The UAE government revised its citizenship legislation significantly in January 2021. Citizenship was formerly unavailable to non-citizens but is now being offered to investors, medical professionals, experts, innovators, scientists, people with talents, intellectuals, and artists, together with their children and spouses. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, is responsible for proposing this new program for all Emirates, including Abu Dhabi.
This article will give you a step-by-step process on how to register for Abu Dhabi citizenship. So don’t miss the chance to get the answers to all your questions.
What factors led to Abu Dhabi’s decision to allow citizenship?
Citizenship by investment is a favorable development for both foreign nationals and the United Arab Emirates. More than 85% of the population are ex-pats. Therefore, this modification is a big deal for the economy, especially because tens of thousands of people still left the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi, last year due to the coronavirus epidemic. By providing a secure environment for individuals who can contribute to their growth path, the nation is able to recruit the top professionals and talents in a wide range of sectors.
The purpose of the recent changes to the citizenship legislation is to entice foreign nationals to remain in the country for longer. Knowing they won’t have to leave Abu Dhabi or other emirates anytime soon, families may feel more secure investing in companies, real estate, and other long-term assets in the nation. Also, this legislation encouraged investors worldwide to buy property for sale in Abu Dhabi.
The Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE have established a program called UAE Centennial 2071, emphasizing education, industry, government development, and community harmony. As the project’s success relies heavily on the expertise of trained professionals, investing in their education and training is crucial. The updated citizenship requirements will align with this initiative’s aims.
Permanent citizenship for Abu Dhabi vs. Abu Dhabi residency
A permanent resident of the UAE has fewer legal protections than a citizen of the UAE. For instance, as a United Arab Emirates or Abu Dhabi citizen, you’ll be entitled to free medical care, public education, and financial aid for things like a wedding and a home. Also, there are so many government hospitals in Abu Dhabi for those who choose to live in this city.
Reports suggest that locals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are given preferential treatment and have easier access to employment opportunities than their foreign counterparts. However, naturalized citizens without a deep family history in the UAE may not be eligible for any of these privileges.
Who is eligible to register for Abu Dhabi citizenship?
The new rules specify the types of non-citizens who may seek citizenship in Abu Dhabi:
Medical professionals’ registration for Abu Dhabi citizenship
Individuals meeting this requirement will have a demonstrated track record of success in the UAE and will have specialized in a highly in-demand scientific field. The following are specific requirements to get Abu Dhabi citizenship:
- Further investigation requires valid scientific input.
- Possess a minimum of 10 years of work experience in the field.
- Joined a prestigious group associated with their area of scientific expertise.
Scientists’ registration for Abu Dhabi citizenship.
Those people who have this talent must meet the following requirements:
- Knowledge and expertise gained through at least a decade of study and work.
- Prospective candidates should have a track record of research activity in academia, a research institution, or the corporate sector.
- Winner of a major research grant or recipient of a renowned international award in the previous ten years for their scholarly work.
- You are required to submit a letter of recommendation from a reputable educational institution.
Inventors’ registration for Abu Dhabi citizenship
To be eligible for Abu Dhabi citizenship, you need to follow the following requirements:
- Include a letter of support from the Ministry of Business.
- Possess at least one patent that has been accepted either by the UAE Ministry of Economy or by a comparable international organization.
- People who are innovative in their ability
- They must be a leader in their area and a trendsetter.
- Have at least one innovation that is protected by a patent and has been registered with a body that is recognized globally.
- Be the recipient of at least one international honor for your work.
- Have A\a recommendation letter from a relevant government organization.
Investors’ registration for Abu Dhabi citizenship
Those who possess long-term visas and have made substantial investments in UAE real estate or the economy are possible candidates. However, the precise criterion has not yet been established.
There is a provision in the application for citizenship that allows for the inclusion of members of the immediate family, including spouses and children.
Applicants from outside the country must swear allegiance to the state and agree to abide by its laws, regulations, and customs that go along with them. Moreover, they are obligated to promptly report the loss or adoption of any other nationality to the appropriate authorities.
Important! If you don’t live up to your end of the bargain as a UAE citizen, your citizenship will be canceled.
How to register for Abu Dhabi citizenship?
