In a historic move, the United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday, significant changes to the UAE citizenship law, allowing for the naturalization of investors, scientists, doctors, engineers, artists and talented people among other categories, along with their families (spouse and children).
The decision represents a complete transformation from the historical GCC tradition of granting only visas to foreign nationals and it aims to preserve the talent and contribution of talented UAE expats in the country.
The UAE cabinet, local courts and executive councils will nominate those eligible for UAE citizenship. Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said on Twitter.
“We adopted law amendments that allow granting the UAE citizenship to investors, specialized talents and professionals, including scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, authors and their families. The new directives aim to attract talents that contribute to our development journey,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed stated on Twitter.
We adopted law amendments that allow granting the UAE citizenship to investors, specialized talents & professionals including scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, authors and their families. The new directives aim to attract talents that contribute to our development journey.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 30, 2021
This means it won’t be necessary to submit any citizenship application. The nominees are chosen by Rulers and Crown Princes Courts, Executive Councils, and the Cabinet based on federal entities nominations.
Related Article: The Ultimate Retirement Plan – Investing in a Portugal Golden Visa
The new changes to the UAE citizenship law will attract quality talent to the nation and preserve the contribution of talented expats in the region.
The UAE citizenship offers numerous benefits such as the right to establish or own commercial entities and properties, as well as other benefits granted by federal authorities.
According to the new citizenship law, those who will be granted UAE citizenship and passport will also be allowed to keep their existing citizenship(s).
The new law classifies categories of UAE expats who are eligible for UAE citizenship and passport as follows:
- Investors who own property in the UAE
- Doctors, engineers and scientists with ten or more years of experience
- Investors with at least one patent certified by the UAE Ministry of Economy
- Intellectuals and artists with an international award
With the new UAE citizenship amendments, the United Arab Emirates becomes the 13th country to provide a safe and trustworthy route to second citizenship and passport to investors.
UAE citizenship provides the right to establish or own commercial entities and properties.
The United Arab Emirates has experienced a gradual change in its residency policies over the last 3 years. In 2018, the country launched its 5-10 year visas program to a select group of foreigners. And in 2019, the system of “Golden Card” permanent residency was introduced in the UAE.
Benefits of Second Citizenship
Obtaining second citizenship and passport is a gateway to multiple benefits including a safe and stable political climate, visa-free travel to hundreds of countries and territories, develop your business activities in a prosperous economy, quality education opportunities, world-class healthcare and most importantly, access to business opportunities and global markets. And undoubtedly, it is fast becoming a favourite investment for MENA entrepreneurs.
Other benefits of dual citizenship include:
- Register assets with no restrictions
- Freely open companies and bank accounts
- Improve your family’s life and security
- Take full control of your and your family’s wealth
- Protected by the government citizenship law
Book A Free Consultation
Savory and Partners specializes in granting second citizenship and passports to High-Net-Worth investors from the Middle East and beyond. If you are interested in becoming a global citizen through one of our Citizenship by Investment Programs, please book a free consultation with our team of experts and learn about all the benefits of Citizenship by Investment Programs, find out your eligibility and proceed with your citizenship application.
Our Availability
We are available on every channel convenient for you.
- Landline: +971 (0) 4 430 1717
- Mobile Phone: +971 54 440 2955
- WhatsApp: +971 54 440 2955
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Signal: +971 54 440 2955
- Telegram: +971 54 440 2955
