Laser cladding is an advanced surface modification technology, which has the characteristics of small effect on the heat affected zone of the matrix, fine microstructure and small deformation degree of the matrix, and it has been widely used in the field of remanufacturing. Rare earth elements can improve the microstructure of nickel-based alloy coating and make the coating grain fine and purify grain boundary. The research progress of rare earth oxides in laser cladding nickel-based alloy coatings is summarized in this paper. The types and properties of rare earth oxides were summarized, and the effects of rare earth oxides on the grain size, dilution rate and crack of nickel base alloy coating were studied by combining the mechanism of rare earth oxides. The hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance of the coating were analyzed, and the effects of rare earth oxides on hard phase of the coating were also discussed. Finally, the existing problems and future development direction of rare earth oxide coating on laser cladding nickel-based alloy are prospected.