Depending on the law, there are many paths to gaining residency in the Emirates, including bylaw, citizenship, and naturalization. The Federal Authority handles those questions and concerns about identity and citizenship.
Under the guidance of the Federal Office of Identity and Citizenship, a primary advisory committee and subcommittees are constituted to assess petitions individually. Each area will have a panel to vet citizenship applications and nominations based on established criteria. They can obtain extra knowledge or do more thorough data cross-checks.
Guidelines for Abu Dhabi citizenship registration
While there isn’t yet a formal application process, the following guidelines may be used to help determine which applicants will be pursued:
Each application will be given careful consideration. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship will oversee the main advisory committee and any subcommittees formed to review applications.
The relevant regional subcommittees will collect the necessary information and recommend candidates for citizenship who meet that area’s specific, well-defined requirements. They can double-check all the information or schedule a new review if they see fit.
Subcommittees will notify the whole advisory committee of seven members as soon as the application has been accepted (one per Emirate). They will make the ultimate decision on whether or not to award citizenship to the United Arab Emirates.
The benefits of registering for Abu Dhabi citizenship
The United Arab Emirates passport provides several benefits both within and outside the nation. Let’s see the advantages:
- All residents are eligible for government subsidies in the areas of health care, nutrition, and higher education.
- Having the option to construct or own a business building in a rural area is a plus.
- Your retirement age is lowered to 49, and your family members may become citizens at any time.
- The United Arab Emirates recognizes dual citizenship. You are free to preserve your present citizenship status.
- Citizens of the United Arab Emirates do not require a visa to visit more than 160 countries.
Can you extend your stay in the UAE in any other ways?
Many visa options are available for those who want to study, work, or stay in the UAE for an extended period but do not have a local sponsor. But remember that if you are among these people, you must know all about the new Abu Dhabi travel restrictions. There are many kinds of long-term visas, such as those for retirement and those allowing you to work from home.
A retirement visa may be renewed for up to five years. Applicants must satisfy many conditions before being considered:
- Be above the age of 55 – have UAE health insurance
- Must have earnings of at least AED 20,000 monthly (USD 5,500).
- Have either at least AED 2 million in liquid assets or a net worth of at least AED 1 million ($272,300) (USD 544,500)
Holders of freelance visas are permitted to reside in the Emirates for a period of one year while working remotely for an employer based in Abu Dhabi or any other nation. Moreover, visa holders are eligible for a slew of perks unique to life in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including not being subject to federal income tax.
FAQs on Abu Dhabi citizenship registration
The new requirements bring up many unanswered concerns about getting citizenship in Abu Dhabi. Some of the most frequently asked questions have been addressed here.
How can you get Abu Dhabi citizenship?
Citizenship in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may now only be obtained by a few groups, including investors, certified professionals, innovators, scientists, and representatives of creative professions. You must satisfy the requirements mentioned above to apply.
How much does Abu Dhabi citizenship cost?
A long-term visa for 5-10 years, often known as the “golden visa,” is required for the longest possible period of lawful residence in the United Arab Emirates. A minimum investment of AED 10 million in the UAE’s public sector is required (USD 2.7M) for issuance.
The components of this sum are as follows: A total of 40% will go toward the acquisition of Emirati real estate. In comparison, the remaining 60% will be used for general business investment purposes (including but not limited to startups).
In addition, the owner must keep the property for at least three years, and the stipulated sum must not be a loan.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Abu Dhabi?
Sometimes people can acquire what is called “dual or multiple citizenships.” Under normal circumstances, holding dual citizenship in the UAE is not permitted. When applying for Emirati citizenship, you must renounce your previous citizenship.
Can I become an Abu Dhabi citizen by making a financial investment?
An investment visa is available in a couple of the Emirates, although it only allows for a temporary stay. The process isn’t a fast track to citizenship. No matter how much money or time you’ve put into the nation, you still won’t be able to become a citizen unless you meet the residence requirement or take one of the other paths.
Conclusion on Abu Dhabi citizenship registration
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has developed a new rule that allows some individuals to become UAE citizens under certain circumstances. The fact that so many individuals are interested in applying for residence in the UAE is promising. Many individuals want to call the United Arab Emirates home because they know it to be a land of opportunity. That’s why we provided you with a step-by-step process on how to register for Abu Dhabi citizenship.
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