Getting UAE citizenship is not an easy process. For most non-nationals, citizenship can only be obtained through descent, marriage, or naturalization. Even then, the process can be lengthy. If you’re serious about putting down roots in the country, business setup in Dubai is a lucrative path to get long-term residence through the Golden Visa.
Is it Possible to Get UAE Citizenship?
It is actually quite difficult to get UAE citizenship. Just because you were born in the country, doesn’t mean you are automatically granted citizenship. However, in 2021, the UAE updated its rules to allow dual citizenship, meaning citizens no longer had to give up their existing citizenship.
Expats can get citizenship through three main circumstances: marriage, descent, or naturalization.
1. Citizenship Through Marriage
- The gender of the foreigner generally determines citizenship approval. Marriages cannot proceed without the approval of the Court.
- Foreign men married to Emirati women cannot get citizenship but foreign women married to Emirati men are eligible for UAE citizenship.
- If the eligible couple does not have a child, they will have to wait until they have completed 10 years of marriage to apply for citizenship. If they have at least one child, they should wait seven years.
2. Citizenship Through Descent
- Citizens of the country are determined by the right of blood (jus sanguinis).
- If your father is an Emirati citizen, you can get UAE citizenship.
- If your mother is an Emirati citizen but your father isn’t, you will only get citizenship if you don’t know your father or if he is stateless.
- Children born in the country with unknown parents are also granted citizenship.
3. Citizenship Through Naturalization
- If you’ve lived in the country for 30 years and are fluent in Arabic, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization.
- Another route was introduced in 2021, where exceptional individuals can be nominated for citizenship.
- Examples include inventors, creatives, scientists, investors, and doctors.
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The Golden Visa: Get Long-Term Residency in the UAE
- The Golden Visa was introduced in 2019. It offered long-term residency for individuals who were willing to make a significant contribution to the UAE’s economy. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA) are the main bodies handling visa applications.
According to the latest stats, over 158,000 individuals were granted the Golden Visa in 2023. It offers the following benefits:
- 10-year residency in the country without a sponsor, with option to renew
- Ability to sponsor dependents for the period of residence
- Ability travel and stay outside the country for over 6 months, with multiple entries
- Ability to sponsor domestic help
- Free return permit to UAE in the event of lost passport
- Special hotline for Visa holders travelling abroad, available 24/7
- Crisis support for Visa holders abroad through embassy or consulate
Who Can Get the Golden Visa in Dubai?
While you can’t get UAE citizenship by investment, it is possible to get a Golden Visa in UAE through making an investment, either in real estate or a business. These are some of the eligible categories of Golden Visa applicants:
- Investors who own property in the country (worth at least 2 million).
- Investors who have made at least a 2 million investment in a new or existing company
- Inventors who have at least one patent approved by an international organization or the UAE Ministry of Economy.
- Highly skilled employees with a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 and solid experience in their field.
- Academics who have a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council, have worked in their fields for at least a decade, and have a PhD or Master’s degree from a reputed university.
- Humanitarians who have been recognized for their charitable contributions.
- Support workers who have provided services through crises.
- Exceptional individuals in sports, culture, technology with a recommendation from UAE government bodies.
- Exceptional students, both high-school and university graduates.
How to Apply for the Golden Visa
The expert consultants can simplify the process of getting a Golden Visa by handling the entire application process. Here’s how the process generally works:
- Get initial approval: If you are being nominated for a Visa, you will need a letter of nomination from the relevant government body and submit a nomination application on the ICP website.
- Submit application: You will need to submit all the necessary documents with your application and pay the fees. The fees will depend on the category of visa you are applying for.
- Biometrics & medical exam: Every Golden Visa applicant will have to go through biometrics and a medical test. If you’re sponsoring any dependents, they will also need to complete the exam.
- Get the visa: The application generally takes around 2-3 weeks to be processed. If you live outside the UAE, you will be issued an entry permit to complete the final steps.
What is the Cost of Getting a Golden Visa in Dubai?
The cost of getting a Golden Visa in Dubai depends on the visa category. Generally, it costs around AED 7,400 to AED 13,000 to apply for a Golden Visa. If you want an exact pricing estimate, get in touch with one of our consultants.
Documents for Getting a Golden Visa in Dubai
- Valid Passport copy
- Passport-sized photo with white background
- Proof of eligibility (Property title deed, audited financial report, degree certificates, recommendation letters)
- Proof of health insurance (valid for at least one year, sometimes required for dependents)
- Proof of housing in the UAE (ownership or rental contract)
Simplify Your Golden Visa Process With A&A Associate
A&A Associate is the UAE’s largest business setup advisory offering expert Golden Visa assistance. We can handle the entire application process, including helping you prepare your documents, get attestations, and following up on the application status on your behalf.
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