The UAE has amended its citizenship law to allow certain categories of foreigners to acquire Emirati citizenship including investors, doctors, scientists, inventors, intellectuals and artists if they meet specified conditions. Categories must have a minimum of 10 years experience in their field and recognition such as awards, patents, or scientific contributions. Dual citizenship will also be permitted. The change aims to attract talented individuals and boost the country's development.

1. UAE Citizenship for Expats
www.hlbhamt.com

2. The UAE has announced major changes to the citizenship law. As per the new
amendment, investors, professionals, special talents and their families can acquire the
Emirati nationality and passport, provided certain conditions are met. Dual citizenship
is another attractive feature.

3. Categories that come under the amendment
include;
 Investors
 Doctors
 Specialists
 Inventors
 Scientists
 Talents
 Intellectuals
 Artists and their families

4. Conditions that must be met in each
category
 Investors: Must own a property in the country
 Doctors and specialists: Must have specialization in a unique scientific discipline or a
scientific principle that is on high demand in the country. In addition to this, the
applicant should have acknowledged scientific contributions, studies and research of
scientific value and a minimum practical experience of 10 years. They must also have
membership in a reputable organization in their field of specialization.

5.  Scientists: Must be an active researcher in a university or research centre or in the
private sector and should have minimum 10 years of experience in the same field.
The applicant should have made some contributions as well in the scientific field,
such as winning a prestigious scientific award, or securing substantial funding for
their research. A recommendation letter from recognized scientific institutions in
the UAE is also a must to apply for the citizenship.

6.  Inventors: Inventors must have one or more patents approved by the UAE
Ministry of Economy or any other reputable international body, along with a
recommendation letter from the Economy Ministry.
 Intellectuals and artists: Must be exceptional in the culture and arts field and
should have won one or more international awards.

7. People qualified for the citizenship will be nominated via the Emirates’ rulers court, the
courts of the crown princes, the executive council in an emirate or the cabinet.
The move is a token of appreciation for the talents and competencies present in the
country and it will also attract more intellectuals. This will in turn boost the
development of the country.
We are awaiting more details on the conditions that need to be met for each category.

8. Contact Us
HLB HAMT
Level 18, City Tower-2,
Sheikh Zayed Road
PO Box 32665
Dubai – United Arab Emirates.Tel: +971 4 327 7775
E-mail: dubai@hlbhamt.com
www.hlbhamt.com