2025 UAE Law Updates You Need to Know: What’s Changing This Year?

The UAE has long been at the forefront of legal and economic reforms, continuously adapting its policies to support business growth, enhance the quality of life for residents, and strengthen investor confidence. As 2025 begins, a fresh wave of legal updates is set to reshape key areas such as employment, residency, corporate regulations, and digital security.

For residents, these changes impact work permits, long-term visas, and consumer rights. Businesses must adapt to new tax policies, corporate governance laws, and sustainability regulations. Meanwhile, advancements in cybersecurity and data protection ensure stronger digital safety for individuals and companies.

In this guide, we break down the most important UAE law updates for 2025, helping you stay informed about what’s changing, how it affects you, and what you need to do to stay compliant.

1. Employment Law Updates in the UAE for 2025

New Work Permit Rules & Job Market Reforms

New Job-Seeker Visa with Longer Validity

The Job Exploration Visa has been extended to up to 1 year, allowing skilled professionals more time to find employment in the UAE.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders, skilled workers, and recent graduates from top 500 universities worldwide.

Green Visa Adjustments for Skilled Workers

Skilled professionals applying for the 5-year Green Visa no longer need a sponsor, as long as they meet minimum salary requirements (AED 15,000/month).

Tighter Compliance for Work Permits

Employers must prove salary payment compliance via the Wage Protection System (WPS) before renewing work permits.
Companies failing to meet employment standards will face heavier fines under Ministerial Resolution No. 765 of 2024.

Freelance Visa & Remote Work Policies

More Professions Eligible for the Freelance Visa

The UAE has expanded its Freelance Work Permit to cover blockchain developers, cybersecurity specialists, AI engineers, and e-commerce consultants.
Freelancers can now apply directly via ICP’s Smart Services Platform.

Remote Work Compliance Law

Companies hiring remote workers must register them with MoHRE and provide work-from-home contracts that meet UAE Labor Law standards.
Minimum wages and overtime laws now apply to remote workers.

End-of-Service Benefits & Gratuity Scheme Changes

Launch of New Savings Scheme for Expats

Starting July 2025, private-sector workers can opt for a new investment-based gratuity fund.
Instead of receiving a lump sum at the end of their service, employees can invest their end-of-service benefits for long-term financial security.

Gratuity Eligibility for Part-Time Workers

Part-time and temporary workers are now entitled to gratuity payouts, calculated based on total working hours, not just tenure.

Stronger Workplace Protections & Employee Rights

Extended Maternity Leave Benefits

Female employees in both private and public sectors can now avail of 98 days of maternity leave, including paid and unpaid leave options.
Companies must also provide lactation rooms in workplaces for new mothers.

Stricter Workplace Harassment & Anti-Discrimination Rules

New penalties apply for unfair dismissal, salary discrimination, and workplace harassment under Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2025.

Stronger Employee Mental Health Protections

Employers must now offer mental health programs in workplaces, with mandatory counseling support for employees in high-stress sectors.

2. Residency & Visa Law Updates in the UAE for 2025

The UAE has introduced several new updates regarding Golden Visas, Green Visas, and residency permits for 2025. Additionally, changes to the Salik toll system have been implemented to streamline road toll payments and vehicle registration.

Golden Visa Updates for 2025

Golden Visa Renewals Now Simplified

Expats with a 10-year Golden Visa can now renew online without additional reapplication if they continue to meet the required conditions.
Automatic renewal reminders will be sent via the ICP Smart Services portal.

Expanded Eligibility for Golden Visas

The salary requirement for skilled professionals has been lowered to AED 30,000 per month (previously AED 50,000).
More professionals in tech, AI, blockchain, and sustainability sectors are now eligible.

Real Estate Investors Can Now Get a Golden Visa for Lower Investments

Investors can obtain a Golden Visa with a property investment of AED 2 million (earlier AED 5 million).
Those with off-plan properties from approved developers are also eligible.

Green Visa Updates for 2025

Longer Validity for Green Visas

Freelancers, investors, and skilled workers under the 5-year Green Visa scheme can now extend their visas for up to 7 years without requiring employer sponsorship.

