How to obtain UAE citizenship

The United Arab Emirates has a strong economy, due to the availability of the investment and its facilities provided by the state, the stability of the political situation, and the extent of openness and acceptance of all cultures and differences, which made obtaining the UAE citizenship desirable for many.

Laws of obtaining UAE citizenship

In 2021 AD, some amendments to the provisions related to the executive regulations of the Federal Law on Nationality and Passports were announced, guided by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which was approved by the Council of Ministers headed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The amendments stipulated the possibility of some groups obtaining the Emirati passport, i.e. holding the Emirati nationality and identity, these groups include (investors, professionals of unique majors, and talented people), provided that they fulfill some conditions.

In addition, obtaining the Emirati nationality does not require renouncing the person’s original nationality, which indicates the principle of appreciation and tolerance which the UAE adopts in all its affairs and laws, and the state’s appreciation and respect for these important competencies.

The state has also facilitated the possibility of obtaining citizenship for family members of the aforementioned categories of spouses and children, without giving up their original nationality.

The state requires those who obtain the Emirati nationality (identity) to abide by the laws imposed by the state, and to notify the competent authorities and bodies in the event of any significant or emergency change, such as obtaining or losing another nationality, the citizenship is obtained through the courts of rulers, crown princes, and councils state executive.

Conditions for obtaining UAE citizenship

• Investors Category: The investor must be a resident of the country, own real estate (not an apartment inside a property or so), but rather an entire real estate with a financial value and specific conditions, and that his investment shall be of interest to the state.
• The category of specialized occupations: Such as doctors who specialize in unique and rare fields, who shall be a study or research holder in a field that is of general benefit to the state, such as discovering a cure for a rare disease, serum, or something similar, the worker in this specialized profession must have experience in the field and reside in the UAE for a period of not less than 10 years, and must have membership in one of the well-known bodies within the country or a well-known international organization.
• The category of scientists and inventors: such as researchers, academics, and university professors, who shall have achieved scientific achievements or discoveries that have benefited the UAE, obtained the ownership of intellectual property, or supervised one of the student groups who presented an important discovery or invention to the country, be a member of one of the well-known organizations or bodies, and to be approved by a government agency.
• The talented category: such as intellectuals and artists, who won an international award in their specialization, and approved by a government agency within the country.

How to apply for UAE citizenship

Those who wish to obtain citizenship and who meet the conditions can apply through the courts of rulers, crown princes, executive councils, and the cabinet.