The United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday that a new change in the UAE citizenship law would allow naturalization for foreign nationals with specialized talent, doctors, artists, scientists, engineers, authors, and investors – as well as their family members (spouse and children). This move aims to attract international talent to contribute to UAE’s development journey and embrace them within society.

Local courts, executive councils, and the UAE cabinet will nominate eligible candidates for citizenship under various categories. UAE passport holders can hold on to their existing citizenship. The law will also allow specialized and skilled workers to keep their current citizenship, unlike the previous rule that did not allow dual citizenship.

Eligibility Requirements

Criteria for granting Emirati citizenship varies for each category.

Investors

• Must own property within the UAE

Skilled professionals and medical doctors

• Must have a specialization in a unique scientific field in which workers are required in UAE
• Must have made a contribution to research and studies of scientific value in the field
• Must have at least ten years of experience in their field
• Must be members of a prestigious professional organization within the field

Scientists

• Must be an active researcher (at a university, research institute or within the private sector) in their field
• Must have at least ten years of experience in the field
• Must have made a scientific contribution – such as winning a prestigious award or securing significant funding for the research for ten years
• Must have a recommendation letter from a recognized UAE scientific institute

Inventors

• Must have one or more patents certified by UAE’s Ministry of Economy or a relevant accredited international body that has value for the country’s economy
• Must have a recommendation letter from UAE’s Ministry of Economy

Artists and Intellectuals

• Must be a pioneer in arts, culture and other talents
• Must have one or more awards in such talents
• Must have a recommendation letter from a relevant UAE body

Conditions for Becoming a UAE Citizen

Naturalized citizens will have to:

• Swear an oath of allegiance to the UAE
• Pledge to respect and uphold the law of the land
• Inform relevant authorities if they obtain a new citizenship or lose a citizenship

If naturalized citizens under any category violate their legal commitment or lose any of the conditions based on which UAE citizenship was granted, the UAE can strip citizenship provision.

Rights of Naturalized Citizens

• Right to own and establish companies in the UAE
• Right to purchase and own real estate property and land in the UAE
• Rights extended by federal bodies with Cabinet approval or by local government bodies

Citizenship Process

The Emirates’ Rulers Court, Executive Council, Courts of the Crown Princes, or Cabinet will nominate qualified candidates for citizenship.

Previous to this historic decision, the naturalization process was restricted to limited cases and largely banned dual citizenship. Recently, the UAE has made several changes to its immigration laws to provide social stability to the UAE and foreign nationals’ long-term residents. They contribute to society’s development and well-being.

The permanent residency scheme, which grants five and ten-year Golden visas to some residents, was introduced in 2019. Over the past two years, thousands of foreign nationals (including investors, engineers, scientists, medical professionals, and specialized talents) have received the Gold visa. The new UAE citizenship law places the country at par with developed nations that value ex-pats’ contribution by awarding citizenship and ensuring social stability for their families.

The program has a complex nature of the process with minimal information available officially; it would be better to hire experienced business visa consultants in India. You may connect with us on 8595338595 or drop an email at [email protected] for more details regarding the program.