Easier Family Sponsorship for Green Visa Holders

Green Visa holders can now sponsor children up to 25 years old (previously 21 years old).
Families are also granted a 6-month grace period after visa expiry to renew their status.

New Residency Visa Rules for 2025

Mandatory Health Insurance for All Residency Visa Holders

From March 2025, all new and renewing residency visa applicants must show proof of valid health insurance coverage.
Those without insurance will not be able to renew or extend their visas.

Residency Visa Processing Time Reduced

Applications for family and employment-based residency visas will now be processed within 5 working days (previously 10-15 days).

3. Salik Toll System Updates for 2025

New Salik Account Registration Rules

All new vehicle owners must register for a Salik account within 10 days of purchase to avoid fines.
Failure to register will result in daily penalties.

Automatic Toll Payment Linking with Emirates ID

Salik accounts will now be linked directly to Emirates IDs, making toll deductions automated and reducing the need for manual top-ups.

New Toll Gates Expected in 2025

Additional Salik toll gates are being introduced in Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Khail Road to reduce congestion on major highways.

4. Tax & Financial Regulations in the UAE for 2025

The UAE has introduced new tax policies, financial regulations, and corporate tax adjustments to align with international standards and enhance economic stability. Below are the latest confirmed updates for 2025.

Corporate Tax & Business Regulations

Corporate Tax Adjustments for Small Businesses

Companies with annual revenue below AED 3 million will continue to benefit from 0% corporate tax under the Small Business Relief Program, extended until December 2025.

New Corporate Tax Compliance Requirements

Businesses with revenue exceeding AED 50 million must submit quarterly corporate tax reports instead of annual filings.
Enhanced transfer pricing rules now apply to multinational corporations operating in the UAE.

Value-Added Tax (VAT) & Personal Tax Updates

Expansion of VAT Exemptions

Essential medical services, school transport fees, and select education-related expenses are now exempt from VAT.

VAT on Digital Services for Foreign Companies

Non-resident businesses offering digital services in the UAE (including streaming, SaaS, and digital goods) must register for VAT if their revenue exceeds AED 375,000.

Banking & Financial Sector Reforms

New Banking Regulations for Crypto & Digital Assets

The UAE Central Bank has issued new licensing frameworks for financial institutions offering crypto, tokenized assets, and blockchain-based financial services.

Stronger Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policies

Financial institutions must now conduct enhanced due diligence for transactions exceeding AED 100,000.
Suspicious transactions must be reported within 24 hours instead of 48 hours.

5. Consumer Rights & Legal Protections in the UAE for 2025

The UAE has strengthened consumer protection laws, e-commerce regulations, tenant rights, and financial dispute resolution mechanisms to provide better security for residents and businesses. Here’s what’s new in 2025:

New Consumer Protection Laws in the UAE (2025)

Stronger Refund & Return Policies

Consumers can now request refunds for defective or misrepresented products within 30 days of purchase (previously 14 days).
Retailers must provide full refunds if a product is proven to be faulty or falsely advertised.

E-Commerce Consumer Protection Enhancements

Online platforms must ensure transparent pricing, return policies, and secure payment gateways.
E-commerce businesses operating in the UAE must comply with VAT regulations and display accurate product descriptions.

Tenant Rights & Real Estate Legal Updates

New Rent Increase Restrictions in 2025

Dubai’s RERA rental index now limits rent increases to 10% annually for properties that are at least 21% below market rate.
Landlords cannot demand rent hikes without 90-day prior notice via Ejari-registered contracts.

Tenant Eviction Protections Strengthened

Landlords must provide a 12-month written notice before requesting an eviction for personal use or sale of property.
Evicted tenants now receive compensation for premature contract termination, covering relocation expenses.

Financial & Contract Enforcement Laws

Stronger Protections Against Bank Fraud

Banks must notify customers via SMS/email before processing any high-value online transactions.
Victims of fraudulent transactions can now freeze bank accounts within 24 hours by filing a complaint with Dubai Police e-crime unit.
Source: UAE Central Bank

New Credit Card & Loan Regulations

Banks are required to offer customers a 7-day cooling-off period to reconsider any loan or credit card agreement before activation.
Customers can cancel credit cards without penalty within 30 days of issuance, provided no transactions have been made.

