The United Arab Emirates, and particularly Dubai, is one of the most popular destinations for living and doing business in the Middle East. However, residency in Dubai is only a Residence Visa and does not grant full citizenship rights. Many residents, especially Iranians, seek a way to maintain their UAE residency while also obtaining a globally recognized passport that ensures travel freedom, financial security, and a safer future for their families. One of the best options in this regard is the Dominica passport.
Why Dominica?
The Dominica passport is among the most respected in the Caribbean, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries worldwide, including China, Russia, Singapore, and most Latin American nations. Unlike Dubai residency, which must be renewed and is tied to investment or employment conditions, the Dominica passport is lifetime valid and transferable to future generations.
Process of Transferring Dubai Residency to a Dominica Passport
Once an individual residing in Dubai obtains a Dominica passport, they must update their residency information in the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) system. In this process, the previous residency linked to the old passport is not canceled but rather transferred to the new passport. For this to happen, the residency visa must be canceled on the old passport and re-stamped on the new Dominica passport.
Main Steps:
- Register the new passport in the GDRFA system and obtain approval.
- Visit the residency office to update records and issue a new Emirates ID linked to the Dominica passport.
- If necessary, complete the new stamping process on the residency visa.
Required Documents:
- Old passport (linked to the current residency)
- New passport (e.g., Dominica)
- Emirates ID card
- Application form for updating residency information
This process usually takes from a few days up to several weeks, depending on each individual’s situation.
Benefits of Combining Dubai Residency with a Dominica Passport
- Financial and banking security: Ability to open international bank accounts and make global investments with a trusted passport.
- Travel freedom: Elimination of visa restrictions faced by many nationalities (including Iranians).
- Family stability: Dominica citizenship is lifetime valid and inheritable by future generations.
- Geographic flexibility: Individuals can continue living and doing business in Dubai while enjoying full citizenship rights in another country.
Comparison: Dubai Residency vs. Dominica Passport
| Feature |
Dubai Residency |
Dominica Passport |
| Citizenship rights |
None |
Full |
| Validity |
Requires renewal |
Lifetime |
| Inheritance to children |
Limited |
Full |
| Visa-free travel |
Limited |
140+ countries |
Key Notes
- The new passport should always be used in all contracts and official activities in Dubai to avoid legal issues.
- Personal information in UAE government systems must be kept accurate and up to date.
- Although the transfer process is straightforward, it requires careful submission of documents.
Conclusion
Dubai residency offers excellent business opportunities and a high-quality lifestyle, but it is not sufficient on its own for global mobility and long-term security. Obtaining a Dominica passport alongside UAE residency creates the perfect combination: enjoying life and business in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, while holding the full citizenship rights of a respected independent country.
Thus, transferring Dubai residency to a new passport is not only a practical and manageable process but also a crucial step toward strengthening one’s international identity and securing a better future for the family.
