UAE citizenship is granted by birthright, through general naturalization, through marriage, and for exceptional services to the country. Since 2021, obtaining a passport has been simplified for highly qualified specialists (doctors, researchers, artists) and key investors. Naturalization in the United Arab Emirates takes at least 30 years—an unprecedented period comparable perhaps only to Liechtenstein. Persons of Arab origin can obtain passports 3–7 years after relocation. Citizenship through marriage can be acquired after at least 7–10 years, depending on whether the family has children.

For most foreigners, a UAE passport is available only through naturalization. The basic requirements include knowledge of Arabic, a good reputation and impeccable conduct, an official source of income, and appropriate education. Dual or second citizenship is not permitted: when obtaining a local passport, applicants must renounce equivalent documents issued by other countries. Strict immigration conditions significantly limit eligibility: according to publicly available data, up to 85–90% of the country’s population are expatriates holding residence permits, while only 10–15% have citizen status.

UAE Immigration Legislation

The foundation of the immigration policy of the United Arab Emirates is Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 on Nationality and Passports, as subsequently amended. Additional legislation includes the federal decree establishing the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and related instruments. The 2021 Law by Decree Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners is also important for immigrants.

UAE immigration rules are among the strictest in the legislation of developed countries. The government follows principles of mono-ethnicity and imposes stringent criteria on foreigners without Arab roots who wish to become local citizens. In addition to 30 years of residence, naturalization requires fluency in the national language and a security-service clearance; everything is taken into account, including minor offences. Passports through marriage are issued only to women, whose reputation is also considered.

Since 2021, citizenship has become somewhat easier to obtain for individuals who may be of interest to the United Arab Emirates because of their professional skills and/or contribution to the economy. Examples include researchers, cultural figures and outstanding athletes. No specific residence period is prescribed for them, but decisions on such applications are made individually by the rulers of each emirate, including sheikhs and crown princes. There are no clear criteria for investors to obtain “golden passports”; everything remains at the discretion of the authorities.

Those seeking a strong passport from a developed country may consider simplified European Union citizenship programs. Under these programs, legal status can be obtained within a record period of 4–12 months. Every EU passport provides visa-free access to more than 160 countries and many other benefits; lawyers can provide further details during a free consultation.

Who Is Eligible for Citizenship of the United Arab Emirates

The following categories of persons may obtain UAE citizenship:

• naturalized immigrants who have lived in the country for at least 30 years, including at least 20 years after Law No. 17 entered into force, and who have met the integration requirements;
• wives of citizens of the country, provided the marriage was concluded at least 10 years earlier, or 7 years earlier if the couple has a child together;
• persons of Arab origin who have resided in the Emirates for 3–7 years as residents, depending on their current citizenship;
• children whose father holds a local passport, or whose mother is a UAE citizen provided both parents are UAE citizens or the father is unknown;
• foreigners who have rendered exceptional services to the state and have in-demand professions;
• key investors prepared to purchase high-value real estate in the United Arab Emirates through nominations by rulers, crown princes, executive councils and the Cabinet;
• persons who were already living in the local territory as of 1972 and continued to reside in one of the emirates until the law entered into force.

In almost all cases other than obtaining a passport by birth or descent, applicants must meet a number of requirements:

• reside in the UAE for the prescribed period under a lawful status as a resident holding a visa or residence permit;
• prove proficiency in Arabic at a level sufficient for fluent communication;
• have a lawful and stable source of income, for example from employment, business or dividends;
• have an impeccable reputation, with no convictions for serious crimes and no links to prohibited organizations;
• have appropriate education, particularly when applying for citizenship for exceptional merit; this does not apply to spouses of UAE citizens;
• obtain security-service approval for admission to citizenship and take an oath of allegiance to the state;
• renounce citizenship in every other country whose citizenship the applicant holds at the time of filing.

The complete list of documents differs depending on the specific circumstances, but the basic set includes:

• a valid foreign passport issued by the applicant’s country of origin;
• civil status certificates, including marriage and birth certificates;
• an Emirates ID residence card;
• a certificate confirming proficiency in Arabic;
• a diploma confirming the level of education;
• a certificate confirming renunciation of previous citizenship;
• financial documents proving sufficient means;
• a criminal record certificate;
• security-service authorization for the procedure.

