UAE Citizenship for Foreigners: Available Pathways and Requirements

While the UAE attracts foreigners with its exceptional standard of living and favourable tax system, the country is known for its highly restrictive citizenship pathways. Until recently, UAE citizenship could only be obtained through descent or a long naturalization process.

However, as of January 2021, the UAE government introduced an option to nominate specific categories of foreigners, such as investors, scientists, and healthcare professionals, for Emirati citizenship based on exceptional merit.

In this guide, we will outline the four main pathways for acquiring UAE citizenship, focusing on the rules and requirements, and discuss the following key considerations:

• UAE laws on holding a dual citizenship
• Notable UAE citizenship benefits for expats
• Steps to take during the UAE citizenship application process
• Options for residing in the UAE without citizenship

How To Get a UAE Citizenship as an Expat

Obtaining UAE citizenship as a foreigner is a challenging process that requires meeting strict eligibility criteria. Even those who satisfy the general conditions for the Emirati nationality must typically wait years, and sometimes decades, before they can apply for citizenship.

As an expat, you may acquire citizenship in the UAE through one of the following routes:

1. Descent
2. Marriage
3. Naturalization
4. Exceptional merit

Descent

The UAE does not grant citizenship by birth. Instead, citizens of the country are determined based on the jus sanguinis (the right of blood), which means you may qualify for UAE nationality by descent.

You can apply for citizenship in the UAE if you were: 

1. Born to an Emirati father
2. Born in the country, but your parents are unknown

Being born to an Emirati mother does not grant you citizenship if your father isn’t a citizen of the UAE. In this case, you can only qualify for citizenship if your father is stateless or unknown to you.

Marriage

While you can obtain a UAE citizenship through marriage to an Emirati national, the marriage can’t proceed without the court’s permission. 

Your eligibility for marriage to a UAE citizen depends on your gender. Foreign women who marry Emirati men qualify for citizenship, whereas a foreign man married to an Emirati woman is not eligible for citizenship.

Additionally, a woman married to an Emirati man must have been married for ten years to apply for citizenship, or seven years if the couple has a child together.

Naturalization

While securing UAE nationality through naturalization is possible, you are required to be a UAE resident for 30 years and speak Arabic fluently to qualify. 

To eventually qualify for citizenship by naturalization, you must obtain a residence visa that will allow you to reside in the country legally for the long term. For instance, you may apply for the Golden Visa, which offers UAE residency without any physical presence requirements.

Exceptional Merit

The option to obtain UAE citizenship through exceptional merit was introduced in January 2021, as a part of the new Executive Regulation of the Citizenship and Passports Law. Eligibility is limited to categories outlined in the table below:

Qualifying Individuals for Citizenship by Exceptional Merit	Eligibility Requirements
Investors	Investors may qualify if they: Purchase real estate of a certain value in the UAE—the official minimum investment conditions are not confirmed as of 2025 Make a significant economic contribution to the country, such as investing at least AED 2 million in a business or local investment fund or paying substantial annual federal taxes
Doctors and specialists	Eligible individuals must be specialists in a high-demand discipline in the UAE. They must also have at least ten years of experience in their field and be a member of a reputable organization linked to their specialization
Scientists	Qualification criteria include being an active researcher at a university, research centre, or in the private sector. Scientists must also have ten years of experience, relevant contributions to the field, and a recommendation letter from a recognized UAE scientific institution
Inventors	An inventor qualifies if they have one or multiple patents approved by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy (MoE) or another reputable international organization, as well as a recommendation letter from said organization
Intellectuals and those with creative talents	Eligible individuals must be pioneers in the field of art and culture, and they must have at least one international award, as well as a recommendation letter from the related government bodies

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, an applicant must be nominated for citizenship by the Rulers’ and Crown Princes’ Courts or the Offices of the Executive Councils. The candidacy must then be approved by the Cabinet.

Does the UAE Allow Dual Citizenship?

Only foreigners who obtain UAE citizenship through exceptional merit qualify for dual citizenship. Individuals who hold Emirati nationality under other policies can’t be citizens of both the UAE and another country.

If you obtain UAE citizenship through exceptional merit, your family members, including your spouse and children, also qualify for dual citizenship. However, this status isn’t granted automatically. To qualify, you and your family must meet specific criteria, such as:

• Having a clean criminal record
• Providing proof of financial stability
• Taking an Oath of Allegiance to the UAE
• Informing the UAE authorities about the possession of a second citizenship

Additionally, your home country must also allow dual citizenship. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom permit their citizens to hold multiple passports, whereas jurisdictions like China and Singapore do not. 

To confirm whether your home country’s laws allow second citizenship, consult the official government website or its embassy in the UAE.

What Are the Tax Implications of the United Arab Emirates Citizenship?

UAE tax residents enjoy a zero-tax regime, as the country doesn’t impose tax on most income categories. The following types of income are tax-free in the UAE:

• Personal income
• Capital gains
• Dividends
• Real estate
• Gifts and inheritance 

If you own a company in the UAE, you are subject to a low corporate tax rate of 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, and you may have to pay a 5% VAT on specific goods and services.

