Owing to the 2021 regulations passed by the UAE government, the country has emerged as one of the top places in the world for obtaining citizenship. Regulation changes have now made it possible for people across the globe to obtain UAE citizenship.
In this guide you will learn about:
Who qualifies for UAE citizenship?
In 2021, the UAE introduced a new addition to the Executive Regulation of the Federal Law concerning Nationality and Passports. This was done to help advance the country’s economy. This section will take you through the various categories and eligibility criteria of how to become a citizen in Dubai and UAE overall that have been added to allow more individuals to apply for citizenship in the UAE.
UAE citizenship by marriage
You can obtain UAE citizenship by marriage, but there are very strict requirements, including:
- Firstly, the UAE national must obtain the court’s permission to marry a foreign national.
- The foreign national should already have a UAE residence visa, clean bill of health, and a clear criminal record.
- A male foreign national cannot obtain citizenship through marriage to an Emirati woman.
- A female foreign national marrying an Emirati man can only receive citizenship if they have been married for seven years and have a child together. The time requirement increases to ten years if there is no child.
UAE citizenship by descent
You can obtain UAE citizenship by descent if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Have an Emirati father abroad or in the UAE.
- Have an Emirati mother in the UAE or abroad, with a stateless father or without a legally established fatherhood.
- Are a descendent from a family of long term Arab settlers from within the UAE. This generally means your family are Arabs that had settled within the UAE before 1925 until at least 1972.
- Have unknown parents within the country, meaning the orphan doesn’t have any ties and must be granted citizenship to avoid becoming stateless.
It’s important to note that simply being born in the UAE does not grant a child citizenship. It is only under the above circumstances that citizenship is possible.
UAE citizenship by naturalization
Obtaining UAE citizenship through naturalization is another option. Although, it is not a very sought after option as it can take upwards of 30 years of residency and has a variety of regulations and conditions.
Previously, UAE citizenship by naturalization could only be granted to ethnic Arab setters. However, the changes in regulations in 2021 have now made it possible for all ethnicities to apply. But there are still strict qualifications, including:
- Having no criminal record
- Being fluent in Arabic
- Having an academic qualification
- Be of good moral character
- Have a legal source of income
- Being a resident of the UAE for 30 years or more
UAE citizenship by exceptional merit
Applicants who fall under the following criteria can be nominated for UAE citizenship by UAE royals or officials. Your candidacy must be approved by the Cabinet. Here are the categories for exceptional merit in the UAE.
- Doctors: You must have a minimum of ten years of experience, hold membership of a reputable organization in your field and must have made a recognized scientific contribution to your field.
- Inventors: You must have at least one patent approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or another reputable international organization.
- Scientists: You must have a minimum of ten years of experience in your field and must have at least one prestigious international award or a research grant in your field.
- Creative talents deemed innovators in their field: You must have a recommendation from a relevant authority in your field, a resume of previous works, and documentation of awards.
- Investors: Those who have made a significant financial investment within the UAE. The UAE government does not offer this regularly and it is only for investors who make a significant impact on the UAE economy. Simply purchasing a business will not guarantee citizenship, there are strict regulations.
It’s important to note that obtaining any of the above pathways to citizenship in the UAE can be extremely challenging. The UAE government has strict regulations and a person seeking citizenship may be denied even if they meet the above requirements. However, there is another option for those seeking residency in the UAE, let’s take a look.
UAE Golden Visa
A UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program offered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government that allows eligible individuals to live, work and study in the UAE for five to ten years.
The Golden Visa aims to attract foreign investments and skilled workers to boost the UAE’s position as a global hub for international business and investments
The most popular options are for investors who can get a UAE Golden Visa by investing in real estate or business, here are some of the requirements:
- Real estate investors can apply for a ten-year Golden Visa if they invest a minimum of AED 2,000,000 in real estate
- The property may be off-plan or fully constructed
- Obtaining a loan from an accredited UAE bank is allowed
- Business investors can apply for a ten-year Golden Visa by investing a minimum of AED 2,000,000 in a business
- The business can be an existing company in the UAE or a new company that you, the investor, establish
Individuals who qualify after meeting all the guidelines and processes are eligible to apply for Emirati residency. Once approved, the primary applicant can also include their spouse and children in the United Arab Emirates residency application.
Who can apply for the UAE golden visa?
There are a range of options under the UAE Golden Visa, offering many individuals a chance to obtain UAE residency. This includes:
- Entrepreneurs: Founders of start-up companies registered as SMEs in the UAE with annual revenues of at least AED 1 million (approximately $270,000), or those who have sold their entrepreneurial project for over AED 7 million (approximately $1.9 million).
