How to get a UAE passport

In January 2021, the UAE authorities made significant amendments to the citizenship law. Beforehand, nationality was not available to foreigners; however now investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, talents, intellectuals, and artists, as well as their spouses and children can apply for it. The initiative was proposed by the UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

It is worth noting that it can be very difficult for foreigners to obtain citizenship in the Gulf countries. However the UAE is the first country in the region that has devised this type of initiative. Additionally, the country can now offer dual citizenship to foreigners, making it the first in the Middle East.

The UAE began easing the conditions for immigrants to stay in the country a few years ago. While an ordinary work visa allows for a stay of 2-3 years, the “golden visa” programme launched in 2019 and now allows a residence permit of 10 years for individuals who have a degree, professionals with specific occupations, excellent students and their families. It is interesting to note that previously, only the wives and children of an Emirati citizen could obtain a UAE passport, along with long-time residents empowered by a presidential decree.

The UAE can now grant citizenship to certain categories of individuals, which is a positive step for both foreigners and the country itself. The amendment is a major move for the economy, considering that more than 85% of the population are expats, even after last year’s coronavirus crisis forced tens of thousands to leave the UAE. In a way, the country attracts the best specialists and talents within various fields, by giving those who can “contribute to our development journey”, (Sheikh Mohammed) a safe and secure place to reside in.

New amendments to the citizenship law are also aimed at encouraging longer stays for expatriates. One of the results of the initiative is that families will choose to invest more in their businesses, real estate and make long-term investments in the UAE, knowing that they will not have to eventually leave the country.

The UAE Centennial 2071, launched by the Prime Minister and Vice President of UAE, focuses on four aspects – education, economy, government development and community cohesion. One of the most important elements is the development of human capital, as the implementation of the project largely depends on qualified specialists. The new conditions for issuing citizenship will comply with this programme.

However, not all foreigners can apply for UAE citizenship. To get Emirati nationality you have to be part of the following categories of people and meet the listed requirements:

• Investors. The applicant of this category must own real estate in the UAE if they want to be nominated for Emirati nationality.
• Doctors and qualified specialists. The candidate must make a valuable contribution to science or scientific research, have at least 10 years of experience in the professional activity and have a membership of a reputable organization in the sphere they are working in.
• Scientists must have worked in the same sphere for over 10 years. Researched in a university or private centre, made a contribution to science in the form of winning a scientific award or funding for research, and must have a letter of recommendation from a reputable academic institution – those are all requirements for candidates.
• Inventors must own one or more patents that were approved by an international body or the UAE Ministry of Economy. Moreover, the candidate must receive a letter of recommendation from the mentioned governmental body.
• Representatives of creative professions must have won one or more international awards and received a letter of recommendation from the UAE authorities.

In order to obtain citizenship, the candidate must be approved by the Cabinet, rulers and executive councils of the Emirates. If the applicant meets the criteria they will then receive a passport of the United Arab Emirates. But if the candidate violates the conditions in the future, such as selling his property, then they will lose citizenship.

There are currently three ways to become a citizen of the UAE: by the law, by citizenship and by naturalization. Since there is no such thing as an application process, to obtain citizenship you can only go through the Rulers’ and Crown Princes’ Courts, Offices of the Executive Councils and the Cabinet. Sub-committees from different areas will collect information on the possible candidates and then if the person meets the requirements, the Federal Cabinet will nominate them personally. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) committee will examine the candidacy and decide if the candidate is suitable for UAE citizenship.

The passport of the United Arab Emirates offers many advantages both within and outside the country:

• Subsidized education, fuel, and health care is available for all citizens.
• One of the benefits is that you can build or own a commercial property in the country.
• You can retire at the age of 49.
• Your spouse and children can also obtain citizenship.
• Dual Citizenship is allowed in the UAE. You can keep your current citizenship.
• UAE citizens can travel to more than 160 countries without a need for a visa.

New introductions to laws can cause misunderstandings and a lot of questions. Below are some of the most popular ones:

• In January 2021 the government of the UAE adopted a new law amendment that allows people of certain categories to obtain Emirati nationality.
• Citizenship is only applicable if the federal entities nominate the person and then approve the application.
• The UAE is the first country in the Gulf region that allows foreigners to obtain citizenship.
• Such changes in the law benefit both sides – the country will enrich its human capital and develop its economy, while expats get citizenship to stay in the country permanently.
• Emirati citizenship has benefits such as free education and healthcare.
• There are different types of visas that allow a long term stay for foreigners.