Your comprehensive guide to BECOMING a citizen of UAE

Acquiring UAE citizenship is a dream for many. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, tax-free income, and world-class infrastructure, the UAE offers countless benefits for its citizens. To attract investment and bring benefits home, the UAE made major changes in its laws in 2021 by opening citizenship for outsiders. 

However, becoming a citizen isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The process is selective and requires meeting specific criteria. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining UAE citizenship, step by step. 

Why Pursue UAE Citizenship?

Before diving into the process, let’s explore why UAE citizenship is so important:

1. Tax-Free Benefits: Citizens enjoy tax-free income, making it an attractive prospect for individuals and families.
2. Business Opportunities: UAE citizens have exclusive rights to own businesses in specific sectors.
3. World-Class Benefits: Citizens gain access to top-notch healthcare, education, and housing grants.
4. Global Mobility: The UAE passport is one of the strongest in the world ranking number 1 in 2024, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.

Eligibility for UAE Citizenship

The UAE government primarily offers citizenship to specific categories of individuals. Here’s who can apply:

1. Investors: High-net-worth individuals who make significant investments in the UAE economy.
2. Professionals: Experts in fields such as science, medicine, technology, and art who contribute significantly to the country’s development.
3. Special Talents: Creatives, innovators, and researchers recognized internationally for their achievements.
4. Spouses and Children: Spouses and children of UAE nationals may also be eligible.
5. Long-Term Residents: In rare cases, individuals who have lived in the UAE for decades and demonstrated loyalty may be considered.

Acquiring UAE Citizenship

Acquiring UAE Citizenship is a complex process. This section of the guide will explain all the sub-criterion of getting citizenship. 

1. Citizenship by Marriage 

Getting UAE citizenship by marriage is a tricky process but not out of hand. Here are a few rules required for Citizenship via Marriage. 

• A person who’s a UAE citizen must get permission from the court to marry a foreign person. Consent of the both parties is highly prioritized.
• The foreign national must have a UAE residence Visa, a clear criminal record, and good mental and physical health.
• Citizenship is only for female foreign Nationals, a male national can not get citizenship by marrying a female emirati.
• A female foreign national is only allowed to get citizenship if she has married an emirati person for 7 years and has a kid or 10 years of marriage without a kid.

2. Citizenship by Naturalization 

The second option to get Citizenship is through Naturalization. Tho, it is one of the time-consuming processes but suitable for people who have permanently settled in UAE for years. A person can apply for citizenship through naturalization when he/she has spent 30 years or more in the UAE. Some strict regulations are also applied but depend on the person applying and their residential history.  Some Major requirements are: 

• No criminal Record
• Fluent in Arabic speaking and writing
• Having a good academic record
• Having good moral character
• Having a legal and stable source of Income

3. Citizenship by Descent

Acquiring Citizenship by Descent has some major rules to consider. 

• If you have an Emirati father within the country or abroad
• If you have an Emirati Mother with a foreign father or no father( stateless father or unknown father)
• If you are a descendant of an Arab family who have long roots back in the land. If your family lived in arab before 1925 and lived till 1972.
• If you are a person with no lineage or parents and do not have any resident state.

4. Citizen by Exceptional Merit 

Exceptional merit is for the people who are pioneers in their fields. It is a category formed to bring nobles and extraordinary people into UAE to improve the country’s economy, society, technology, and education sector. Following are the people who fall under this category

• Doctors: If you are the best doctor in the country with more than 10 years of experience and have achieved something incredible in the field of medicine. If you have held a membership in some reputable medical organization, you can also apply for citizenship.
• Inventors: If you have done something remarkable and approved a patent approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or any reputable International Organization.
• Scientist: You must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of science and must have one prestigious award or research published by your name.
• Creative Talents: If you are exceptional in arts, sports, social work, or any related field and have achieved mammoth experience and credibility.
• Investors: If you are on the list of people who have thrown countless money into the land of UAE, you are eligible to grab citizenship. This isn’t for normal businessmen, but for those who have made some significant financial contributions to arab land.

UAE citizenship acquisition is a challenging task. Guarded by strict regulations and key principles, before applying one must ensure to meet all the given requirements to facilitate the process and stand out among thousands applying for citizenship. 

One Special Opportunity: UAE Golden Visa

This is one of the prestigious opportunities to live work and study in UAE for free for up to 5-10 years. This program is offered by the UAE government for special talents and pioneer businessmen to bring exceptional talent to their land. UAE Golden Visa opportunity is waiting for: 

• Entrepreneurs: Founders or companies who have invested in UAE or Founded an SME in UAE worth 1 Million AED or those who have sold their entrepreneurial setup for more than 7 Million.
• Investors: Real estate investors come in this list. Real estate investors who have purchased a property of more than 2 million AED or invested the equivalent amount in Dubai public projects, Funds, or Banks.
• Scientist and Professional: If you are an expert in Science, medicine, technology, engineering, or research, then this opportunity is waiting for you to grab a golden Visa from UAE.
• Exceptional Student or Graduate: Brilliant students who have achieved a feat in studies or hold outstanding GPA from Any University of UAE.

Requirements and Criteria

Each category of applicants must meet specific requirements:

1. Investors:
   • Own property in the UAE worth at least AED 1 million.
   • Invest in a business or establish a company.
2. Professionals and Special Talents:
   
   • Hold advanced degrees or certifications.
   • Have significant achievements in their respective fields.
   • Receive a recommendation from UAE officials or relevant organizations.
3. General Requirements:
   
   • Demonstrate fluency in Arabic (varies by case).
   • Have a clean criminal record.
   • Show financial stability.

The Application Process

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for UAE citizenship:

1. Identify Eligibility: Determine which category you fall under and gather the necessary documents to prove your eligibility.
   
2. Secure a Nomination: Citizenship in the UAE is by nomination only. You need to be nominated by UAE officials, a member of the royal family, or a government entity.
   
3. Submit an Application: Once nominated, submit your application to the relevant government authority, such as the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
   
4. Undergo Screening: The UAE conducts rigorous background checks and may require interviews to ensure you meet the criteria.
   
5. Approval and Oath: Upon approval, you’ll take an oath of allegiance to the UAE. Congratulations, you’re now a UAE citizen!
   

What Happens After Gaining Citizenship?

Once you’ve been granted UAE citizenship, you gain access to numerous rights and privileges. However, it’s worth noting that UAE citizenship comes with certain responsibilities, such as:

• Adhering to UAE laws and regulations.
• Contributing positively to the country’s development.

Challenges and Limitations

While the benefits of UAE citizenship are countless, the process can be challenging:

1. Selective Nature: The government is highly selective, and the process can take years.
2. Dual Citizenship: The UAE now allows dual citizenship for specific categories, but you must check whether your home country permits it.
3. Complex Documentation: The application process involves extensive paperwork and approvals.

Alternatives to Citizenship

If gaining citizenship feels out of reach, don’t worry. The UAE offers other options for long-term residence:

1. Golden Visa: A 10-year visa for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and professionals.
2. Retirement Visa: For retirees who meet specific financial criteria.
3. Freelance and Remote Work Visas: Ideal for digital nomads and self-employed individuals.

Final Thoughts! 

Obtaining UAE citizenship is an exclusive opportunity that opens the door to unparalleled benefits and privileges. While the process is rigorous and selective, understanding the criteria and preparing thoroughly can increase your chances. Whether you aim to become a citizen or explore other long-term residence options, the UAE offers abundant opportunities to live, work, and thrive in one of the most dynamic countries in the world.