Granting UAE citizenship is a discretionary right of the state. Even if all criteria are met, a passport is not guaranteed. The decision is made at the level of each emirate, and ordinary immigrants without exceptional merit are approved extremely rarely. This is also reflected in the practically unrealistic naturalization period, which is unsuitable for most applicants. There is no concept of permanent residence: throughout the entire 30-year period, a person must remain in the unstable status of a temporary resident, which can be cancelled even for minor misconduct or for leaving the country for six months or longer.

Those wishing to relocate to a developed country with a high level of safety and decent wages may consider EU member states. This is also relevant when it is important to hold a second passport ranked among the ten strongest in the world without waiting for years. EU citizenship can be obtained under simplified procedures within up to one year, without prior residence. There is no need to invest in the economy, integrate into society, or disclose information about income and future plans. An EU passport allows the holder and their family to live in any of the 27 member states without a time limit.

European Union citizenship provides freedom of movement across most countries of the world, access to the European single market with more than 450 million consumers, prestigious free higher education and high-quality healthcare. In most cases, the passport is obtained as a second citizenship, so the previous legal status is also retained.

Ways to Obtain UAE Citizenship

As a rule, foreigners can obtain a UAE passport only through naturalization—either ordinary naturalization, which is rare, or as in-demand specialists for exceptional merit. Although the right to obtain citizenship through investment is provided for by law, there is no publicly available judicial practice regarding such decisions and no fixed investment amount. A child does not receive a passport merely by being born in the country if both parents are foreigners. There is also no concept of citizenship through repatriation, although persons with Arab roots wait less time than ordinary applicants. It is important to assess one’s chances and compliance with all the required conditions of each route.

UAE Citizenship Based on Arab Roots

A United Arab Emirates passport is granted through accelerated naturalization in two situations:

• nationals of Oman, Qatar or Bahrain—after 3 years of permanent residence;
• other legally capable Arab citizens—after 7 years.

All basic conditions and requirements remain in force. Holding two passports is not permitted even on the basis of roots.

Investment Programs and UAE Residence Permits

Since 2021, key investors may obtain a passport subject to the naturalization requirements but without a prescribed period of prior residence in the country. The main requirement is ownership of real estate in the state. There is no fixed price for UAE citizenship by investment: the decision is made individually by the authorities of the relevant emirate. All basic applicant requirements remain in force.

Investors usually begin by obtaining a Golden Visa, which grants the right to reside in the United Arab Emirates for 10 years or more. It is issued for the purchase of real estate worth at least AED 2 million, approximately USD 545,000. The law does not regulate how soon a person may apply for naturalization through this route. According to various sources, applications are approved if the applicant has already lived in the country for at least several years and the total investment in the economy exceeds AED 10 million.

General Naturalization

Naturalization is an opportunity to obtain a UAE passport without family roots on the basis of long-term residence in the country. The full waiting period is at least 30 years from relocation under a visa or residence permit. The process may begin by arriving in the country as:

• an employee of a local company with appropriate education and a salary not lower than the national minimum;
• a sole proprietor or owner of a business registered in the country;
• an investor willing to finance new or existing companies or place funds on deposit;
• a digital nomad earning at least USD 3,500 per month and working exclusively for foreign companies;
• a student at an accredited national university or a participant in a research program;
• a family member of a local citizen or resident included in the principal applicant’s residence-permit application.

Applications are accepted from legally capable immigrants who have not left the country for an extended period—the maximum absence is six consecutive months without a valid reason—and who have met all standard requirements.

UAE Passport Through Marriage

Women have an additional route to citizenship of the United Arab Emirates: marriage to a holder of a local passport, provided the couple has lived together in the country for at least 10 years. The waiting period is reduced to 7 years if the couple has at least one child. The applicant retains the right to citizenship even if her spouse dies or the couple divorces, provided there are children from the marriage and the UAE remains her permanent place of residence. A passport through marriage is granted subject to all basic conditions other than the education requirement. This route is not available to men.

Citizenship by Birth or Descent

Citizenship is granted automatically to a child in the following situations:

• the child’s father or both parents are citizens of the United Arab Emirates;
• the child’s mother holds a UAE passport and the father is unknown or stateless;
• the child is found in the territory of the state and the parents cannot be identified.

