GDRFA Chief: Citizenship by Investment Does Not Affect UAE Residency if Visa Requirements Are Met

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s GDRFA, stated that acquiring a second citizenship—such as through investment programs in Caribbean or Latin American countries—does not affect a person’s residency status in the UAE. As long as the individual holds a valid visa and complies with immigration regulations, they may continue to legally reside in the country regardless of any new nationality obtained through investment or employment.

He also emphasized that the GDRFA provides a free service for holders of newly acquired investment passports who are planning to immigrate to Europe, the United States, or Canada. A specialized forensic lab operates in Dubai to verify the authenticity of such passports, helping protect applicants from fraud and invalid documents.

At the same time, Al Marri warned that individuals who obtain investment-based passports and intend to immigrate to Western countries must comply with the local visa and immigration requirements. Citizenship acquired through investment does not exempt them from following the entry regulations set by the EU, the United States, or Canada.

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