7 Latest UAE Business & Visa Regulations You Can’t-Miss – 2025!

Overview

There is curiosity built every day among people, especially among entrepreneurs when any new policies or changes are announced in the UAE. We at Arnifi have gathered a few top business-related and updated visa regulations so you don’t miss any of them to implement in your business expansion. All these updates as a whole will impact the business growth. It affects the decision-making, profit calculation, and ways to stand out from the market trends. On a major note formal tax regulations will help you make informed decisions on financial management. This article will lead you to take the necessary actions to scale your business.

1. Free Zone Companies’ Operations Flexibility

Dubai has introduced a new regulation allowing free zone companies to operate throughout the emirate, provided they obtain a permit from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This initiative aims to streamline business operations and promote economic growth by enabling free zone entities to expand their activities beyond designated zones.

To operate outside their respective free zones, companies must secure the necessary permits from the DET, ensuring compliance with Dubai’s broader economic framework. This regulatory change reflects Dubai’s commitment to fostering a more flexible and business-friendly environment, enhancing its appeal to investors and entrepreneurs.

2. 90-Day Visa Without Sponsorship

In 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced a 90-day multiple-entry visa that eliminates the need for a local sponsor, aiming to enhance accessibility for tourists, business professionals, and families. This visa allows stays of up to 90 days and can be extended, permitting a total stay of up to 180 days annually. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a passport valid for at least six months, provide proof of financial means, have valid travel insurance, and furnish proof of onward or return travel. 

The application process is streamlined through official government portals such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), with processing times typically ranging from five to seven business days. This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment for international visitors, simplifying long-term travel, and aligning with the country’s aspiration to become a global hub for tourism, business, and innovation. 

3. Golden Visa’s Golden Policies Update

The UAE’s Golden Visa is a long-term residency program introduced in 2019 to attract foreign talent and investment. It offers 5- or 10-year renewable residency without the need for a local sponsor. Eligible categories include investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. Key benefits encompass the ability to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency rights, sponsor family members regardless of age, and employ an unlimited number of domestic helpers.

Additionally, family members can remain in the UAE if the primary visa holder passes away, until the end of their permit duration. The visa aims to enhance the UAE’s competitiveness by creating an attractive environment for business and growth.

4. Tech Industries Revolution in UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised for unprecedented growth in its technology sector in 2025, driven by substantial investments in digital infrastructure and supportive regulatory frameworks. Projections indicate that revenues from the technology services market will reach approximately $3.8 billion in 2025, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 6.24% from 2025 to 2029, potentially expanding the market size to $4.79 billion by the end of this period. 

Key areas contributing to this surge include artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and emerging technologies such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). The UAE’s strategic focus on digital innovation has solidified its position as a global hub for tech enterprises, attracting both established and emerging companies. Initiatives like the ‘Talent Attraction and Retention 2031’ strategy aim to draw top global talent across sectors including technology, healthcare, logistics, and finance, further bolstering the nation’s competitive edge. These developments underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering a robust and dynamic technology ecosystem.

5. International Tax Legislation – UAE 2025

In January 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented significant tax legislation updates to enhance its fiscal framework and align with international standards. A notable development is the introduction of a 15% Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT) on large multinational enterprises with consolidated global revenues of €750 million or more, effective from January 1, 2025. This measure aligns with the OECD’s global minimum corporate tax agreement, aiming to curb tax avoidance and boost non-oil revenues.

Additionally, the UAE expanded the scope of the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) under VAT to include a broader range of transactions involving precious metals and stones, such as gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls. This change, outlined in Cabinet Decision No. (127) of 2024, requires VAT-registered buyers to self-account for VAT on eligible transactions, streamlining tax compliance in these sectors.

Furthermore, the UAE introduced a new mechanism for correcting VAT return errors. Effective January 1, 2025, Federal Tax Authority Decision No. 8 of 2024 allows taxpayers to use the Voluntary Disclosure process to correct errors or omissions that do not affect the due tax, simplifying compliance procedures. These updates reflect the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a robust and transparent tax environment, fostering investor confidence, and ensuring alignment with global tax practices.

6. Indians Now Get Easier UAE Visa-on-Arrival

Effective February 13, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expanded its visa-on-arrival program for Indian nationals. Previously, Indian citizens could obtain a visa on arrival if they held valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom. The updated policy now includes those with valid residence permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore. This means Indian passport holders with these credentials can receive a visa upon arrival at any UAE entry point, facilitating easier travel for both tourism and business purposes.

7. IMF Predicts Strong Economic Growth for UAE in 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will experience robust economic growth, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expected to expand by approximately 4% in 2025. This positive outlook persists despite anticipated reductions in oil production due to OPEC+ agreements. The IMF highlights the UAE’s substantial financial reserves as a buffer against short-term economic fluctuations. Additionally, ongoing reforms and significant investments in infrastructure and artificial intelligence are anticipated to enhance productivity. These strategic initiatives underscore the UAE’s commitment to diversifying its economy and fostering sustainable growth beyond the oil sector.

Also Read:

Business setup packages in Dubai
Ministerial decision 2025 – Key Corporate tax laws