Citizenship is transmitted according to the principle of jus sanguinis, meaning from parent to child, except in the case of children found in the UAE. Children born to foreign residents do not receive citizenship, nor do children whose mother has a local passport and whose father is a foreigner.

Citizenship by origin is available only to persons who lived in any emirate as of 1925 and have remained there to the present day. Their descendants no longer have this right; therefore, citizenship through repatriation in the usual sense is not applied.

United Arab Emirates Passport for Exceptional Merit

UAE citizenship may be granted on an individual basis by representatives of the authorities to persons who, in the opinion of princes and other authorized officials, provide outstanding services to the state in various fields. The period of residence in the country is irrelevant in such cases, and general requirements may be relaxed, for example with respect to language proficiency. Potential applicants include:

• medical professionals with more than 10 years of professional experience who belong to professional organizations;
• scientists and researchers who actively participate in developments and have confirmation from local scientific organizations;
• inventors and designers who hold at least one patent recognized by the local Ministry of Economy or an international organization;
• representatives of creative professions, including artists, performers and athletes, who have international awards and recommendations from the relevant government authority.

Other actions aimed at developing and improving the country may also be recognized as exceptional merit. Honorary citizenship has been granted, for example, to IT expert and Telegram founder Pavel Durov and to Hassan Arafat, Director of the Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology.

For clarity, the table below summarizes the time frames and costs of obtaining citizenship through the various routes described in this article.

Grounds	Minimum expenses, USD (including living costs)	Waiting period
Naturalization	650,000	at least 30 years
Marriage	150,000	at least 7–10 years
Arab roots	65,000	at least 3–7 years
Exceptional merit	individual	individual
Investment	2,725,000	individual
Origin	none	none

Procedure for Obtaining UAE Citizenship

1. Choosing a basis for relocation.
   A person may immigrate to the UAE as an employee, freelancer, business founder, investor, digital nomad, student, or family member of local citizens or residents. It is important to compare the conditions of each option—availability, cost, visa validity and prospects—and choose the most suitable route, independently or with the assistance of lawyers.
2. Obtaining a visa and residence permit.
   A visa application may be submitted electronically through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, or ICP, or through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, or GDRFA. In some countries, applications are also accepted at visa centers. If approved, a visa is issued; the applicant must then enter the emirate and obtain an Emirates ID residence card within two months.
3. Renewing the residence permit for the required period.
   Depending on the category, the right to reside in the country is granted for 1 to 10 years. All types of visas and residence permits may be renewed, provided the authorities are contacted in good time, 2–6 months before the previous document is cancelled. The permit is renewed if the basis for living in the UAE remains valid and the applicant continues to meet all resident requirements.
4. Preparing citizenship documents.
   Once the residence period required under the relevant basis has been completed, documentary preparation may begin: the applicant takes a language examination, submits a declaration renouncing previous citizenship, and compiles a file of certificates and supporting documents.
5. Applying to the authorities.
   Citizenship matters are handled by the ICP and, in some regions, also by the GDRFA. An application may be submitted electronically through online platforms. The law does not regulate application-processing periods; the decision depends on the authorities. A security-service check is conducted in parallel and must approve the issuance of a passport to the foreigner in view of their international reputation.
6. Taking the oath and obtaining citizen status.
   If the application is approved, the applicant must take an oath of allegiance to the state. After the formal ceremony, the granting of citizenship is announced. A new passport may then be issued.

Refusal and Revocation of Citizenship

The United Arab Emirates is one of the few countries where even full compliance with the citizenship rules does not guarantee that citizenship will be granted. The authorities reserve the right to refuse an applicant for any reason without providing an explanation. According to available statistics, applications are most often rejected because of:

• any past violations of law and order, including convictions, systematic non-payment of taxes and expired visas;
• an insufficiently favorable reputation, including lack of education or a low income level;
• weak integration into society, especially insufficient fluency in Arabic;
• documentary errors, such as an incorrectly prepared application or missing important certificates and records.

The authorities take any attempt by migrants to deceive them extremely seriously. A sham marriage, attempts to fabricate Arab roots, or use of a forged passport can lead to a fine and an actual prison sentence of up to 10–15 years. Citizenship already granted may also be revoked if it is discovered that it was obtained using false information. A passport may be withdrawn for breaking the law and even for an ordinary absence from the country lasting two years or more in the case of naturalized citizens.

