Passport of UAE

To help expats, the Passport index classifier has compiled a passport strength rating for 2024, taking into account global mobility. The document of the State of the Arabian Peninsula takes the first place. It demonstrates openness to international trade, investment, and the creation of a multicultural environment. The freedom of movement index (182 points) allows crossing 127 borders of visa-free countries, including the jurisdictions of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In another 46 locations, Arab residents receive entry permits upon arrival.

The success was achieved thanks to the initiative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 2021, Sheikh Zayed proposed amendments to the law to increase the prestige of diplomacy. Now a passport in a dark blue cover with gold state symbols has become available to many categories of foreigners without long-term naturalization. Recent changes have put the UAE on a par with countries with progressive migration policies.

The growing international prestige of the Emirates has allowed it to overtake France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, which have been leading the world rankings for years. This year, along with Singapore and Japan, the state entered the top three in terms of safety, standard of living, and low mortality.

How to get a passport in the United Arab Emirates

Another country in the Middle East occupies a leading position in the ranking of excellent locations for international immigration. It attracts businessmen, students, and specialists, and legally equates expatriates with residents in key rights. As of January 2024, the population was close to 10 million people. Of these, 88% are immigrants, living mainly on a residence permit. A UAE citizen's passport is issued for the following reasons:

According to the amendments of 2021 adopted in Federal Law No. 17, they can claim to receive a passport quickly:

• doctors and scientists with 10 years of experience with a research background; 
• authors of publications in specialized journals;
• permanent members of international symposiums and conferences; 
• engineers with patents for inventions approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy; 
• cultural and artistic figures, laureates of various competitions, winners of awards and prizes.

Now «Golden» visas have been issued for grants to investment funds in the amount of 2 million AED, the purchase of shares / real estate for $205,000. Businessmen also receive $68,064 for partnership with Arab companies with annual tax payments. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegrams, was one of the first to take advantage of this opportunity.

Important

Foreigners who have received the status for talents, professionalism or grants will be allowed to have dual citizenship. The privilege does not apply to other applicants.

Passports are issued by the Office of Citizenship (GDRFA). The process begins with choosing the type of visa to enter the country. Working and resident types are issued on the basis of invitations and letters from sponsors. They are equivalent to a residence permit and are not limited in the number of extensions. To receive a document, the relocators go through 5 stages.

Attention

New residents immediately begin to issue a B-card, a family book through the Office for Foreigners or on the government website, where they are discharged in 48 hours.

UAE Citizenship Law

The authorities are guided in their work with foreigners by Federal Law No. 17 of 1972. It was created on the basis of conventions on refugees, stateless persons, and the reduction of statelessness. According to clause No. 6/17, residents are issued a single identity document uniting 7 emirates by constitutional and legal connection. The first one with the name Barwa was issued for a year. Later, with the advent of monarchical states, a two-year Contract appeared with the prospect of extending it up to 4 times.

In 2011, the authorities began issuing machine-readable biometric passports and Emirates D electronic IDs with unique remote chips. They store personal and fingerprint data, protect against counterfeiting.

The authorities of the Arab Emirates cancel passports after committing a criminal offense, leaving the country for more than 4 years. The law also provides for the voluntary renunciation of Emirati citizenship through the embassy.

Passport documents

The full list is published on the website of the representative office. There you can also find out which countries you can travel to without a visa, where electronic permits are issued upon arrival. Applicants are asked to make an appointment in advance to submit a dossier to the consular department. List:

• a standard application with detailed information (https://zp.midpass.ru ); 
• a valid passport and an earlier version, if available;
• income statement;
• health certificate;
• medical policy;
• receipts of duties paid;
• certificates for children when moving with the family, documents for the second spouse.

Specialists attach diplomas with the seal of the UAE Ministry of Education, certificates from the place of work to confirm experience and salary. Creative people will need letters of recommendation, official proof of merit.

How much does a UAE passport cost

To receive it, applicants first pay service fees. The price in 2024 for registration was $17, issuance – $3. Translation and notary services will cost about $20. An electronic document for children under 14 years old costs 185 AED. Adults pay 330 AED for it. The amount varies depending on the emirate. They are given free of charge only to diplomats and missionaries. Up-to-date financial and other information can always be checked on the representative office's website.