Policy update

Policy & Legal Updates

Dubai Outlines Four Criteria for Five-Year Green Residency for Skilled Workers

Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs clarified four mandatory conditions for skilled workers seeking a five-year green residency visa. Applicants require an active UAE work permit, valid employment contract, a bachelor's degree, and a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000. The programme is restricted to specific occupational classifications set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Reviews Resolution Waiving Industrial Property Fees for Students and People of Determination

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism reviewed Cabinet Resolution No. 136 of 2026, which grants fee exemptions across 29 industrial property services for student inventors and People of Determination. The measure covers applications and examinations for patents, industrial designs, utility certificates, and integrated circuit layouts. Both beneficiary groups receive fee waivers on 11 shared services, alongside 9 distinct services tailored to each category.

Policy & Legal Updates

Dubai Customs Expands Guarantee-Free Free Zone Exports to All Destinations

Dubai Customs has eliminated customs cash and bank guarantee requirements for goods exported from major Dubai free zones to any destination outside the UAE. The measure applies to cargo stored in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Logistics City, and Dubai Airport Freezone, replacing previous restrictions that excluded GCC destinations from the waiver.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Outlines E-Invoicing Deadlines and Penalties Under Phased Implementation Plan

The UAE Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority have established mandatory compliance phases for the nationwide e-invoicing framework. Large enterprises with revenue of AED 50 million or more must select an accredited provider by 30 October 2026 ahead of a 1 January 2027 rollout. Failure to comply incurs a monthly fine of AED 5,000 under Cabinet Decision No. 106 of 2025.