simplify salary processing
- Ensure compliance
- Support day-to-day HR tasks
Designed for businesses of all sizes, it covers everything from onboarding to final settlements, helping companies run payroll more efficiently.
It offers:
- Statutory compliance features
- Employee self-service (ESS) portal
- Straightforward report generation
It makes it a widely used platform in the payroll software market.
Key Features
GreytHR allows payroll processing across countries, including:
- The UAE
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
The platform stays up to date with each country’s payroll laws. Payroll can be run in just a few minutes, even for large teams. The system also manages arrears and final settlements automatically and generates WPS-compliant SIF files with accurate salary and banking details.
Users can define different salary structures based on roles, departments, or branches. The software also automatically generates:
- Payroll reports
- Payslips
- Account journal vouchers (JVs)
3. Bayzat: Payroll Software for UAE Businesses
Bayzat is a cloud-based payroll management software designed specifically for businesses in the UAE. It automates key payroll tasks, including:
- Salary calculations
- WPS file generation
- Payslip delivery
More than 3,000 companies in the UAE use Bayzat, including:
- Deliveroo
- Careem
- Bidfood
- GymNation
The platform processes over AED 6.95 billion in salaries each year. It is well-suited for growing SMEs and enterprises looking to streamline HR and payroll operations while maintaining compliance and accuracy.
Key Features (Payroll-Focused)
Once you set up salary components, Bayzat auto-calculates:
- Gross pay
- Overtime
- Deductions
- Bonuses
- Allowances
- Gratuity
Bayzat includes a built-in SIF (Salary Information File) generator that complies with the UAE’s Wage Protection System (WPS) requirements. You can track payment statuses, verify employee payouts, and make timely adjustments as needed. The software integrates with accounting platforms (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero) and maps payroll line items to your chart of accounts. Employees can submit work-related expenses digitally.
4. EasyHR: Payroll Software for Fast-Growing Companies
EasyHR is a payroll and HR management software designed for businesses and organisations across India, the UAE, and Southeast Asia.
Used by over 10,000 companies, EasyHR helps manage in one system its:
- Payroll
- Employee records
- Time tracking
- Expense claims
- Compliance requirements
Key Features
EasyHR calculates earnings, deductions (EPF, ESI, TDS), bonuses, and arrears, and supports compliance with local tax regulations. It allows you to maintain a secure digital record for each employee. Employees can submit travel, food, or other expense claims via the portal or mobile app.
HR teams can log, track, and manage assets issued to employees, such as:
- Laptops
- Access cards
- Uniforms
Employees can mark attendance, download payslips, apply for leave, and view announcements. The system integrates with biometric devices, GPS tracking tools, and attendance kiosks.
5. Zimyo: Payroll Software for SMEs and Mid-Sized Enterprises
Zimyo is a cloud-based HR and payroll management platform designed for SMEs and mid-sized enterprises seeking to automate their people operations. With over 2,000 clients, including Bajaj Capital, Yash Raj Films, SOHO House, and Apollo Tyres, Zimyo provides:
- Payroll processing
- Statutory compliance
- Digital payouts
It includes features across core HR, attendance, leave, performance, applicant tracking, and more than 40 additional modules. These tools are suited to Indian compliance requirements and support a variety of HR operations.
Key Features
Zimyo calculates:
- Employee earnings
- Deductions (such as PF, ESIC, TDS)
- Bonuses
- Arrears
- Penalties
Users can set up different salary structures, define custom pay cycles, and generate payslips efficiently. The platform handles statutory contributions and deductions for:
- Provident Fund
- Employee State Insurance
- Professional Tax
- Income Tax
Payroll data can be integrated with attendance, leave, and shift records from other modules.
6. WebHR: Payroll Software with a Global Focus
WebHR is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform built for international teams, with features that support GCC compliance. Used by over 800 businesses, including Kanad Hospital, Cravia, Al Masaood, and the University of Dubai, it provides payroll features aligned with UAE labour laws.
From WPS-compliant salary processing to gratuity and GOSI calculations, WebHR helps HR teams automate payroll workflows and meet compliance standards.
