Best Citizenship Lawyers in Dubai

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Souzan Elkayaji Legal Consultancy F.Z.E

Souzan Elkayaji Legal Consultancy F.Z.E

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Free Consultation: 30 mins


Founded in 2010
16 people in their team
Souzan Elkayaji Legal Consultancy: Your Trusted Partner in Legal ExcellenceSouzan Elkayaji Legal Consultancy stands as a beacon of legal expertise...
Arabic
English
Malayalam
Tamil
Hindi
Kannada
Tagalog
View profile
ALGaber Legal Consultancy

ALGaber Legal Consultancy

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2021
5 people in their team
Welcome to AlGaber Legal Consultancy, your trusted partner in legal services. Our team of experienced lawyers and legal advisors are committed to...
English
Arabic
View profile
Vision Immigration Advisory

Vision Immigration Advisory

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Vision Immigration is an international advisory firm based in Canada. We have multiple offices across the globe including UAE, India, Oman, Tanzania,...
Arabic
English
LI & CO Lawyers In Dubai - Advocates & Legal Consultants

LI & CO Lawyers In Dubai - Advocates & Legal Consultants

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2000
200 people in their team
LI & CO Lawyers in DubaiLawyers in Dubai, the best lawyers in Dubai and the UAE, yes .. we are LI & CO lawyers in Dubai, we are a group of...
Arabic
English
Law Bridge Law Firm

Law Bridge Law Firm

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Free Consultation: 1 hour


Founded in 2017
20 people in their team
Whether you’re in search of legal services in Dubai, top Lawyers and Law Firms in Dubai for Debt Recovery in the UAE, any type of dispute,...
Arabic
English
French
German
Russian
Slovak
Ukrainian
Telugu
Kirghiz
Kazakh
Ibrahim Khouri Lawyers - Advocates & Law Firm Dubai

Ibrahim Khouri Lawyers - Advocates & Law Firm Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2008
50 people in their team
About Khouri Law Firm in UAEWe are a longest-standing law firm in Dubai, an unrivalled position. We are one of the top law firms in UAE that has more...
Arabic
English
Flyworld Migration Lawyers & Registered Migration Agents

Flyworld Migration Lawyers & Registered Migration Agents

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2012
50 people in their team
About Flyworld group, since its inception in 2012 has achieved remarkable growth and has been recognised with multiple awards both in Australia and...
Arabic
English
Al Reyami Advocates and Muhyealdeen International Legal Consultants

Al Reyami Advocates and Muhyealdeen International Legal Consultants

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2001
50 people in their team
Al Reyami Advocates and Muhyealdeen International Legal Consultants is a top law firm founded since 2001 having over 50 lawyers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi,...
Arabic
English
James Berry & Associates

James Berry & Associates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 1986
50 people in their team
JAMES BERRY & ASSOCIATESWelcome to James Berry & Associates, one of the longest established legal practices in Dubai.James Berry &...
Arabic
English
Mohammad Al Najjar Advocates

Mohammad Al Najjar Advocates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2015
50 people in their team
Founded on the principles of beingclient-centric and result-driven, Mohammad Al Najjar Advocates and Legal Consultants has become a legal powerhouse...
Arabic
English

About Citizenship Law in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Citizenship law in Dubai, as in the rest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is primarily based on the principle of Jus Sanguinis, which is the right of blood, i.e., one acquires citizenship primarily through descent. Citizenship is not automatically granted to those residing in or born in the UAE. Although there are exceptional circumstances where an individual may apply for citizenship, the process is complex and subject to the sovereign discretion of the UAE government.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

In typical cases, you may require a lawyer to help with matters related to citizenship if you were born to foreign parents in Dubai, if you married an Emirati citizen, or if you have rendered exceptional services to the state. These processes are complex, require deep understanding of local laws and practices, and necessitate numerous interactions with governmental bodies. An experienced lawyer can provide assistance and advice, ensuring you follow legal procedures accurately and increasing your chances of a successful application.

Local Laws Overview

The main legal framework that defines citizenship in the UAE is the Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 on Nationality and Passports. Amendments have been made over the years, including Decree Federal No. 10 of 1975 and Decree Federal No. 16 of 2017. A key point to note is that a UAE nationality holder cannot hold other nationality concurrently, except in certain exceptional circumstances. Those who acquire UAE citizenship are expected to know the customs, traditions and social ethics of the UAE community and should respect them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for UAE citizenship if I was born in Dubai?

Unlike many countries where citizenship can be acquired by virtue of being born within the territory (Jus Soli), the UAE follows the principle of Jus Sanguinis. So, being born in Dubai or any other Emirate doesn't automatically grant you citizenship.

Can a foreign woman married to an Emirati man apply for citizenship?

A foreign woman married to an Emirati man can apply for UAE citizenship after a minimum of seven years of marriage, provided the marriage is official and they have at least one child or after ten years if there are no children.

How does a foreign man married to an Emirati woman acquire citizenship?

A foreign man married to an Emirati woman can apply for citizenship only under exceptional circumstances and subject to the discretion of the UAE Cabinet.

What if I have rendered exceptional services to the state?

In exceptional cases, those who have rendered significant services to the UAE can apply for citizenship. However, the interpretation of 'exceptional services' is subjective and lies at the discretion of the UAE government.

Can expatriates apply for UAE citizenship?

Starting February 2021, the UAE government has made legal provisions for select categories of expatriates to acquire UAE citizenship. This includes investors, specialized talents and professionals, and those with certain scientific and knowledge-based skillsets. However, this is also subject to the discretion of the UAE Cabinet.

Additional Resources

You may refer to the UAE Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 for in-depth understanding of UAE citizenship law. The official website of UAE government is a rich resource for information. Moreover, UAE Ministry of Interior, Immigration Department and UAE Embassy in your home country can provide updated advice and consultation.

Next Steps

If you plan on seeking legal advice for citizenship matters, identify a local lawyer who specializes in Immigration and Citizenship Law. Prepare a list of all your concerns and keep your documents ready for review. Always ensure you maintain updated knowledge of changes in Citizenship laws in the UAE as amendments are common. Finally, keep in mind that the process may take time, often beyond your control.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.