Is it possible for me to be granted citizenship of UAE on the basis of living and working there for many years?
Do I stand a chance of becoming UAE citizen after spending many years living and working there?
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Is it possible for me to be granted citizenship of UAE on the basis of living and working there for many years?
You probably never will, unless under special conditions. Usually, the criteria to be awarded a citizenship is spending a minimum 30 years in the UAE legally, with proficiency in Arabic, and well familiar with the culture. And oh, you must be willing to convert to Islam if you’re a Christian. So, you see the issue here? They will most likely be hesistant on giving you the citizenship, but there is another option.
You are either a woman marrying into an Emirati family or you have done massive contributions to the UAE, which is mostly economic contribution. Few expat businessmen in UAE, have been offered the passport, it is treated like an award, like a token of appreciation for your efforts. In short, you should be worth more than a billion dollars or be filthy famous and influential, go ahead ask the government if you can have the passport and they will happily oblige.
Becoming an Emirati citizen is difficult for a foreigner, and whether or not it’s possible for you will depend on a variety of circumstances. There might be variations on the processes adopted across the different emirates and your options are also affected by factors such as whether you work, and who your employer is. It’s worth talking to a local immigration lawyer to confirm your options and choose the right route for you.
You’re automatically considered a UAE citizen if you were born in the Emirates to unknown parents, to an Emirati father or to an Emirati mother and unknown father. You can apply for UAE citizenship if you marry an Emirati citizen, or if you fulfil the residence requirement for naturalisation. However, the residence requirement has a long wait of up to 30 years before an application will be considered.
Regardless of the route, you’re applying to, you have to fulfil certain basic requirements to be eligible, including being able to speak Arabic, being legally employed in the Emirates, and being of good character. Applications for UAE citizenship are managed by individual Emirates, and the final decision lies with the authorities there.