Key Features
WebHR automates the full payroll cycle, from attendance data to salary disbursement. It generates SIF files for the UAE’s Wage Protection System. The platform calculates end-of-service gratuity based on tenure, contract type, and UAE regulations. It supports payout planning for expatriate employees and manages GOSI contributions for GCC nationals.
Over time, data flows from attendance to payroll, and businesses can set up different payroll schemes across branches or regions. Employees can access payslips, submit claims, and view salary history via mobile or web portals. The system provides:
- Payroll summaries
- Tax reports
- Compliance dashboards
7. HR WORKS: Payroll Software for the GCC
HR WORKS, developed by DLI-IT, is payroll software designed for organisations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the wider GCC region.
It is built to support complex payroll requirements, automating processes such as:
- Salary calculations
- Statutory deductions
- Final settlements
- Compliance tracking
Key Features
HR WORKS manages payroll tasks, including:
- Backdated leave adjustments
- Salary revisions
- Post-payroll employee entries
- Off-cycle payrolls
It links with leave, attendance, and timesheet systems to provide a connected HR experience. The platform supports compliance with GCC labour laws and handles calculations for gratuity, annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave. It also manages leave settlements and final payouts.
8. HRM Thread: Payroll Software for SMEs in the UAE
HRM Thread, developed by Sensys Technologies, is a web-based HR and payroll platform tailored for businesses in the UAE and India.
It supports payroll processing, attendance integration, tax compliance, and payslip access. The software aligns with UAE labour regulations, including the Wage Protection System (WPS), and is suitable for SMEs and multi-location companies.
Key Features
HRM Thread automates payroll tasks such as earnings calculations, statutory deductions, and payroll scheduling. It supports WPS compliance to ensure accurate salary disbursements. The system enables submission of statutory returns like PF, ESIC, PT, and Income Tax in India.
Payroll can be managed across multiple clients or offices. Employees and HR teams can generate payslips and tax forms (such as Form 16) through the platform. A secure login allows employees to:
- View payslips
- Check leave balances
- Submit documents for tax-saving investments
9. Darwinbox: Payroll Software for Large Enterprises
Darwinbox is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform designed for large and mid-sized organisations across the UAE and other regions. Processing over 1 million payslips monthly, it supports payroll, tax compliance, and compensation management.
Darwinbox integrates payroll with HR and finance systems, supporting accurate and coordinated payroll operations.
Key Features
The platform automates the payroll cycle, including:
- Real-time error checks
- Bulk salary processing
- Full and final settlements
Users can define salary structures using formulas, grouped pay scales, and custom payslip formats. Employees can access payslips, tax sheets, and total compensation via web or mobile apps.
It offers over 50 pre-built reports, including:
- Pay registers
- Tax summaries
- Arrears reports
Darwinbox also supports statutory reporting and industry-specific filings and provides managed payroll services for businesses seeking to outsource the function.
10. Infotrack: Payroll Software for Enterprises in the UAE
Infotrack is an integrated HR and payroll software for mid-sized and large organisations in the UAE. It supports:
- Rule-based payroll processing
- Compliance
- Benefits
- Analytics
Designed to meet Indian and UAE labour standards, Infotrack handles diverse workforce structures, formula-based salary calculations, and statutory deductions.
Key Features
Infotrack offers rule-based payroll via a formula editor that accommodates employee categories, pay cycles, arrears, and reimbursements. It includes tools for full and final settlements, with the ability to define department-specific pay structures.
Employees can access payslips, submit reimbursement claims, and view tax documents online. The platform provides audit logs for payroll actions.
Benefits Management
HR teams can track and manage employee loans, including:
- Staff loans
- Foundation loans
- Salary loans
- Vehicle loans
- Travel loans
11. Sapience: Payroll Software Built for the UAE
Sapience HRMS is a payroll and HR management software designed for organisations in the UAE and the Middle East. It automates HR and payroll transactions and captures real-time data across the employee lifecycle.
