How to Get UAE Citizenship by Investment: The Ultimate Guide

In this useful article from the Dubai Home website, we provide you with helpful information about UAE citizenship by investment. In addition to UAE citizenship by investment, we will tell other practical information about the citizenship of the UAE. So stay with us until the end.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) might be described as a country that is unique in that it has a significantly higher percentage of expats (80% of the population) than native citizens (12%), with a burgeoning population in an arid desert climate.

Uniqueness is the best way to describe the country. 

It is a country that has learned its strengths and weaknesses to play to its strengths instead of making the most out of the disadvantages. 

UAE comprises seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. While every emirate has unique experiences and settings, Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract the most expats. 

There is a difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in that Dubai caters to the entertainment lifestyle, and Abu Dhabi caters to the traditional, calm, and not-so-busy lifestyle. You can choose whatever suits your needs best.

The UAE has leveraged its international image in such a way that it has been able to draw support and cooperation from all parts of the world, making it a good ally due to its outward orientation and willingness to collaborate.

With the 6th largest oil reserve in the world, it’s diversifying its economy, so it’s not reliant on oil. Its no-tax, business and development, and entrepreneur-friendly policies draw tourists.

In addition to creating thriving cities in the desert, which has a very western-friendly vibe, it’s drawn people from all over to a region usually perceived as restrictive and repressive. 

As an example of a predominantly Islamic state that balances its religious views with an open economy, it’s cool. 

This article will look at the different options available UAE citizenship by investment and describe the pros and cons. It should give you a good idea of whether moving to the UAE would be a good decision. 

What Makes The UAE Special?

There Are Several Unique and Desirable UAE citizenship by investment, which is Well Known as an Expat Hotspot.

They Made a Few Changes to Their Residency Program in 2018 That Made It Better. Previously, They Only Offered Two-year Permits. With The Right Skills and Investment, They Offer Five and Ten Year Ones Now.

There Were Also Rules That Only Foreigners Could Own 49% of a Company and Had to Partner Up With UAE Natives, Who Owned 51%. Starting in 2019, they’ll Let 100% Foreign Companies Own Companies and Give Long-term Residency Permits to People Starting a Company or With a Lot of Business Experience.

A welcoming atmosphere is created by the United Arab Emirates for those who are interested in investing, entrepreneurship, and specializing.

In the extensive writings about the United Arab Emirates, we have rated it highly as the best country for high-net-worth expats and the most livable country with no income tax.

Despite its well-known dust storms and miserably hot summer months, Dubai has created an atmosphere of high-tech living, yacht parties, fine dining, luxurious apartments, and all the comforts you could want that more than make up for the bad weather.

It’s well known that the UAE’s strength lies in creating a friendly environment for investors and developers.

UAE knows it must reach out to attract visitors despite needing a beautiful landscape, a great natural resource base, or a large, highly trained workforce. In response, it has expat-friendly policies and business-friendly programs.

UAE Citizenship by Investment

At the outset, it’s worth mentioning that foreigners rarely gain citizenship in the UAE. Currently, a proposal is being circulated within the government to allow foreigners to become citizens if they meet some pretty high requirements.

If you are interested in applying for UAE citizenship by investment, this process can be a long one with some requirements, including learning Arabic and giving up your other passports. 

If citizenship is your goal shortly, you may look elsewhere. As for now, citizenship is something other than what they offer.

With that being said, the UAE does offer a group of exceptional and valuable opportunities for UAE citizenship by investment, which can be achieved in one of the following ways:

•  Invest at least 10 million AED in the public sector
• Make an investment of at least AED 1 million in real estate
• Become an entrepreneur/start a business
• Be a person of specialized talents
• Awesome students

Here are the requirements you need to meet for each option.

UAE citizenship by Real Estate Investment

When you plan on gaining your residence permit due to purchasing a property in the UAE, you must meet many requirements. 

The first step toward UAE citizenship by investment is to buy a property in a freehold area designated by the UAE.