The citizenship policies of most other countries are considerably more lenient: legal status is granted permanently and does not depend on the person’s place of permanent residence. International-law specialists can help determine which passport would be easier and more promising to obtain in a particular situation.

Benefits of UAE Citizenship

• Comfortable residence in a country with a strong economy.
  The UAE is one of the most economically stable countries in the world, with high average incomes of about USD 2,900 per month after taxes. It ranks 29rd out of 89 countries in the quality-of-life index. Citizenship makes it possible to live in the country without restriction and benefit from developed infrastructure, a promising labor and business market, and social support.
• World-leading safety.
  According to an independent international ranking, the United Arab Emirates is the safest country in the world. Rare instances of crime, strict laws and a high level of public order create comfortable conditions for living, working, leisure and raising children.
• Visa-free travel worldwide.
  The UAE passport leads global rankings. Citizens may visit 182 countries worldwide without visas, from Europe, including the Schengen Area, to countries in Asia, the Americas and Oceania.
• Citizenship for future generations.
  Citizen status may be transmitted to children through the father or through both parents, making the passport not only a personal privilege but also a long-term investment in the family’s future.
• New business opportunities.
  The UAE has long been an international center for entrepreneurs and investors, supported by a stable economy, a strategic location between Europe and Asia, and numerous free economic zones offering favorable conditions for companies.
• Minimal tax burden.
  The complete absence of personal income tax is one of the main benefits of citizenship. Businesses operate under one of the world’s most attractive tax systems: companies with modest profits may pay no corporate tax, while in other cases the rate remains at 9%.
• Government support.
  Citizens have access to various support programs, including utility benefits, favorable terms for purchasing real estate and financial assistance for young families.
• Free education and internationally recognized diplomas.
  Citizenship allows holders to study free of charge at public schools and universities. Many local universities cooperate with international education systems, and their diplomas are recognized abroad.

The main disadvantages of UAE citizenship are the completely opaque system for obtaining the status and the rarity of approvals. In the case of naturalization, passports may be withdrawn from those who leave the country for two or more years without a valid reason. Citizenship privileges apply only within the Emirates. By comparison, EU citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities throughout the entire union of 27 countries. When living in the UAE, Sharia rules must be observed: a passport may be cancelled for any offence.

Dual Citizenship in the United Arab Emirates

Article 11 of the national Law on Nationality and Passports excludes the possibility of simultaneously holding a UAE passport and the passport of any other country. Even citizenship by origin must be renounced. For example, if a child is born to an Emirati father and a foreign mother, under local rules the child may claim only one citizenship. The authorities do not recognize dual or second citizenship and have no corresponding treaties with other states.

Reviews from People Who Have Obtained a UAE Passport

Reviews from people who have obtained a UAE passport show that the main factor for success is not the size of the investment or the period of residence, but the quality of case preparation. Most applicants note the closed nature of the procedure, the absence of fixed conditions and the high reputation requirements imposed on candidates. The path to citizenship often begins not with a passport but with long-term residence, business activity and genuine presence in the country. Reviews also emphasize the importance of transparent sources of capital and correctly prepared documents.

To save time and money, expatriates advise avoiding intermediaries who promise a “guaranteed passport.” Citizenship is not a standard program, and the decision is made individually at the state level. Before beginning the process, it is important to conduct a legal and tax audit, check reviews of consultants and specify the stages of support in the agreement in advance. According to reviews, poorly prepared cases and attempts to save money on legal support most often result in refusals, delays and unnecessary expenses.

When to Seek Legal Assistance

Assistance in obtaining UAE citizenship is useful for those who want to delegate most official procedures and avoid concerns about the outcome. Applicants turn to specialists when they want to be confident that they have chosen the correct program and followed the proper steps for obtaining legal status. Comprehensive legal support makes it possible to identify, on an individual basis, the most suitable procedure for obtaining a foreign passport or residence permit. The experience of immigration specialists ensures correct document preparation and the absence of errors at every stage of the process.

Book a free consultation with lawyers now and take a step toward obtaining a strong passport from a developed country without major expenses or a lengthy waiting period.