- Highly skilled workers: Highly skilled individuals from a range of fields can apply, however, those in business, law, medicine, and IT are highly sought after.
- Investors: Real estate investors who purchase a property worth at least AED 2 million (approximately $545,000) or make significant public investments in investment funds or UAE companies or a bank deposit.
- Scientists and professionals: Individuals with specialized degrees or experience in fields such as medicine, engineering, science, research, and technology.
- Exceptional talents: Inventors, innovators, and talents in vital fields such as culture, art, sports, and digital technology, regardless of their educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary or professional level.
- Outstanding students and graduates: Top students and graduates from UAE universities and those with a GPA of at least 3.8 out of 4.0 or equivalent.
- Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes: Individuals who have made significant humanitarian contributions or served on the frontlines during an emergency.
It’s important to note, there is no direct pathway to UAE citizenship under the program. Naturalization may be possible, but it can take 30 years or more and is not guaranteed.
Speaking with an immigration specialist about which of the UAE residency or citizenship options best suit your needs can make things a lot easier. Not only can they help you find the best immigration option but also assist in the legalities of the applications which can be exceptionally difficult within the UAE.
Read our UAE Golden Visa Guide
Eligibility Criteria for UAE Citizenship
There are some specific eligibility criteria to note before applying for UAE citizenship. Let’s take a look.
General requirements
Anyone seeking UAE citizenship must have a clean criminal record, legally reside in the UAE, and show good conduct. An oath of allegiance to the Emirates is also required.
Creatives and artists
Artists and creatives need recognized achievements, like awards or acknowledgment from reputable organizations, to demonstrate exceptional contributions to their fields.
Families
Citizenship through marriage requires an Emirati spouse to sponsor the application. Dependents and children of Emirati citizens may also qualify.
Academics and students
Top academics and high-achieving students with significant contributions or outstanding research may apply for UAE citizenship.
For recognized achievers
Citizenship is also available to scientists, researchers, and intellectuals with notable accomplishments, including patents or international recognition.
UAE dual citizenship
The UAE does not typically recognize dual citizenship. So, if you pursue Emirati citizenship, you might lose your original nationality. However, the recent regulation changes now permit certain individuals with the opportunity to obtain dual citizenship. However, consulting an immigration expert is highly recommended to explore if you are eligible.
Arabic language and cultural knowledge
Understanding Arabic culture and the language is essential for citizenship, showing the country’s commitment to maintaining UAE heritage.
What Are the Benefits of UAE Citizenship?
Stable Economy
Job opportunities
High quality of life
Thriving expat community
High Global passport index ranking
Strong Passport
Various visa options
There are many UAE citizenship benefits that make it highly sought after. Let’s take a look:
Stable economy
The economy of the UAE is incredibly stable and is growing astronomically year on year. According to World Bank data, the UAE’s GDP has grown from $349 billion in 2020 to $504 billion in 2023.
Job opportunities
Popular cities in the UAE like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Al Ain have various job opportunities and attract people from all over the world.
UAE citizens often receive favorable treatment in the job market, potentially securing jobs with better salary packages compared to some expatriates. Notably, this advantage might be less pronounced for those with a well-established family history in the Emirates.
Overall, the UAE offers high salaries and has an excellent standard of living for expats and those who become UAE citizens.
High quality of life
The UAE has world-class education and healthcare infrastructure, making it an ideal expat destination. Foreign citizens have access to fantastic private healthcare as well as various options for education, including highly sought after international schools.
Thriving expat community
The UAE has a growing expat community, making moving to the UAE a lot easier for those from foreign countries.
High Global passport index ranking
According to the Global Passport Index, the UAE ranks 24th based on various parameters like enhanced mobility, investment index, and quality of living. Additionally, the UAE ranks 6th in the Investment Index, which ranks a country based on ease of doing business and how investor-friendly it is.
Strong passport
The UAE passport is among the strongest passports in the world for investment opportunities. This offers a world of opportunity for potential investors.
UAE passport holders can travel visa-free to 183 countries and territories, making it the 11th most powerful passport in the world. You are allowed visa-free travel to some of the most popular destinations, such as Germany, Denmark, Brazil, Spain, Portugal and most of the Caribbean.
Various visa options
For those looking to stay in the UAE long-term without citizenship, there are options like the freelance visa, retirement visa, Golden Visa, and student visa. Each has its criteria, such as minimum income or investment levels, and offers various benefits like access to amenities, zero income tax, and the ability to live, work, and study in the UAE.
