Even though the UAE is a tax-free country that encourages foreign investors, citizenship remained to be a dream impossible to achieve. However, the country has recently announced sweeping reforms that promise UAE citizenship for expatriates. Under the amended citizenship law, investors, doctors & specialists, inventors, scientists, talents, intellectuals, artists and their families are now able to obtain the much-desired UAE citizenship.
The expatriates and business community have hailed the new move by the government and described it as a historic decision. However, the investors and other talented professionals are required to meet certain conditions to get hold of UAE citizenship. PRO companies in Dubai, UAE, can help the applicants with robust consultation on the eligibility criteria. Read ahead for further understanding of the norms.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
The government has set out specific conditions for each of the eligible professionals to obtain UAE citizenship. The requirements for each professional vary drastically, and therefore the conditions are listed separately for each group. The following are the conditions and requirements each group of professionals must meet to gain citizenship.
a) Doctors and Specialists
Medical professionals such as doctors and specialists are eligible for UAE citizenship subject to certain predefined conditions. The doctors must have achieved specialisation in a scientific discipline that is of high importance to the healthcare system in the UAE. Doctors who apply for UAE citizenship must have recognised scientific contributions, studies and research of scientific value.
They also must provide evidence for the practical experience of at least ten years. More importantly, the doctors should hold a membership in a reputable organisation in the field of specialisation. Professional PRO Services in Dubai can provide the applicants with advice on the eligibility criteria.
b) Investors
Citizenship for investors is granted depending on the properties they own in the UAE. The conditions for obtaining long-term real estate visas (Golden Visa) can be used as a guide in this regard. The investors must be owning properties with values in the range of AED 5 million to AED 10 million in the UAE to be eligible for the investor visa. The property must be fully owned by the applicant and must not be mortgaged. PRO companies in Dubai can provide more information on the eligibility criteria for citizenship for investors.
c) Scientists
Scientists must be active researcher scholars in a recognised university or research centre in the private sector. They should also have practical experience of at least ten years in their field of knowledge. Scientists need to provide evidence for achievements like making substantial contributions in the scientific field or receiving good funding for their research in the past ten years. They must also obtain a recommendation letter from recognised scientific institutions in the UAE to be eligible for citizenship.
d) Inventors
An investor seeking UAE citizenship must be a holder of multiple patents approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or any other international body. They are also required to provide a recommendation letter from the UAE Ministry of Economy for obtaining coveted citizenship. Interested inventors can consult with the best PRO firms in Dubai, UAE, to further explore the eligibility norms.
e) Creative Talents
Creative talents, including artists and intellectuals, can apply for UAE citizenship, provided they are the pioneers in their respective culture or art field. Such creative talents must also have won multiple international awards to be eligible for citizenship. In addition to such requirements, they should submit a letter of recommendation from relevant government authorities as well.
Striking Features & Conditions of UAE Citizenship
UAE citizenship is not granted for all, and therefore it is imperative to understand the nuances of the amended citizenship law. The following are some of the top features of the UAE citizenship program,
- Citizenship is granted through nominations from Rulers’ and Crown Princes’ Courts, Executive Councils, and the Cabinet based on federal entities nominations
- A foreigner can retain his original citizenship along with UAE citizenship
- After qualifying, the eligible individuals are required to swear an oath of allegiance to the UAE
- Should commit to abide by the laws applicable to Emirati citizens
- Must inform the relevant government agencies in case if the individual acquires or lose any other citizenship
- As per the new amendments, the government can revoke citizenship if the individual violates any of the conditions.
- citizenship enables individuals to start their own commercial entities or own properties in the UAE
Consult with the Best PRO Companies in Dubai, UAE
First, it was the Golden Visa, then came the 100% foreign ownership in mainland entities, and now the UAE government has surprised the business community with the announcement of citizenship for foreigners. Talented professionals and investors can now call the UAE their home, thanks to the proactive steps of the government. Even though citizenship is granted through government nomination, PRO companies in Dubai, such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC), can help the eligible individual navigate through the requirements. By availing of JBC’s PRO services in Dubai, the eligible individuals get robust advice on the documentation and UAE immigration laws. JBC can assist talented individuals and investors by making their journey to UAE citizenship less strenuous.