Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies. Every update identifies the issuing authority, jurisdiction, publication date, effective date and official source.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi stated that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait are close to beginning the official process for Schengen visa-free travel. A formal announcement is expected at the second EU-GCC Summit in Riyadh on October 24. Currently, the UAE is the only GCC member state whose citizens can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa.
Foreign residents in the UAE require a minimum monthly salary of Dh3,000 with employer-provided housing or Dh4,000 without it to sponsor a spouse and eligible children, according to federal guidance. In Dubai, sponsoring parents requires a higher monthly income threshold of Dh10,000 alongside suitable accommodation and supporting documents. Requirements may vary by emirate, and residents are advised to verify regulations with federal and local immigration authorities.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security; General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
The United States has revoked presidential determinations dating back to 1985 that restricted flights between the US and Lebanon. US President Donald Trump signed the order, directing transportation authorities to remove regulatory bans immediately. Lebanese officials welcomed the decision, though direct commercial flights will not resume right away.
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.
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
United Arab Emirates
Final rule
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