The second requirement is that you have an investment in real estate of at least 1 million AED (US$272,242). This investment can either be owned jointly with your spouse or jointly owned with a group or company, but at least 1 million AED must be your personal investment. 

There’s no limit to how many qualifying properties you can combine, but the total payment needs to be 1 million AED.

A couple of amendments have recently been made that allow you to use some commercial properties in your name rather than your company’s if they’re located in freehold areas.

Furthermore, if you previously bought a property valued at more than AED 1 million, you don’t qualify for UAE citizenship by investment. The UAE looks at the total price of your investment, not just the current value.

 It is also mandatory that you pay in full in the case of the loan or payment plan and that the property be your own property, as it cannot be a gift property. You must also show that you have already paid for it.

You can only obtain a residence permit if your real estate property is habitable and complete. Buying a site or building under construction will not count toward your residence permit.

You can get this residence permit for two years and then renew it after you meet all the requirements. It’s possible to own your property in most UAE regions for 99 years, with the possibility of renewing the permit as long as you meet all the requirements and keep a clean record. 

If you’re willing to invest a little more, you can also get a five-year residence permit with an investment of AED 5 million. Again, there needs to be no loan backed by the investment, and the property must be owned for at least 3rs.

Entrepreneurship/Startup Residence

It is important to note that the United Arab Emirates offers entrepreneurs and startups many advantages depending on their qualifications and the type of business they are starting. Three types of companies can be registered with the UAE. 

The first type of company is the offshore company, similar to an International Business Company (IBC) from a place like the Seychelles or Belize. This is like the traditional zero tax, don’t tell us anything, go at it alone type of company. 

It’s desirable to many people, but it’s not very well respected around the world. If you can live with those restrictions, then it might be okay.

There is also a second option, which is to start a company in a free-zone area. It is more expensive, but there are almost a dozen free zones around the UAE that will allow you to start a company that is owned 100% by foreigners.

In addition to having more flexibility in the way you operate the business and with the banks, you will also be able to be located in one of the various free zones legally, but you are restricted in where you can do business. 

If you work with a free-zone company, you will not only be able to get a bit more flexibility, but you will also have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of benefits, such as obtaining a tax residence certificate, a residence permit, and so on. 

The residence has a few rules required for you to keep it active. You are not required to live there all the time, but you do need to check in a couple of times a year, which is becoming annoying. 

There’s one downside: You’ve got to have an office. At the very least, you’ll need a hot desk in a co-working space. That will cost you five figures. There may be better choices than this if you’re looking for a cheap residency or offshore solution as an entrepreneur.

Thirdly, there’s also the traditional onshore company – a civil company – you can set up. Most people won’t do this. Most expats prefer a free zone company to an onshore company because it’ll be more complicated with UAE laws, etc. You can still work from anywhere and stay wherever you want. 

In general, for most people who live the ‘nomad capitalist lifestyle’, that lifestyle is more hassle than it’s worth for most people.

In addition to those with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 or who have been approved by a local accredited incubator, this category includes people who have already started their businesses. 

Professionals with entrepreneurial experience can apply for a business visa to set up their own businesses in the UAE. Applicants can easily submit official documents of their projects through the UAE website to obtain the Golden Visa. 

There are five years of residency, and you can renew it. Entrepreneurs can get a multi-entry visa for six months, which can be extended by another six months while they wait for their application to be processed. An extended five-year visa is available to spouses, children, partners, and executives for five years.

The Residence for Someone with Specialized Talents  

Also, the UAE offers 10-year renewable residence options to people with specialized talents. That’s doctors, scientists, inventors, and creative people in the arts and culture field.

An advantage to the Visa extends to your partner and children as well. All the Visa categories are required to have a valid employment contract in a specialized field in the UAE.

Obtaining a visa is subject to the following conditions, which can be found on the UAE Government’s website:

• A scientist needs to be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or have the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
• Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development accreditation is required for culture and art folks.

