Citizenship by Investment

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No business setup

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No property purchase

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Fully guided

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A future, secured

A few countries still offer investors the possibility of obtaining citizenship by investment. Such official government investment programs enable qualified applicants to obtain citizenship on a fast-track route—usually within several months—by making an investment into a government investment fund or into designated government-approved real estate projects.

Why Clients Seek a Second Citizenship?

The motivations behind seeking a second citizenship are as varied as our clients themselves. Common reasons include:

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01

Visa-free travel

Passport holders subject to extensive visa restrictions can gain access to visa-free travel to almost 140 countries

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02

Global mobility

A second passport provides flexibility for business travel, family relocation, and lifestyle choices

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03

Crisis resilience

Some clients view a second citizenship as an insurance policy for unprecedented events such as pandemic-related lockdowns or political instability

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04

Future planning

Providing children and future generations with broader options for education, residence, and opportunity

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05

Favourable tax environment

Certain citizenships may offer more favourable tax structures depending on the client’s personal circumstances

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06

Privacy and security

Diversifying political and jurisdictional risk across more than one country

Types of Investment

Citizenship by Investment Dubai/UAE programmes typically offer one or more of the following routes:

Government Fund Contribution

A non-refundable contribution to a government development fund. This is often the most straightforward route in terms of processing time and administrative complexity.

Approved Real Estate Investment

Purchase of government-designated real estate, which may offer the potential for rental yield and eventual resale after the minimum holding period. This option appeals to clients who prefer a tangible asset.

Government Bonds

Purchase of government-issued bonds held for a defined period. Some programmes refund the principal investment after the holding period, making this a capital-recoverable route, though typically with higher upfront capital requirements.

Business or Enterprise Investment

Investment in a qualifying local business enterprise that creates jobs and contributes to the local economy. This route is less common and typically suited to clients with existing business interests in the target country.

Not all routes are available in every programme. We advise on the options best suited to your profile, objectives, and budget.

Due Diligence and Compliance

Every applicant-investor is subject to very strict due diligence. The process is thorough and designed to ensure the integrity of each programme.

Key aspects of the due diligence process:

  • Background checks on the applicant and all dependants included in the application
  • Verification of source of wealth and source of funds
  • Screening against international sanctions and watchlists
  • Criminal record and police clearance certificates from all jurisdictions where the applicant has resided
  • Review of business and professional history

Only after clearance will the applicant be in a position to onboard. The procedure is subject to a non-refundable fee, regardless of outcome.

We advise clients to prepare:

  • Valid passport and national identity documents for all applicants and dependants
  • Birth, marriage, and educational certificates as applicable
  • Comprehensive evidence of the source of wealth
  • Business ownership and financial documentation
  • Police clearance certificates from current and previous countries of residence
  • Professional and/or banking references

Our team assists in assembling and reviewing the full application package to maximise the likelihood of a smooth and successful outcome.

Terms and Conditions of Dubai Citizenship By Investment

Citizenship obtained through investment carries strict terms and conditions in UAE/Dubai:

  • Revocation clause — If the investor-citizen is convicted and sentenced for criminal activity within three years of being granted citizenship, such citizenship is revoked without any refund.
  • Residency obligations — Some programmes require a minimal period of physical presence or a visit to the country, while others require none.
  • Holding periods — Real estate investments typically require a minimum holding period before resale (often five years, varying by programme).
  • Renewal requirements — Second passports generally require periodic renewal on standard timelines applicable to all citizens of the issuing country.

These conditions vary by programme. We provide detailed guidance on the specific terms applicable to your chosen route during consultation.

Typical Timeline

While timelines vary by country and programme complexity, the general framework is as follows:

Stage Typical Duration
Initial consultation and programme selection 1–2 weeks
Document gathering and application preparation 4–8 weeks
Government due diligence and review 3–6 months
Citizenship granted and passport issued 1–2 months
Total estimated timeline Approximately 6–12 months

Timelines may vary depending on the completeness of documentation, the specific programme, and government processing capacity at the time of application.

How Privateers Assist in Citizenship By Investment in UAE/DUBAI?

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Programme selection

We assess your objectives, nationality, source of wealth, and family requirements to recommend the most suitable programme

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Application preparation

We guide you through document collection, verification, and certification, ensuring compliance with each programme’s requirements

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Introductions

We introduce you to authorised agents and legal representatives licensed by the respective government

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Process management

We monitor progress, coordinate between all parties, and keep you informed at each stage

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Post-citizenship support

Assistance with passport issuance, renewals, and any follow-up requirements

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Important Note

Whatever the private client’s motivation, the process must be fully legal. Privateers work exclusively with officially sanctioned government programmes and do not facilitate any informal or irregular citizenship arrangements. Every applicant-investor must pass full due diligence.  

Privateers are in a position to advise private clients and make introductions to official government citizenship by investment UAE/Dubai programs.

PRIVATEERS acts solely as a professional introducer.

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Still have questions?

Your dedicated advisor is available to guide you privately.

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