By Andy Noorlander
While Emiratis are automatically granted the right to a United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport, expatriates must undergo a lengthy process to attain one. In addition to spending a certain number of years within the UAE, foreigners must meet with a naturalization committee and submit various documents in order to be found eligible for a UAE passport. But if you're determined to get the accompanying benefits, such as cheap electricity, the right to buy land, government housing rates, low interest rates on government loans or a hassle-free retirement plan in the Emirates, getting a UAE passport just might be worth the effort.
Instructions
Difficulty: Challenging
Things You'll Need:
- Passport application form
Supporting documents
Patience
- Passport application form
- Supporting documents
- Patience
Step 1
Make sure you need a UAE passport. The UAE offers highly useful National Identity Cards that serve as driver's licenses, passports (which can be used for entering and exiting the UAE) and work permits all in one piece of plastic. For foreign residents, the same card can be used each time you renew your visa. This simple option can be completed by booking an online appointment at appointment.emiratesid.ae/EN/Default.aspx. If the National Identity Card doesn't fulfill your needs, prepare yourself for a long process.
Step 2
Spend at least 20 years in the UAE. Since permanent residency is not allowed to foreigners under Emirati law, you'll have to renew yours from time to time. Whether you live in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi or Dubai, act as an upstanding citizen and keep a clean legal record.
Step 3
Marry an Emirati man. While foreign men marrying Emirati women cannot obtain citizenship any faster than other expatriates, women of foreign citizenship can become passport holding UAE nationals within three to 10 years. Authorities are careful to inspect applications based on marriages to UAE Nationals as there have been many cases of fake marriages where foreign women have signed on to marriage contracts only for the sake of obtaining citizenship and/or a passport.
Step 4
Pick up, complete and submit the application form for a UAE passport. You can pick them up at the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD). You also will be asked to provide various supporting documents such as reference letters, bank statements, past visas and identifying documents.
Step 5
Appear for an interview with a DNRD committee to determine whether you are eligible for a passport. Wait for the DNRD's response. If your application is approved, a UAE passport will be issued.
Resources
About the Author:
Andy has attended schools all over the world but is now on the leg last of her Bachelors Degree at Brigham Young University through Independent Study while living in China. She has studied Spanish, Finnish, and Mandarin and is majoring in English literature. She has been a writer fro Demand Studios for over a year.
