UAE citizenship is a tasty morsel for people from all over the world. Wealth, luxury of life and stability in the state create the illusion of paradise. However, hundreds of thousands of people work day and night. Obtaining Emirati citizenship is almost impossible; the authorities responsibly protect the good life of the local population from those who want to snatch a tasty morsel. Therefore, it is easier to go to live in the UAE with a residence visa.
At the beginning of 2021, the UAE authorities amended the law, which allows foreigners to obtain citizenship by investment. It can also be provided to outstanding inventors, doctors, scientists and members of their families. UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wrote about this on his official Twitter.
Property prices in Dubai in 2021 start from $130,000. Russians can simply stay in the UAE for 90 days without a visa, as a tourist, then they can extend their permit for another 30 days.
hotel in the United Arab Emirates
Privileges of a citizen of the United Arab Emirates
Citizens of the United Arab Emirates have many privileges. Therefore, many foreigners, having visited a local resort, dream of becoming one. The government is actively developing social policy, and the country is in the world top 15 in terms of development of education and healthcare. It is not surprising that they are not at all happy with uninvited guests.
Emiratis occupy only high positions in companies; foreigners are hired for second-rate jobs in the UAE. When working in a similar position with migrants, their salary according to the law should be 2-3 times higher. Indigenous people receive income from the sale of petroleum products and do not like to work. At birth, children receive a plot of land.
Also, during important events in life, the state often provides bonuses and benefits so that the citizen does not need anything. The price of an apartment in Dubai starts from $130,000.
Example of a UAE citizen passport
Citizens are paid to study at a university in any country in the world. Upon completion, graduates are provided with all possible assistance in finding employment.
Citizens of the Emirates have the right to visa-free entry into many countries around the world. They do not need to obtain an entry permit in advance. The stamp is affixed at the airport upon arrival.
The UAE is a country for indigenous people. Only they are entitled to subsidies for utilities and free healthcare. Thanks to the high level in the social sphere, the life expectancy of the population is increasing every year. Among women, the average age is 76 years, among men - 73 years. Therefore, the authorities are thinking about tightening legislation to maintain a good standard of living in the United Arab Emirates.
What does this give?
So, what are the advantages of living in the United Arab Emirates? Of course, this is one of the richest countries in the world, but this does not mean that every expat will be able to live well here.
But with legal residence in the country, a person receives a number of advantages:
- High level of security. Despite the fact that the United Arab Emirates is a tourist country, serious crimes are rarely observed there. Large cities are patrolled around the clock by police officers, who, in turn, are equipped with everything necessary to prevent theft or murder;
- Good opportunities to start your own business. Firstly, the country has a well-developed real estate market, so finding commercial premises will not be difficult. Secondly, small businesses are subject to minimal taxes. Thirdly, here you can legally use cheap labor from hired workers from Africa, India, etc.;
- Low prices on almost everything. It’s not for nothing that the United Arab Emirates is a favorite country for shopping lovers: here you can buy almost everything inexpensively, from food to furs and jewelry;
- Lots of entertainment options. After a hard day's work, a resident of the UAE can sunbathe on a well-kept beach, visit a themed bar or nightclub. There is always something to see in entertainment places, as they often host exhibitions and invite celebrities;
- The uselessness of learning Arabic. Eastern languages are difficult for Slavs, especially Arabic. Basic English will be enough to communicate with residents of the country.
The benefits of living in the United Arab Emirates are numerous, so thousands of expats come to the country every year with the intention of staying here.
Ways to obtain citizenship
There are few ways to obtain UAE citizenship. These include:
- marriage;
- origin;
- naturalization;
- investments;
- for outstanding scientists, doctors and inventors.
UAE Citizenship by Investment
- Investors must own large real estate properties in the UAE or obtain a development investment patent from the country's Ministry of Economy.
- The investment must be really large; you won’t be able to simply buy a small apartment; the minimum amount is not disclosed. Each case for large investors will be considered by the country's authorities on an individual basis.
Citizenship for doctors, scientists and inventors: amendments to the law in 2021
Citizenship can be granted to persons the country needs. Each case is considered separately by the authorities.
- Doctors and other highly qualified specialists must have the skills and work in an industry in which the country is in dire need of personnel. Must have at least 10 years of high-level work experience.
- Artists, musicians and other representatives of the arts must be laureates of famous international prizes, have awards in the field of science and art, and work in new directions.
- Scientists must have prestigious international awards, work and be actively engaged in scientific activities for at least 10 years.
Marriage
Obtaining citizenship through marriage is important for women.
But just the conclusion of an alliance does not imply the approval of the authorities.