•   An inventor must obtain a patent to protect their invention. The Ministry of Economic Affairs must approve the patent before it can be granted for the patent to be patented.
• Exceptional talents and skills must be documented by patents or scientific studies published in reputable journals of the world’s top quality.
• Owners of leading companies or holders of high academic achievements and positions are perfect candidates.
• There are at least two requirements for doctors and specialists:

1. You need a Ph.D. from one of the top 500 universities in the world (see the UAE government’s website for a list).
2. A certificate or award in the field of the applicant’s work

• Contribution to a significant scientific research project
• Published articles or scientific books in prestigious journals in the field in which you work
• Being a member of a field-related organization
• Having a Ph. D. and 10 years of experience in the field
• Specialization in areas that represent a priority for the UAE.

Exceptional student

 There is the chance to obtain a five-year visa for outstanding students as an alternative to the standard five-year visa. To qualify for this residency permit, the applicant must have at least a 95% grade average in their secondary school during the last school year. 

A student can also qualify as an international student if they have a minimum GPA of 3.75 upon graduation, regardless of whether they are in the country or outside of it.

It is also possible to bring your family along with you on this long-term visa.

What’s The Process for Getting UAE Residency?

The process of applying for a residence permit in the United Arab Emirates is simplified, but it must be renewed frequently, and there is quite a bit of paperwork required as well.

It has been in the UAE’s interest to make the process as straightforward as possible for expats. With More Than 80% of their population coming from other countries, it is in their interests to speed up the process.

If you get to the country, you can visit a typing office where they’ll fill out all the paperwork for you and help you get everything done.

Many passports allow you to travel visa-free to the UAE for 30 days. Depending on the country, citizens of the countries on the list have between 30 and 90 days to get a visa after arriving in the country.

Whether you’re a public investor, a real estate investor, or a talented professional, the UAE will provide you with a six-month, renewable, multiple-entry visa once you’ve met all the requirements.

Alternatively, if you prefer to start the registration process before arriving in the UAE, there is also an option to do much of the application process online. You can start the application process through their Echannel website, allowing you to register before arriving in the UAE.

There’s a portal for residence applications through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (gdrfa), Dubai, if you’re applying specifically there.

If you wish to apply for any of the Residence Permits, it is mandatory that you first be medically fit and free from any communicable diseases before you are allowed to apply.

You will then have to pass a security check and apply for an Emirates ID card once you have passed that.

You’ll need a copy of the title deed, a contract of sale and purchase, a passport copy of the property owner, your current visa, and passport-sized photos if you’re applying for a Real Estate Investment Residence Permit. It’ll be useful to have a six-month, renewable, multiple-entry Visa here so you can find a property and buy it before applying.

As an outstanding student or person with unique talents, you will be required to submit paperwork that shows you meet the specific requirements outlined in the visa descriptions above if you are seeking a visa.

If these criteria are met, your application will be processed, and you will have your results in three weeks. However, it will usually take four to six weeks or longer.

If you’re applying for a business residence visa, the process is a little more complicated, but they’ve moved part of it online. Through their website, you can apply and submit your business proposals.

The initial capital requirements will be different in each region, and the different types of businesses will require unique paperwork depending on what type of business they are, but in general, the following steps are involved:

• Find out what kind of legal entity you are
• Choosing a trading name
• Get a license for your business
• Choose an office space
• Get pre-approvals
• Get your business registered 
• Getting your license

For obtaining a business visa, the following paperwork is usually required:

• Fill out the application
• Business plan
• A copy of your existing trade license or registration certificate (if you’re already a company)
• You will need color passport photographs of the company’s shareholders as well as the manager/director that has been appointed to the new company
• The company’s shareholders and the new company’s manager/director’s signatures
• Having 2 years’ audited financial information of a corporate entity or a letter of reference from a personal bank account of the shareholder, whichever is the career
• For individuals, NOC must be obtained from the current sponsor.
• A copy of the title deed for the unit
• The letter of intent
• It is necessary to provide Registry Identification Codes (RIC) for managers and directors (originals and notarized)

You must pay registration and license fees once you have received initial approval. The fees will depend on the type of license you are seeking. Then, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Completed registration form
• Board Resolution appointing Manager/Director (Notarized and attested)
• Give a power of attorney to the manager/director (notarized and attested).
• Printed copies of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (Notarized and attested)
• Specimen signature of Manager/Director (Notarized and attested)
• Photo of manager/director in passport size with white background
• Information about the share capital

Whenever a foreigner meets all the requirements for their specific type of visa and has already been granted residency in the country, the residence visa will be issued to them. The residence visa can be issued to them for up to three years. Long-term residence permits extend over periods of five and ten years. 