The UAE’s citizenship also allows for family unification and grants citizens the right to own property without the restrictions that foreigners may face. This includes the ability to open bank accounts and establish companies with ease, thanks to reduced bureaucracy.
UAE citizenship rights
If you become a UAE citizen, you are eligible for the same rights as any other UAE citizen. This includes rights such as ownership rights, access to social services including education and healthcare, and the opportunity to vote or run for public office.
However, to maintain these rights you are also held responsible for your actions just like every other UAE citizen. This means you are responsible for contributing to the welfare of the UAE, serving in the national military (if applicable), and upholding all the laws of the UAE.
What Is the application procedure for UAE citizenship?
There are no set rules regarding the application process to obtain citizenship in the UAE. However, there are specific eligibility criteria that an individual must meet to apply for UAE nationality.
Reviewing your application and pre-approval
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship appoints a central advisory committee and sub-committees to review each candidate independently. The sub-committees are responsible for reviewing all data submitted and filtering applicants who meet the eligibility conditions to qualify for citizenship.
Approval of your application
Once your citizenship application is verified and approved, it is passed on to the advisory committee consisting of one representative from each Emirate for the final statement.
Even if you meet all the eligibility criteria, you might be denied UAE citizenship on certain conditions. The final decision in these cases lies with the Executive Council, the Rulers, the Crown Princes’ Courts, and the Cabinet.
If you are denied citizenship in the UAE, you can plan to acquire the UAE Golden Visa. With the UAE Golden Visa, you can obtain a residence permit by investment in the country and work in the UAE. Under the Golden Visa program, you can also include your family members in your application.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Get UAE Citizenship
How to get a UAE passport?
To acquire UAE or Dubai citizenship and a UAE passport, individuals have several pathways, by descent, through naturalization, by marriage, and by exceptional merit. It’s important to note that each category has very strict criteria, with options like naturalization taking more than 30 years.
How to become a citizen of Dubai?
Since Dubai is one of the most popular places in the UAE, people may often use the term “Dubai citizenship” to refer to UAE citizenship.
Foreigners can obtain Emirati citizenship if they are investors or talented individuals in their respective fields. However, It is important to emphasize that obtaining UAE citizenship is not a straightforward process and requires special approval from the UAE authorities.
Can Pakistani citizens get a UAE Golden Visa?
Yes, Pakistani citizens can obtain a UAE Golden Visa through investment in real estate. The UAE Golden Visa for Pakistani Citizens has specific criteria and requires due diligence from the applicant to ensure they meet the specific requirements.
Can I buy UAE citizenship?
No, directly buying citizenship in the UAE is not possible. However, you can choose to invest in the UAE by purchasing property, which offers a residency permit. Investors may be offered citizenship if their contribution to the UAE economy is significant, but this is not regularly given.
Can you get Dubai citizenship by investment?
No, there is no direct citizenship by investment program in the UAE. You can obtain a residency visa if you invest in the country. Citizenship is possible through significant economic contribution and if investors meet the strict criteria but this is not the norm and is generally not recognized as a pathway to citizenship.
How to become a citizen in Dubai?
One way to obtain UAE citizenship is through naturalization after 30 years of residency in the country. Foreigners with valid residency can also become eligible by marrying an Emirati national and applying for citizenship. Additionally, the UAE government may grant citizenship to individuals based on exceptional merit or significant contributions to the country, but this is not generally given.
How long does it take to get UAE citizenship for foreigners?
It depends on the type of citizenship. Citizenship by marriage requires you to be married toa UAE national for at least seven years. While an option like naturalization can take upwards of 30 years.
Can you gain UAE citizenship by birth if born in Dubai?
No, being born in the UAE does not grant citizenship. There are various criteria to be met for citizenship by descent, including having an Arab father or an Arab mother without a legally established father, having a long line of Arab descendants, or being an orphan whereby the nationality of both parents is unknown.
How to get UAE citizenship?
There are various ways to obtain UAE citizenship, including, through investment, being a skilled worker or professional, for those wit exceptional talents, by marriage, or descent.
What are the requirements to get UAE citizenship?
The basic requirements to get UAE citizenship include having a clean criminal record, residing in the UAE, taking an oath of allegiance, and having an understanding of the language and culture of the UAE.
Does UAE allow dual citizenship?
The UAE generally does not recognize dual citizenship. However, recent changes in regulation have now made it possible for certain individuals to obtain dual citizenship in the UAE.
Can foreigners apply for UAE citizenship?
Yes, foreign nationals can apply for UAE citizenship provided that they meet the eligibility criteria of the type of citizenship they want.