A foreigner must fulfill a number of conditions:
- Renounce previous citizenship;
- Live in any emirate for three years or more;
- Apply for citizenship;
- Obtain permission from the UAE Ministry of Interior and approval from all members of the spouse's family.
Thus, a wife will be able to obtain citizenship after three years of marriage.
The religion allows a Muslim man to marry only women who profess Islam, Christianity or Judaism. A foreign man who marries a local woman cannot become a citizen of the United Arab Emirates in this way.
By origin
Some experts joke that citizenship of the United Arab Emirates is inherited. The child of a local subject is considered a full Emirati.
Moreover, the country in which he was born does not matter. If there is no marriage between the parents, then the father is obliged to officially recognize the child. True, the privileges of a citizen in such cases are not always given.
In a situation where the mother is a citizen of the UAE and the father is unknown, the child is also automatically considered an Emirati citizen.
The birth of a child in the country does not give him any rights to automatically obtain citizenship. An exception is provided only for orphans.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the only effective way to become a citizen of the United Arab Emirates and obtain a passport. However, with strict restrictions on the right of birth and origin, only a few foreigners successfully complete all stages.
To obtain citizenship, immigrants from Arab countries must live in the UAE for at least seven years, citizens of other countries - 30 years. However, there are no guarantees of a positive outcome. Fulfillment of the conditions gives the right to apply for the rights of a full resident of the Emirates.
Peculiarities
The life of Eastern people is much different from the life of the Slavs. At first, foreigners, not accustomed to some of the nuances of Arabic rules, are constantly surprised (both in the good and bad sense of the word).
Here are a few facts about life in the UAE:
- The country's climate is much hotter than Russia's: in summer the usual air temperature is 50 degrees Celsius, but there is no winter in the usual sense. Therefore, almost every bus stop in the Emirates is equipped with air conditioning;
- According to recent statistical studies, about 85% of the country's permanent population are emigrants who have received citizen status;
- In the UAE, the relationship between a man and a woman is very strictly observed. Thus, representatives of the opposite sexes are prohibited from even touching in public. In addition, a woman should not appear in public alone: she can walk either with her husband, or with friends, or with children;
- Cohabitation between a man and a woman without marriage is prohibited: this will result in either a fine or imprisonment for a month. However, this happens quite rarely;
- In public transport (buses and metro) there are separate sections for women and men;
- Medicine in the country is paid. One visit to a doctor costs about 500 dirhams (about 8,000 rubles), and treatment costs a lot of money. Therefore, most citizens buy insurance, which, although paid, helps to save money;
- Contrary to popular belief, a woman who is not wearing a burqa does not face any punishment: Arabs are quite tolerant of tourists and European women who appear on the streets in short skirts and T-shirts.
Alternative way to obtain citizenship
It is much easier for people of the Islamic faith and residents of Arab countries such as Qatar, Oman and Bahrain to become a citizen of the UAE than for representatives of other religions and states. In order to obtain citizenship, you must live legally for 20–25 years in these countries. To apply for the naturalization process in the Emirates, citizens of Qatar, Oman and Bahrain are required to reside in the Emirates for at least three years.
The alternative route to obtaining UAE citizenship takes many years and its benefits are controversial. Therefore, you should think about the advisability of emigration and the possibility of becoming a full resident of any other country.
Obtaining citizenship in the United Arab Emirates
Few, after so many years, still have the desire to get an Emirati passport.
Registration procedure
To obtain citizenship of the United Arab Emirates, you need to contact the migration department for work with foreigners, providing the following package of documents:
- International passport;
- Statement of desire to become a citizen of the UAE (the form will be issued at the institution);
- Two photographs on a white background, size 3x4;
- Certificate of medical examination;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Documents confirming the applicant’s finances (bank statements, etc.);
- Marriage certificate (if the woman married a UAE citizen);
- Documents confirming the presence of a family connection (if a foreigner moves to his relatives - citizens of the Emirates).
The request will be reviewed within fifteen days, after which the applicant will be notified of the results.
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Loss of citizenship
Obtaining Emirati citizenship is not easy, but losing it is quite easy. In other countries, authorities are not so strict towards the population.
Deprivation of citizenship and all accompanying benefits is possible in several cases:
- Conducting military service in another country without obtaining permission from local authorities;
- Obtaining a passport of another state. The Emirates do not recognize dual citizenship and strictly enforce this rule;
- Foreigners who have undergone naturalization may be deprived of citizenship if violations are discovered during the procedure, they commit crimes, or they have lived abroad for more than four years.
The law also provides for voluntary renunciation of citizenship. The person must contact the embassy. However, the procedure can be characterized as a lot of paperwork that takes a considerable amount of time.