The following is what you will need to renew your residency:

• Sponsored by someone with a valid residency permit
• Finished another medical fitness test for over 18s
• Insurance card (mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
• A renewed ID card from ICA or an original receipt saying you’ve registered with ICA.

You will need the following documents to complete the application: 

• Whether it’s an online application or one done through a typing office, the renewal request must be signed by the sponsor, whether it’s a public or private company or an individual
• Original sponsor’s passport
• The sponsored photo

Sponsors of their families (spouse, minor children, parents, siblings, and first and second-degree relatives) are required to present the following information:

• A copy of the husband’s/wife’s employment contract or your company’s contract if you are an investor
• Salary certificate from the employer showing the employee’s monthly salary
• A marriage certificate that is legalized
• An official tenancy agreement
• The latest utility bill

If all of these requirements are met, then it will take up to three weeks for your application to be processed. Then your permit will be renewed for the period specified according to your visa type. 

Do you know how to get UAE citizenship through investment?

Several options of investment are available to those seeking to become citizens of the UAE by investing in it, as specified below:

• Deposit at least 10 million AED in an investment fund
• Establishing a company in the UAE with a minimum capital of 10 million AED 
• Investment in an existing, or even a new, company that has a share value of at least AED 10 million
• Investment of at least AED 10 million in all areas described, with at least 60% of the investment going to sectors other than real estate.
• If you want to invest in real estate, it must be at least 1 million AED (372,242) in value.

If you invest enough, you may be able to obtain a 3, 5, or 10-year investment visa. Below you will find a breakdown of the steps that you will have to undergo for you to obtain your citizenship through investment in the UAE:

1. Preliminary check:  An anti-money laundering officer will take a day to perform the check, which helps reduce the chances of getting rejected
2. Document preparation: All the paperwork is translated, and copies are approved by the consulate.
3. Real estate purchase: Investors don’t have to travel to the UAE to purchase a property. The process takes 5-6 weeks while the documents are prepared.
4. Checkup in a UAE clinic: All adult applicants get their health checked for infectious and potentially fatal diseases.
5. Visa application: Investors fill out an application and wait for a response. It usually takes seven days to process.

The Pros and Cons of UAE Residency

UAE residence has a lot of benefits, but there are downsides too.

There are so many qualities about the UAE that make it a great place to live, one of the reasons why 80% of expats are here. It has attracted tourists, investors, businessmen, and talented scientists and artists worldwide. 

However, there are some factors that you should consider before deciding whether or not the UAE will be a good fit for your lifestyle design. This section will discuss the pros and cons of UAE residence.

Benefits of UAE Residency

It’s one of the 10 most free markets. A variety of industry sectors, as well as a strategic plan for tourism and business expansion, has led to the UAE having one of the most open markets in the world. Oil revenues and a strategic approach towards tourism have allowed the UAE to be a tax-free economy while ensuring a diverse and stable economy heading in the right direction.

A growing economy and good policies. As an entrepreneur, it’s always smart to look for places that aren’t just expanding but are also putting in place the policies that make that happen. Having an atmosphere that treats entrepreneurs and businesses well has been done well by the UAE.

The resident application process is quick and easy. There are nearly 80% of residents in the UAE have come over from other countries, resulting in the UAE issuing residence permits frequently. It is possible to obtain a residence permit as soon as three weeks, although it takes around four or six weeks more often than not.

Easy travel and few requirements for living. As a resident of the UAE, you do not have to reside in the country to maintain your residency status. At the very least, you must visit the country at least twice a year or once every 180 days. A modern airport has also been built, and there is an easy way to travel practically anywhere in the world to the UAE.

