The new UAE Citizenship Law amendment for expats to become Emirati citizens

• UAE Citizenship Law Amendments
• Eligibility
• Nationality Laws
• FAQs

Expatriates living in the country can become Emirati citizens under newly-approved amendments to the UAE Citizenship Law. Previously, Emirati nationality was primarily granted based on naturalisation and Arab heritage. But, now Emirati citizenship can be awarded to a wider pool of expats based on their expertise and contribution to the growth of UAE. Let’s find out more about the new Emirati nationality law amendments that allow for select foreigners’ naturalisation.

UAE CITIZENSHIP LAW AMENDMENTS

For many expats the UAE has always been home. Now the government allows them to become Emirati citizens and enjoy the privileges that come with having a UAE passport.

The UAE Cabinet passed these new amendments to the UAE Citizenship Law as per the directive of the His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. The Cabinet session was led by Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The approved amendments come under the Executive Regulation of the Federal Law concerning Nationality and Passports.

The new law reflects the government’s focus on inclusivity and diversity. It is said these changes have been under consideration for over two years. The aim is to appreciate the talents of individuals present in the UAE and further attract the best minds from all over the world to play their role in the progress and development of the UAE.

Eligibility

Being a UAE passport holder comes with a number of benefits such as having the right to own commercial entities and properties within the UAE. UAE passport offers visa-free travel to more than 100 countries. As per the new amendments to the UAE Citizenship Law, people falling in the following categories can apply for UAE Citizenship:

• Investors
• Doctors
• Specialists
• Inventors
• Scientists
• Talents
• Intellectuals
• Artists

CRITERIA FOR UAE CITIZENSHIP

The citizenship requirements have been outlined according to the relevant category.

INVESTORS

Investors must own a property in the UAE.

DOCTORS AND SPECIALISTS

Doctors must have a specialised degree in a unique or medical science discipline required in the UAE. Moreover, the applicant’s contribution to studies and scientific research should be incredible, along with 10 years of practical experience. Employment or membership at a reputable organisation related to the field of specialisation is also a must.

SCIENTISTS

Must be an active researcher employed at a research centre, university, or private sector, with at least 10 years of practical experience. The applicant should have secured a substantial research grant within the past decade. A recommendation letter from a recognised scientific institution is also mandatory for nomination according to the UAE Citizenship Law’s amendments.

INVENTORS

Inventors have to attain at least one patent approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or a reputable international body, along with a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy.

CREATIVE TALENTS

Winners of international awards in culture, arts and a recommendation letter from the relevant government entity.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Other requirements that come into play once you have qualified for the passport include:

• Swearing oath of allegiance.
• Committing to abide by the law of the land.
• Informing the relevant government entity in case of acquiring new citizenship or giving up one.

Nationality Laws in the UAE

NATIONALITY BY LAW

Before these amendments to the citizenship laws of UAE, there were limited ways to get a UAE nationality. As per the legal guidelines: “Nationality by law is granted to every Arab individual who was residing in one of the seven emirates in 1925 or before and who continued to reside therein until the effective date of the law no. 17 of 1972.”

Children born to a father who is a UAE national get the nationality whether they are born in the country or abroad. Similarly, the UAE nationality (by law) applies to children of a mother who is a UAE national by operation of law and “whose filiation to his/her father is not substantiated”.

Those born in the UAE or abroad to a mother who is a national by operation of law and those born to a father with unknown or no citizenship are also eligible. Last, infants born to unknown parents with proof of birth in the UAE are also considered to be born in the UAE.

NATIONALITY BY CITIZENSHIP 

On the other hand, the UAE nationality by citizenship is granted to foreign women married to a UAE national. In such cases, the nationality is usually granted seven years from the date of citizenship application to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN FAMILIES OF SUCH INDIVIDUALS ALSO APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP?

Yes, families can also apply for UAE Citizenship.

DO APPLICANTS HAVE TO GIVE UP THEIR ORIGINAL CITIZENSHIP?

No, with the latest amendments to the UAE Citizenship Law, applicants need not give up their original passport. Dual nationality is allowed, which means a person can hold a UAE passport and the passport of another country.

HOW TO APPLY?

Emirati Citizenship can only be acquired by nominations from Rulers’ and Crown Princes’ Courts, the Cabinet based on federal entities nominations and Executive Councils. The process of nominations has not been outlined yet and will be announced in due course.

CAN CITIZENSHIP BE WITHDRAWN?

Yes, in case of breach of terms and conditions, citizenship could be withdrawn as per the UAE Citizenship Law.

That’s all we have for the new amendments to the UAE Citizenship Law. The new amendment will benefit expats belonging to different nationalities who have contributed significantly to the UAE development.

Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates about the new UAE nationality law.