Published: 21.02.2026
The UAE has lowered the age of majority from 21 to 18. The change affects entry-permit processing, residence-visa amendments and dependent-student applications, as well as expatriate inheritance arrangements and certain corporate plans.
According to the source, lowering the age of majority changes the legal status of young expatriates and related administrative procedures. For families and students, the new age rules may matter when processing entry permits, amending residence visas and applying for dependent-student status. Expatriate wills and access to family assets are also affected once beneficiaries reach 18. The development is most relevant to families with children and students arranging or maintaining UAE residence; for other movers, it is mainly a background legal change.