Provides an expat-friendly lifestyle. As much as it is always a good idea to respect the culture of your host country, the UAE has done an excellent job balancing maintaining its cultural and religious policies with the flexibility and leniency of its policies regarding its expat population. Although it is a country of many different cultures, it feels more like a western country than most other Middle Eastern countries.

The country has managed to strike a good balance between exotic and Western creature comforts. It is well accustomed to foreign influence, and English is widely spoken throughout the country. The country offers excellent shopping, fantastic fine dining, and incredible entertainment options, most notably in Dubai.

A safe place for expats. In fact, Dubai is one of the safest cities for expats worldwide to live in and has worked hard to create a safe environment for women traveling in the Middle East by offering a pink taxi service specifically for women with female drivers. 

There are lots of options for offshore banking. Your residency permit gives you access to the UAE’s priority banking system, which is great for diversifying your finances and opening up regional opportunities you would only get within banking. 

Having a diverse economy. There has been an excellent effort by the UAE to diversify its economy so that it will not rely solely on oil. As a result, it will be better able to adjust once its reserves are exhausted, when the oil needs in the world change/fluctuate, or if another economic recession occurs. As a result of diversifying, the company is better positioned to cope with any changes.

Cons of Residency in the UAE

Weather. As a desert country, the UAE has some of the worst weather conditions in the world since it’s always hot, but it’s almost unbearable during the late summer months when the average temperature hovers around 113°F.

Wind storms can last for days at a time, which not only reduces visibility but can also cause breathing difficulties and make the airport impossible to use. Such storms can cause aircraft to arrive and depart with no visible signs. 

To avoid the heat, it might be a good idea to stay indoors and dart from one building to another to avoid the warm temperature, or if your trips are planned during the summer months, then the weather can be quite bearable.

Expensive. The UAE caters to a high net-worth expat market. It has a relatively high cost of living, which makes its residency program more expensive than its competitors. If you’re seeking a cheap option for residency in the United Arab Emirates, this is not for you. 

Not an option for citizenship. The United Arab Emirates does not give citizenship, At least not yet. You can live there with a renewable residence permit if you want, but don’t expect it to lead to citizenship even if you have lived there for decades.

Residence visas need to be renewed regularly. The UAE has extensively tried simplifying the expat registration and visa renewal process. There is an option to apply for longer-term visas.

However, submitting all the necessary paperwork regularly, which is every two years for many expats, is still quite a hassle. 

Does UAE Residence by Investment Work for You?

As one of the most promising investment destinations in the world, UAE residents through investment programs, attract investors from all over the world. However, is the UAE the right place for you to live?

Several decades ago, the leaders in the UAE had begun to structure their country in a way that was conducive to attracting foreign investment and involving foreigners in its activities. 

Because UAE leaders know that their country cannot boast of stunning scenery, natural resources, or a highly skilled labor force, they play to the country’s strength by offering a free market without income taxes and favorable business and investment opportunities.

In recent months, the UAE has really stressed that it is a strong economy with great opportunities for entrepreneurship and a top-rated tourist destination. It attracts millions of tourists every year and continues to do so. 

For those with the right skillsets or the capital available to invest, this could be an excellent option for you to consider. 

Taking your family to a safe place where there is no tax on your worldwide income may be an excellent option, as the UAE has been set up in such a way that there are many growth opportunities. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a great market to get involved in, the UAE is the place to grow. 

Recently, the UAE has introduced permanent visas lasting up to ten years, along with the possibility of owning 100% of a company by foreign investors. All of these factors demonstrate their commitment to making their country the best place in the world to live in it. 

Even though the summer weather may excite you to leave for several months, they have worked hard to provide indoor areas and entertainment to escape the heat for as long as possible.

Get in touch with the Dubai Home team if you believe this country might be correct for you. We will be able to help you figure out all the details and put together a holistic plan- we will make sure that you get the best treatment possible today.

UAE Residence by Investment FAQs

This article provides a comprehensive guide to UAE visas. However, you still may have some questions even after reading this article.