UAE Grants Citizenship to Investors and Select Professionals

• Posted on Feb 01, 2021
• In News

Joins an increasing number of countries that offer citizenship programs to contributing foreign nationals.

Saturday, January 30th, 2021 — The United Arab Emirates announced significant changes to their citizenship laws to make it possible for foreign nationals residing in the UAE to apply for citizenship.

Historically, the UAE has been reluctant to allow foreigners to obtain permanent residency, especially citizenship, and until recently, only allowed renewable employment visas valid for short periods of time. Over the past several years, changes in the region have prompted a more global and contemporary outlook to secure the future of the Emirates. And as predicted in 2020, the UAE has become the latest country to leverage its high value citizenship. 

In 2017, the UAE announced a daring goal to position the country’s passport on the list of the five most powerful passports in the world. 

In what was called the ‘UAE Passport Power Initiative’, the Passport Index was assigned to monitor UAE’s passport power development as it continued to rise in the ranks. By 2019, the UAE became the first Arab country to lead the Passport Index power ranking as the most powerful passport in the world with a mobility score of 178, offering Emirati citizens the freedom to seamlessly travel to 90% of the world.

In the same year, the UAE also took several steps to ensure the social stability of those with long time residency in the country with a new permanent residency program, granting 5 and 10 year ‘Golden Visas’ to investors and professionals.

By 2020, the UAE also became the first Arab state to sign bilateral visa agreements with Israel, showing true international diplomacy and reconciliation between the two nations as part of a historic plan to bring Israel closer to the Arab world.

With its most recent legislative changes, the UAE has taken another significant, but essential step to further the development and prosperity of the country, by holding onto contributing foreign investors and professionals as well as attracting more global talent to the Emirati community.

“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,” shared HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum in the recent announcement.

Requirements for naturalization under the revised law for investors: 

• Must own a property in the UAE,
• Must have practical experience of not fewer than 10 years,
• Must be a member of a reputable organization in field of specialization,
• Must obtain one or more patents that are approved by the Ministry of Economy, or any other reputable international body,
• Must obtain a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy.

Gearing up to the Expo 2020, the UAE can now set a new goal to become the most welcoming country in the world as well. Dubbed ‘The World’s Greatest Show’, the Expo 2020 in Dubai will open its doors to host 190 countries for 6 months — celebrating culture, collaboration and innovation, and aiming to leave a meaningful legacy.

With Arton’s largest office located in Dubai — we are very proud to witness another one of the UAE’s incredible milestones in the Arab world, as the country continues to inspire its residents, citizens, and global Arab community with constant opportunity.