You are typically considered a UAE tax resident if you spend over 183 days in the country per year or your permanent home is in the Emirates.

Keep in mind that becoming a UAE tax resident doesn’t automatically eliminate your tax obligations in your home country. For example, U.S. citizens remain subject to U.S. taxation even if they hold dual citizenship, as the United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of tax residency.

However, the UAE has a double taxation agreement with many countries, including the U.S., which may prevent your home country from imposing tax on specific types of income.

What Are the Benefits of a UAE Citizenship?

Obtaining a UAE citizenship as a foreigner means you qualify for all the advantages available to Emirati nationals. In addition to the favourable tax system, key benefits include:

• Visa-free travel: Holding a UAE citizenship allows visa-free travel to 141 countries and offers access to 34 countries through a visa-on-arrival, making it easier to travel worldwide
• Family reunification: Those who secure UAE nationality through exceptional merit can bring their family to the country and have them apply for citizenship under the same conditions
• Property ownership opportunities: While foreign residents can only purchase property in designated freehold zones, individuals who obtain a UAE passport have no restrictions on where in the country they can own property
• High standard of living: The Emirates offer high-quality healthcare, education, and social services, as well as various employment and investment opportunities, making the country an attractive destination for foreigners seeking economic stability and potential for wealth growth

UAE Citizenship Application Process

After choosing a qualifying route for a UAE citizenship application or receiving a citizenship nomination from relevant authorities, here’s what the process of obtaining your Emirati passport should look like:

1. Submit required documentation
2. Wait for approval
3. Take the oath of allegiance 

Submit Required Documentation

To apply for the UAE citizenship, you must gather personal information and specific documentation and submit it to the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. The required documents include:

• Valid passport
• UAE residency visa
• Emirates ID
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Bank statements as proof of financial stability
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Proof of housing in the UAE
• Medical certificate

Those applying for citizenship by exceptional merit must also provide educational and professional certificates, as well as letters of recommendation or nomination.

All documents must be officially translated into Arabic and then attested. Attestation means that documents are verified by the foreign affairs office in your home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Wait for Approval

After the initial assessment at the Emirate-level, your application is reviewed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), which verifies your financial, criminal, and other background information. 

Once you pass the evaluation, the committee assesses your application. If you are applying for UAE citizenship based on exceptional merit, the committee reviews your overall qualifications, accomplishments, and nomination to determine your eligibility for citizenship.

The review process typically takes between 12 and 18 months, but the timeline depends on the complexity of your case.

If your application passes the committee evaluation, the Cabinet or the ministerial decree grants the final approval for citizenship.

Take the Oath of Allegiance 

When you receive approval, you must take the Oath of Allegiance to express loyalty to the United Arab Emirates and swear to obey its laws. 

After taking the oath, you must undergo additional procedures, which include identity verification and biometric registration. Once this step is complete, you can apply for a UAE passport to formalize your citizenship.

Can You Live in Dubai Without Citizenship?

You are allowed to live in Dubai without citizenship as a foreigner, provided you obtain a long-term residence visa. The country offers several types of visas that provide a residence permit valid for 2–10 years. Popular options include:

UAE Residence Visa	Basic Requirements	Duration
Investor Visa	You must purchase a property worth at least AED 750,000 in a Dubai freehold area	2 years
Golden Visa	You have to invest AED 2 million in real estate or a public fund. You can also apply if you own a technical project valued at AED 1 million or demonstrate outstanding talent in specific high-demand fields like science and technology	5 or 10 years
Retirement Visa	You must be 55 or older or provide evidence of employment for at least 15 years, as well as satisfy certain financial requirements	5 years

As all these visas are renewable, holding a UAE residence visa can help you secure citizenship by naturalization after 30 years, provided you meet other qualification requirements.

Choosing the right UAE residence visa depends on your financial circumstances, personal needs, and long-term goals. Because each option comes with distinct requirements and implications, working with experienced professionals can help ensure you select the pathway that best supports your relocation needs. To receive personalized guidance, partner with professionals at Nomad Capitalist.

Obtain Second Residence or Citizenship Effectively With Nomad Capitalist

Nomad Capitalist is an advisory firm that helps high-net-worth individuals relocate overseas and optimize global tax liability. We have helped over 1,500 clients from more than 100 countries secure residence abroad. 

Our financial experts understand that each client has unique financial and lifestyle goals. Instead of providing general advice, we design a personalized Action Plan that aligns with your relocation needs and objectives, helping you with:

• Obtaining a second residency or citizenship through descent, naturalization, or investment
• Minimizing global tax obligations 
• Establishing offshore bank accounts
• Diversifying your global investment portfolio

To receive your own specialized Action Plan, all you need to do is complete a short online questionnaire to determine whether we are a good fit. If so, we will:

1. Schedule and complete a one-on-one onboarding call to gain a better understanding of your needs
2. Develop and execute a comprehensive Plan based on your goals
3. Implement the Plan over a 12-month period and handle the administrative work
4. Provide ongoing support with questions and renewals

Find the best method to secure long-term residency in the UAE and get professional guidance throughout the entire application process, and beyond. Receive your personalized Action Plan today!