As per the changes in the UAE long term residence Law conducted in January 2021, expats residing in the country have the chance to be citizens. This is a challenging task as not all foreigners are able to fulfill the strict requirements to gain an Emirati passport.
If you are eager to learn all the legal requirements for UAE long term residence, this guide by LuxuryProperty.com will explain everything to you. Ahead, the required documents, visa categories, and other relevant information are shared.
Who Can Gain The UAE Long Term residence?
Previously, UAE long term residence was primarily offered depending on naturalization. But to make the country appealing to worthy investors and buyers, laws have altered now. The ruler of Dubai has stated: “The New directives aim to attract talents that contribute to our development journey”.
Plus, the country strives to be a promising nation in 2071 as this year will mark its 100th anniversary. That’s why education, economy, governance, and social infrastructure is so critical.
Currently, the groups of expats who boast the right to apply for the UAE long term residence has definitely boosted and these are as follows:
- Scientists with at least 10 years of practical expertise who are also active researchers in the private sector. Applicants should present an esteemed scientific award to prove their valuable efforts in the field and a recommendation letter from a reputable scientific institution. Alternatively, a research grant gained in the last 10 years can also be given.
- Specialized doctors in either a scientific field or another discipline, which is demanded in the UAE. Applicants should boast at least 10 years of expertise, be a member of a prestigious organization, and boast acknowledged scientific efforts in their field.
- Investors residing in the Emirates for a prolonged period. For now, there is no specific criteria for investors who can apply for UAE long term residence. However, long-term visa holders have given a special contribution to the UAE economy.
- Investors should have a minimum patent approved by the Emirati Ministry of Economy or another foreign body, and a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy.
- People with innovative talents boast a minimum of 1 international award and are creative in their fields. Plus, a recommendation letter from government entities is also needed.
Family members can also apply. It should be noted that expats enjoy the freedom to hold their native passport and UAE passport simultaneously. But in the case of changes, like the acquisition or loss of another long-term residence, the individual needs to instantly notify the authorities. Furthermore, it can be withdrawn after breaching of conditions.
Children born in the Emirates can only be citizens of the UAE with the following conditions:
- If the identity of the kid’s parents is unknown until proven differently.
- If the dad is Emirati and the mom is an expat.
- Emirati parents.
More Tactics To Gain UAE long term residence
Before, there existed more ways to gain an Emirati passport, such as:
- Merits that are hardly given by the heads of the country for expats. This process is authorized by the Emirati Government.
- Naturalization. This is available to expats with Arabic proficiency if they resided in the Emirates for 30 years. Citizens of Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman have the right to gain the passport in case they have resided in the country for 3 years. All expats should follow laws and have a credible reputation.
- Marriage between a foreign woman and a UAE citizen. In this scenario, the woman can gain a passport if the marriage has lasted for 7 years without a child. Alternatively, a marriage of 10 years without children is also applicable. The only condition is that the woman should accept Islam or learn Arabic.
Why the UAE Passport Is So Worthy
The Emirates is a tempting destination for expats from any country due to different reasons, including the unbeatable security, business opportunities, lucrative jobs, safety, warm climate, premium shopping hubs, white beaches, and endless dining venues.
The Emirati passport guarantees a wealth of perks, such as the following:
- Retirement and pension advantages from the age of 49. However, the individual should have 20 years of employment expertise in the UAE.
- Free entry to 170 countries.
- The right to full ownership of real estate and commercial enterprises in any area of the UAE.
- Achieving a job in a public institution.
- Freedom to gain medical facilities and free education.
How To Permanently Reside In the Emirates
Expats can apply for a permanent visa if they want to reside permanently in the Emirates. Some popular ways to do this are as follows:
- Student visa: This is offered to brilliant students for a duration of 5 years. However, the condition is that the student should have a minimum of 95% grade from their secondary school. On the other hand, university students should possess a GPA of 3.7 or more.
- Freelance visa: The duration of this visa type is 1 year and enables the holder to work either abroad or in the Emirates. The minimum wage of the holder should be AED 19,000 each month. Individuals will enjoy access to different amenities, along with no income tax. Buying this visa differs based on the field and the city in the Emirates. For instance, applying for an IT freelance visa costs AED 2,750. Plus, a 3-year permit costs AED 5,000.
- Golden visa: Its duration is 5 years on different conditions, such as investing in real estate has a minimum cost of AED 2 million. This includes off-plan properties as well. Individuals will have the chance to work, live, and stay in the Emirates without any limitations, along with not needing a local sponsor.
- Retirement visa: Same as above, its duration is also 5 years. It can be gained by investing in real estate with a minimum cost of AED 2 million, having a monthly income of AED 20,000, or possessing savings of a minimum of AED 1 million. The retirement visa can be prolonged if the holder meets these conditions.
But remember that the applicant can offer the appropriate information through the particular visa centers. The required documents can be submitted by uploading to the DLD Vault.
If you live outside the Emirates, you should apply for a 6-month multi-entry visa. This enables you to enter the country and convert a temporary visa into a residency permit. The cost of a multi-entry visa is AED 1,150.
To gain the golden visa, the applicant should possess a NOC letter. A 5-year and 10-year golden visa can be obtained at AED 4,850. The issuance of a visa costs AED 1,000 and the application procedure costs AED 150. In total, the applicant will pay AED 6,000.
