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Federal Laws and Regulations

The legal framework and nationwide laws that govern the UAE, including civil, criminal, and commercial laws.

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Comprehensive Guide to Federal Laws and Regulations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates governed by a unified federal legal framework. The UAE’s legal system is based on a combination of Sharia (Islamic law), civil law, and customary law, with federal laws applicable across all emirates. Each emirate also has its own local laws and regulations, but federal laws take precedence in most cases.

This guide provides an overview of the UAE’s federal laws and regulations, including key areas of interest for visitors and immigrants, standard procedures, general costs, and country-specific considerations.

1. Legal Framework in the UAE

The UAE’s legal system is divided into federal laws and local laws. Federal laws are enacted by the UAE government and apply across all emirates, while local laws are specific to individual emirates. The UAE Constitution outlines the division of powers between the federal government and the emirates.

Key federal laws include:

  • Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Transactions Law): Governs civil matters such as contracts, obligations, and property.
  • Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (Penal Code): Covers criminal offenses and penalties.
  • Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 (Labour Law): Regulates employment relationships.
  • Federal Law No. 6 of 1973 (Immigration and Residency Law): Governs visas, residency, and immigration.
  • Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Labour Relations Law): Replaced the 1980 Labour Law and introduced new employment regulations.
  • Federal Law No. 15 of 1980 (Press and Publications Law): Regulates media and publications.

2. Key Areas of Federal Laws and Regulations

2.1 Immigration and Residency

The UAE has strict immigration and residency laws, which are regulated by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

Visa Types:

  • Tourist Visa: Short-term visa for visitors (30 or 90 days).
  • Employment Visa: Issued to individuals with a job offer in the UAE.
  • Golden Visa: Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals.
  • Family Visa: Allows residents to sponsor family members.

Standard Procedures:

  1. Tourist Visa: Apply through airlines, travel agencies, or UAE embassies.
  2. Employment Visa: Employer sponsors the visa and handles the application process.
  3. Residency Visa: Requires a medical fitness test, Emirates ID application, and visa stamping.

Costs:

  • Tourist Visa: AED 300–600 (depending on duration).
  • Employment Visa: AED 1,000–3,000 (paid by the employer).
  • Residency Visa: AED 1,000–2,000 (excluding medical and Emirates ID fees).

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • Overstaying a visa incurs fines of AED 50–100 per day.
  • Certain nationalities may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival.

2.2 Labour and Employment

The UAE Labour Law governs employment relationships, ensuring the rights of both employers and employees.

Key Provisions:

  • Employment Contracts: Must be in writing and specify terms of employment.
  • Working Hours: Maximum of 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
  • Overtime Pay: Employees are entitled to overtime pay for extra hours worked.
  • Annual Leave: Minimum of 30 calendar days per year.
  • End-of-Service Gratuity: Employees are entitled to gratuity payments based on their length of service.

Standard Procedures:

  1. Employer drafts an employment contract and submits it to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
  2. Employee signs the contract and receives a work permit.
  3. Employer provides health insurance (mandatory).

Costs:

  • Work Permit: AED 300–5,000 (depending on the skill level of the employee).
  • Health Insurance: AED 600–10,000 annually (varies by coverage).

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • Employment disputes are resolved through MOHRE or the Labour Court.
  • Domestic workers are governed by a separate law (Federal Law No. 10 of 2017).

2.3 Criminal Law

The UAE Penal Code outlines criminal offenses and penalties. The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for certain crimes, including drug possession, theft, and public indecency.

Key Offenses:

  • Drug-Related Crimes: Strict penalties, including imprisonment and deportation.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Legal for non-Muslims in licensed venues, but public intoxication is prohibited.
  • Public Decency: Includes modest dress codes and restrictions on public displays of affection.
  • Cybercrimes: Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 criminalizes online defamation, hacking, and spreading false information.

Standard Procedures:

  1. Report crimes to the police (999 for emergencies, 901 for non-emergencies).
  2. Police investigate and refer cases to the Public Prosecution.
  3. Cases are tried in the UAE courts.

Costs:

  • Legal representation: AED 5,000–50,000 (depending on the complexity of the case).
  • Fines: Vary based on the offense (e.g., AED 2,000 for minor traffic violations).

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • Visitors and residents are subject to UAE laws, regardless of their nationality.
  • Ignorance of the law is not a valid defense.

2.4 Family and Personal Status Law

Family matters, including marriage, divorce, and inheritance, are governed by Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 (Personal Status Law), which is based on Sharia principles.

Key Provisions:

  • Marriage: Requires a marriage contract and witnesses. Non-Muslims can marry under their home country’s laws.
  • Divorce: Can be initiated by either spouse. Requires court approval.
  • Inheritance: Follows Sharia principles, but non-Muslims can draft a will to distribute assets.

Standard Procedures:

  1. Register marriages and divorces with the UAE courts.
  2. Draft wills with a legal consultant for non-Muslims.

Costs:

  • Marriage Registration: AED 200–500.
  • Divorce Proceedings: AED 5,000–20,000 (legal fees).
  • Will Registration: AED 5,000–10,000.

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • Expatriates should consult legal experts to understand how Sharia principles may apply to their personal matters.

2.5 Business and Investment

The UAE is a global business hub with investor-friendly regulations.

Key Provisions:

  • Company Formation: Businesses can be established in mainland UAE or free zones.
  • Foreign Ownership: 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors.
  • Taxation: No personal income tax; corporate tax (9%) applies to businesses earning over AED 375,000 annually.

Standard Procedures:

  1. Choose a business activity and legal structure.
  2. Register the business with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a free zone authority.
  3. Obtain necessary licenses and approvals.

Costs:

  • Trade License: AED 10,000–50,000 annually.
  • Office Space: AED 20,000–100,000 annually (varies by location).

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • Free zones offer tax exemptions and 100% repatriation of profits.
  • Mainland businesses require a local service agent for certain activities.

3. General Costs Associated with Compliance

  • Medical Fitness Test: AED 250–500.
  • Emirates ID: AED 100–300 (per year of validity).
  • Legal Translation: AED 50–200 per page (for official documents).
  • Notarization: AED 100–500 per document.

4. Cultural and Practical Considerations

  • Modesty: Dress modestly in public places to respect local customs.
  • Public Behavior: Avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public.
  • Religious Sensitivity: Respect Islamic practices, especially during Ramadan.
  • Photography: Do not photograph people without their consent, especially women and government buildings.

5. Conclusion

Understanding and complying with UAE federal laws and regulations is essential for visitors and immigrants. The UAE’s legal framework is designed to maintain order, protect rights, and promote economic growth. By following the standard procedures and respecting local customs, you can ensure a smooth and lawful experience in the UAE. For complex legal matters, consult a licensed legal professional or government authority.