The UAE Central Bank has removed the mandatory minimum salary requirement (previously often AED 5,000) for personal loans, enabling banks to set their own income criteria to improve financial inclusion for low-income and blue-collar workers. While the minimum salary is removed, strict regulations remain: maximum loan size is 20 times the salary, monthly repayments cannot exceed 50% of income, and the maximum tenure is 48 months.
Dubai: The UAE has removed the Dh5,000 minimum salary requirement that defined personal-loan approvals for years. Banks will now set their own eligibility criteria, supported by strict lending caps and repayments routed through the Wage Protection System (WPS).
In 2025, several UAE and Dubai new visa rules were introduced. These include extended visa validity, digitized application processes, an expanded visa-on-arrival list, and new categories under the golden visa.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that all banks must offer a fixed interest rate option for equated monthly installment (EMI)-based personal loans. This means borrowers will now have the choice between fixed and floating interest rates, giving them more control over their loan repayment.
The New Banking Law grants the CBUAE clear authority to issue and regulate the digital dirham and confirms its status as legal tender to provide legal certainty around the use of digital money in the UAE.
In the UAE, unpaid debt is a civil matter, but it can also lead to criminal cases. If you miss payments, your bank can file a claim with the police or the courts. Where cheques are involved, a bounced cheque can bring criminal charges, often starting with fines and in some cases leading to a custodial sentence.
TYPE 3 LOAN means any residential mortgage loan originated and serviced by Borrower in accordance with the Seller's Guide, which mortgage loan has a loan-to-value ratio greater than 125% but less than 135%.
Ineligible policies: Pure term insurance plans do not qualify since they do not have a cash or surrender value. Loan type: The loan is secured, meaning your policy acts as collateral. Purpose: Funds can be used for various personal or business needs, including emergencies.
The directive specifically targets citizens from:
UAE New Residence Visa Rules 2026
Under the latest 2026 Dubai visa application updates, all visas allow entry into Dubai within 60 days of being issued. However, 96-hour and 48-hour visas must be used within 30 days from the date of issuance.
The UAE is set to implement a significant overhaul of its Federal Traffic Law on March 29, 2025, with a focus on modernizing the transportation system and prioritizing safety. One of the key changes is lowering the minimum driving age to 17, aiming to encourage younger, responsible drivers on the roads.
Travel bans and arrest warrants
A travel ban is one of the first tools used once a debt case is filed. It's a court or police order that stops you from leaving the UAE until the case is resolved. These bans are common with mortgages and business loans, though smaller debts can also trigger them if they go to court.
Before you get your UAE visa cancelled and leave the UAE, remember to settle everything carefully. Any wrongdoing will result in the refusal of a new tourist or residence visa; Closing your bank account & make sure all your loans, credit cards, and auto loans are paid.
A $20,000 loan over 5 years (60 months) costs roughly $2,600 to over $7,000 in interest, with monthly payments varying significantly by Annual Percentage Rate (APR), such as around $377 at 5% APR or $445 at 12% APR, meaning total repayment could range from approximately $22,600 to over $26,700.
Generally, scores above 700 are considered good, with 750+ being very good or excellent. However, what is deemed “good” can vary significantly depending on the type of lending product, risk appetite of the lender, and prevailing economic conditions.
Plan 2 loans are those taken out for undergraduate courses and Postgraduate Certificates of Education (PGCE) since 1 September 2012 in Wales and between 1 September 2012 and 31 July 2023 in England. Postgraduate/plan 3 loans are those taken out for master's or doctoral courses by borrowers in England and Wales.
Bad credit lenders may approve borrowers with credit scores in the upper 500s or lower. Personal loans for bad credit usually come with high annual percentage rates (APRs) and high fees. Beware of lenders that guarantee approval or require upfront fees — those are red flags of a lending scam.
UAE Residence Visa Cost
2-year residence visa: AED 3,500* (without insurance) and AED 4,200* (with insurance) 3-year residence visa: AED 3,700* (without insurance) and AED 5,472* (with insurance) Investor Visa (10 years): Approx. AED 5,000*
Meanwhile, the Indian government permits Indian travellers to carry foreign currency up to an equivalent of USD 3,000 (equivalent to AED 11,000 approx) in cash. Upon entering India, Indians can bring in only USD 5,000 (equivalent to AED 18,000 approx) in cash.
In 2024–2025, the UAE introduced enhanced tourist and visit visa rules, including: Availability of multiple-entry tourist visas, including a five-year multiple-entry option issued through the GDRFA. Stricter checks on accommodation, return tickets, and proof of sufficient funds upon arrival.