6. Employment & Labor Law Updates in the UAE for 2025

The UAE has introduced new labor laws, work visa regulations, employee rights protections, and salary adjustments to enhance job security and workplace fairness. Here are the latest updates for 2025:

Work Visa & Employment Residency Changes

Extended Work Permit Validity

Standard work permits are now valid for 3 years instead of 2 years.
This applies to both private-sector employees and domestic workers.

Golden Visa Expansion for Skilled Professionals

Skilled professionals in healthcare, AI, and advanced tech fields now qualify for 10-year Golden Visas.
The salary requirement has been lowered to AED 30,000 per month (previously AED 50,000).

Minimum Wage & Salary Reforms

Minimum Wage Implementation in the Private Sector

Employees under skilled category 1 & 2 must receive a minimum wage of AED 5,000 per month.
Applies to all new labor contracts issued in 2025.

Wage Protection System (WPS) Enhancements

Companies must pay salaries within 7 days of the due date, or face automatic penalties.
Employers delaying salaries by 30+ days will have new work permits frozen.

End-of-Service Benefits & Pension Reforms

New End-of-Service Savings Scheme for Expats

Private-sector employees can opt into a voluntary savings scheme that invests their gratuity benefits into low-risk funds.
Employees can withdraw gratuity funds before leaving employment for personal needs.

Pension Expansion for Emiratis in the Private Sector

Emirati employees must be registered for pension contributions within 1 month of hiring.
The mandatory employer contribution has increased from 12.5% to 15%.

Remote Work & Employee Rights Enhancements

Remote Work Rights Strengthened

Employees in digital, IT, and customer support roles can now request partial remote work agreements.
Employers must provide a written explanation for rejecting remote work requests.

Stronger Protections Against Unfair Dismissals

Firing an employee without a valid legal reason requires 3-month compensation based on their salary.
Employees can appeal dismissals through a fast-track dispute resolution system under MOHRE.

With new employment laws, financial regulations, consumer protections, and residency reforms, the UAE continues to refine its legal framework to support both businesses and residents. Whether you're an employee, investor, or entrepreneur, staying updated on these changes ensures you can navigate opportunities and obligations with confidence.

As 2025 unfolds, it’s crucial to stay informed, adapt to new policies, and take advantage of available benefits. If you're impacted by these updates, consult official sources or legal professionals for accurate guidance on compliance and rights.

Sources:

ICP UAE – Visa & residency law updates.
Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) – Work permits, labor rights, and employment law.
UAE Cabinet Resolutions – Legal reforms and cabinet decisions.
UAE Government Portal (u.ae) – Labor law and employment regulations.
WAM Emirates News – Official government announcements.
ICP UAE – Residency visa & Golden Visa updates.
UAE Government Portal (u.ae) – Visa and immigration policies.
Dubai Land Department – Real estate visa regulations.
UAE Cabinet – Legal amendments and government resolutions.
GDRFA Dubai – Residency permit processing updates.
Salik Official Website – Toll system updates.
Dubai RTA – New road toll regulations.
Federal Tax Authority UAE – Corporate tax, VAT, and compliance updates.
UAE Ministry of Economy – Business regulations & corporate compliance.
Central Bank of UAE – Banking & crypto regulations.
UAE Cabinet – Official government decisions & financial reforms.
UAE Financial Intelligence Unit – AML & financial security updates.
UAE Ministry of Economy – Consumer protection & e-commerce laws.
Dubai Economic Department (DED) – Retail & online shopping regulations.
Dubai Land Department – Tenant & rental legal updates.
UAE Rental Dispute Centre – Eviction & tenancy protection policies.
UAE Central Bank – Banking & fraud prevention regulations.
UAE Banking Federation – Loan & credit policy updates.
MOHRE UAE – Work visa, salary laws, end-of-service benefits.
ICP UAE – Golden Visa & skilled professional residency updates.
UAE Wage Protection System – Salary payment enforcement.
General Pension & Social Security Authority – Pension & retirement benefits.
UAE Labour Court – Employment dispute resolution.