Key Features
- Centralised employee records
- Automated salary calculations and disbursements
- Real-time leave and attendance tracking
- Performance review tools
- Recruitment and onboarding management
- Employee self-service portal
- Time and attendance monitoring
- Compliance support
- Expense tracking
- Analytics and reporting tools
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Why Compliance is Critical in UAE Payroll
Payroll compliance is a core responsibility for any business operating in the UAE. With systems such as the Wage Protection System (WPS) and the implementation of corporate tax regulations, companies must ensure accurate:
- Salary processing
- Timely payments
- Proper record-keeping
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with payroll regulations can lead to serious consequences. Under WPS, employers who fail to process salaries through the approved system or delay payments may face fines, suspension of work permits, or reclassification of the establishment.
Similarly, lapses in corporate tax compliance, such as late submissions or inaccurate filings, may result in financial penalties imposed by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). These consequences not only affect finances but may also disrupt operations and damage a company’s reputation.
The Role of Automated Payroll Software in Compliance
Automated payroll software plays a key role in maintaining compliance. By integrating WPS requirements and aligning with UAE tax regulations, payroll software reduces manual errors in:
- Salary calculations
- Deductions
- Statutory reporting
It also ensures that accurate, audit-ready records are maintained, crucial during inspections or regulatory reviews. In dynamic business hubs such as Dubai and throughout the UAE, automated payroll solutions help companies stay compliant while focusing on their core operations.
Workforce Management and Payroll Compliance Across the Middle East
Cercli is designed for companies in the Middle East to manage their workforce, whether local or operating across more than 150 countries, within a single platform. Run compliant payroll across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider MENA region; manage leave, on-board employees, track assets, and handle international contractor payments in multiple currencies.
Whether managing 25 employees or expanding to over 500 across various markets, Cercli supports your HR team with locally aligned processes and international functionality in a unified, compliant system.
Book a demonstration to see how Cercli supports MENA companies in managing HR, payroll, and international teams while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Benefits of Adopting Payroll Software in the UAE
Streamline Payroll Operations and Reduce Manual Work
Automating payroll reduces the time spent on:
- Manual calculations
- Data entry
- Routine administrative work
This allows HR teams to focus on strategic tasks such as workforce planning and employee engagement.
Avoid Payroll Errors Through Improved Accuracy
Payroll errors can be costly, both financially and in terms of employee trust. Payroll software minimises these risks by accurately calculating salaries, deductions, and allowances in line with UAE labour laws and WPS requirements, helping avoid disputes and unnecessary corrections.
Support Employee Satisfaction with Timely Payroll
Timely and transparent salary payments contribute to employee satisfaction. Payroll software ensures consistent processing schedules and provides clear payslips and records, helping employees understand their earnings, deductions, and benefits more clearly.
Simplify Cross-Border Payroll for Regional Teams
As many UAE businesses expand across the wider MENA region, managing payroll for teams in multiple countries can be complex. Payroll software simplifies payroll management by supporting multi-currency processing and offering a centralised view of payments across locations, ensuring accuracy and consistency for employees, wherever they are based.
Book a Demo to Speak with Our Team about Our Global HR System
Cercli supports companies in the Middle East that require a compliant and adaptable way to manage their workforce, whether teams are local, remote, or distributed across borders. Cercli is developed to reflect the specific needs of businesses in the region. It helps companies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and across MENA streamline HR operations, comply with local regulations, and manage payroll efficiently.
Cercli manages tasks such as WPS registrations in the UAE, GOSI processing in Saudi Arabia, DEWS contributions, and contract compliance, helping businesses handle regional payroll and HR requirements more easily. As companies expand their hiring to include remote employees, contractors, and international teams, Cercli supports global workforce management through compliant and structured solutions.
Managing the Full Employee Lifecycle with Global Payroll Support
Companies can pay contractors or full-time employees in more than 150 countries using multicurrency payroll, Employer of Record (EOR) services, and legally compliant international contracts.
Cercli provides HR teams with a centralised system to manage key stages of the employee lifecycle, including:
- Onboarding
- Asset management
- Leave tracking
- Time-off calendars
- Payroll processing
- Offboarding
By consolidating employee data in one place, companies can reduce manual tasks, minimise payroll errors, and maintain oversight of workforce activity.
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