Citizenship by Investment in Dubai

Updated on Monday 08th August 2022

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In the past few years, the UAE has become a pioneer among Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) as it has invested a lot in attracting foreign investors and talented and skilled people interested in relocating to the Middle East and obtaining a Dubai investment visa.

One of the major changes has surged in 2021, when the UAE government has enabled the citizenship by investment scheme, thus enabling foreigners to apply for UAE passports without having to go through some of the most stringent requirements imposed at worldwide level. Considering most foreign citizens decide for Dubai, our immigration lawyers in Dubai will present the main requirements of this new program from this perspective. If you are interested in UAE citizenship by investment, feel free to get in contact with us.

Quick Facts
Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU)	EU and non-EU
Business investment option	Yes
Real estate investment option	Yes
Other investment options (if available)	- investment fund capital injection, - investments in other indutries than real estate
Residence or direct citizenship option	5 and 10-year visas availability based on investment
Direct immigration with family members	Yes
Family members allowed to join the program	Spouse and children
Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment	Long-term residence is available only
Dual citizenship permitted	Yes
Reasons to choose Dubai	- no personal income tax, - access to multiple investment possbilities, - new program dedicated to foreign citizens
Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries)	Approx. 167 countries

Below, we invite you to read about the main conditions for obtaining Dubai citizenship by investment. Our lawyers in Dubai can help you prepare for immigration to UAE under this program and obtaining UAE citizenship by investment.

The UAE citizenship by investment amount depends on the type of investment selected.

The Dubai citizenship by investment scheme – a program for most expats

Compared to other countries, the UAE does not require foreign citizens interested in obtaining citizenship by investment in Dubai to file any application, as the Executive Councils, Rulers and Crown Princes Courts will choose the applicants.

Here are the main categories of foreign citizens who want to apply for UAE citizenship by investment:

scientists and engineers;
doctors;
artists and authors.

These can immigrate to Dubai with their families, therefore, the program extends to the main nominee and his/her close family.

For those interested, there is also the option of receiving a Dubai investment visa by opening companies in Dubai.

Our Dubai law firm can explain the entire procedure of relocating here through this program.

Special categories of immigrants who qualify for immigration by citizenship by investment in Dubai

The recently amended legislation provides for certain categories of foreigners who already live in the UAE to apply for Dubai investment visa. These are:

investors who own real estate in any Emirate;
doctors, scientists and engineers with more than 10 years of experience in their fields;
inventors who have at least one patent acknowledged by the UAE government;
artists and other creatives who have won at least one international award.

These can also include their spouses and minor dependent children in the application for an UAE passport by investment.

If you fall under any of the categories above and are interested in Dubai citizenship by investment, you can inquire with our lawyers about the process of applying for a UAE passport, so you can start the immigration procedure as soon as possible.

Feel free to send us your inquiries about the UAE citizenship by investment amount.

The possibility of acquiring citizenship by investment through companies in Dubai

Dubai was always open for foreign investors interested in having their own businesses in the UAE, however, with this new immigration rules things have gotten even better, as from the 49% share of foreign ownership available until now, overseas enterprisers can now fully own a Dubai-based company.

Many entrepreneurs remember this option being valid in Dubai free zones only until now.

Foreigners who own properties and want to start their own businesses now have the option of applying for citizenship by investment through companies in Dubai and obtain a Dubai investment visa.

This is a great choice for enterprisers interested in making good profits in one of the greatest business hubs in the Middle East by obtaining UAE residency by investment.

You can rely on our immigration lawyers in Dubai if you want to register a company in this Emirate and get UAE citizenship by investment. We also invite you to watch our video below:

Immigration to Dubai by residency or citizenship by investment?

Foreign citizens interested in relocating and/or getting UAE citizenship by investment have the option of choosing between residency or citizenship by investment in Dubai. The main difference between them is the fact that while there are no restrictions for those interested in applying for residency, when it comes to citizenship, the nominees are elected by the Executive Council, Ruler, or Crown Prince Courts in Dubai.

Apart from these, the Dubai residence program comes with the following investment requirements:

a public investment of at least 10 million AED or approximately 2.3 million USD in various assets;
real estate property purchase with a value of at least 1 million AED or approximately 273,000 USD;
business creation which can require investment in a project with a minimum capital of 500,000 AED.

Each investment option comes with long-term UAE residency by investment for the main applicant and close family members followed by citizenship, for those interested.

People who want to apply for citizenship by investment based on companies in Dubai also have several residency options.

No matter the way you want to apply for an UAE passport by investment, our lawyers in Dubai are at your disposal with tailored immigration services. Do not hesitate to contact us for guidance at any time. We can help you obtain Dubai investment visa as soon as possible.