Dubai Downtown with view on Burj Khalifa
United Arab Emirates:
Dual Nationality, Second Citizenship by Investment in the UAE, Golden Passport in Dubai
Citizenship by Nomination
"Emirati Passport"
("جواز سفر إماراتي")
Description of the UAE Citizenship by Investment Program
UAE Citizenship by Nomination
In January 2021, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum who is responsible for the growth of Dubai into a global city announced via Twitter that the UAE intends to grant economic Emirati citizenship to investors and talented professionals and their families (children and spouses) according to a clear set of criteria while allowing dual nationality.
Instead of an open application procedure, it is planned that individuals are nominated for citizenship by UAE royals or officials subject to approval by the UAE cabinet.
According to the Emirates News Agency, eligible individuals for the Emirati passport (and criteria for getting UAE citizenship) include:
- Investors | Must own a property in the UAE.
- Doctors | Must be specialized in a unique, or locally highly required, scientific discipline, with acknowledged scientific contributions, studies and research of scientific value and a practical experience of not less than 10 years, in addition to being a member in a reputable organisation in that particular field of specialization.
- Inventors | Must obtain one or more patents that are approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or any other reputable international body, in addition to a recommendation letter from the UAE Ministry of Economy.
- Scientists | Must be be active researchers in a university or research center or in the private sector, with a practical experience of not less than 10 years in a given field. They also should have contributions in the scientific field such as winning a prestigious scientific award, or securing substantial funding for their research during the last 10 years. It is also mandatory to obtain a recommendation letter from a recognized scientific institution in the UAE.
- Intellectuals, artists, talents | Must be pioneers in the culture and art fields and winners of one or more international awards. A recommendation letter from related government entities is mandatory as well.
The Emirati passport with its navy blue cover is valid for 5 years and opens from the left-hand side. It is ranked as the most powerful passport in the Arab world.
Emirati citizens have visa-free (or visa on arrival access) to 174 countries and territories including New Zealand, EU-Schengen (since 2015), China, Israel (since 2020), the UK, Canada (but not to the US).
| Launch date | January 2021 |
|---|---|
| Promoter | Rulers and Crown Princes Courts, Executive Councils, and the Cabinet based on federal entities nominations |
Key Benefits of Living in the United Arab Emirates
- Dubai is a major airport hub for international flights
- There are no personal income taxes in the United Arab Emirates (like in Monaco)
- Right to own commercial entities and properties in the United Arab Emirates
- With its modern lifestyle, world-class infrastructure and health-care system, and a diversity of tourism experiences, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a whole offers interesting residency and citizenship options for real estate investors and talented professionals worldwide
Personal Income Tax in the UAE
| Income, dividends, capital gains | 0% |
|---|
Corporate Income Tax in the UAE
| Income, dividends, capital gains | 9% |
|---|
> Branches of foreign banks are generally taxed at a flat rate of 20%. Oil and gas exploration and production companies are taxed at flat rates of 50% (Dubai) and 55% (Abu Dhabi).
Real Estate Tax in the UAE
| Real estate transfer charge | Rates vary depending on the Emirate (Dubai: 4% | Abu Dhabi: 2%) |
|---|---|
| Broker's fee | 2-3% |