It's worth noting that expats make up 90% of the UAE's population of nearly 10 million. Indeed, the country's economy and the society at large relies heavily on expatriates. So it comes as no surprise that the UAE is making such efforts to retain expats and their families amid the COVID-19 crisis while other Middle East countries are facing an expat exodus.
Who can become an Emirati citizen
As mentioned above, this measure is mainly intended for highly qualified foreign professionals, including intellectuals, authors and artists who currently live and work in the UAE. However, it also aims to attract more foreign talent to ensure economic growth and prosperity for the coming years. Today, most expatriates in the UAE depend on a work visa which is renewable every year. Most of these visas also allow them to bring in their family members.
In recognition of their contribution to the country's economic development, selected candidates will now be allowed to stay permanently with their families. Besides, they don't have to give up their initial nationality -- which means that they can be dual citizens. In general, Emirati citizens are entitled to a range of benefits, such as zero income taxes, subsidised education, health care and fuel, incentives for the purchase of real estate, and retirement pension from the age of 49.
The terms of this new measure have not yet been finalised. However, expats won't be able to apply for Emirati citizenship. In fact, they must have been selected by the rulers or government officials of the different emirates. The UAE Cabinet will then have the final say. However, potential citizens will have to meet certain criteria.
For example, investors will be eligible for citizenship if they own property in the country. Doctors and other health specialists need to practice a discipline that is in high demand in the UAE. Scientists must have at least 10 years of experience and be actively involved in research in the UAE, and inventors must hold at least one patent for their inventions. Artists and intellectuals, for their part, must have awards proving their skills in their respective fields.
Previous amendments luring expats
This announcement is part of a series of amendments introduced in recent months. To attract and retain more international students, for examples, the UAE recently amended its residency law. International students can now be accompanied by their family members provided that they can afford suitable accommodation and have the financial means to support themselves during their entire stay.
With no less than 77 prestigious universities, the UAE is an attractive destination for study abroad. Also, since 2018, international students over the age of 18 who are sponsored by either a parent or an accredited university are eligible for the Gold Visa. This visa is valid for 5 years and is granted to the most outstanding international students. These students must have obtained a GPA of at least 3.75 in an Emirati university or abroad to be eligible.
The recently introduced Golden Retirement Visa allows certain foreign professionals and degree holders to become UAE residents for 10 years. The Retiree Visa, which is valid for 5 years, is intended for foreign retirees receiving high pensions. With the Digital Nomad Visa, foreign professionals can stay in the UAE for a whole year and work remotely without having to leave their job in their home country.
There's so much more to enhance expat life in the UAE. Since late 2020, unmarried expat couples are allowed to live under the same roof. Foreign investors can also own 100% of a UAE-based company. And finally, foreign nationals no longer need a permit to buy and consume alcohol.
