How to Get UAE Citizenship: Requirements and How to Apply

The United Arab Emirates is a sophisticated and wealthy country that attracts talent and investors from all over the world with its strong economy and excellent quality of life.

So, the open question often remains unanswered: “How to get UAE citizenship?”

While getting UAE citizenship has always been challenging, recent changes to the regulations have made it easier for certain extraordinary people to get it. This tutorial explains how to get UAE citizenship, including the prerequisites and application processes.

What Is UAE Citizenship and Why It Matters

Can you get UAE citizenship? Sure!

Having UAE citizenship means that you are fully legally connected to the Emirati state and have several rights and responsibilities.

It gives you access to unique chances and benefits in one of the most dynamic countries in the world.

Further sections will detail how to get citizenship in UAE.

Benefits of Becoming a UAE Citizen

There are many benefits to acquiring citizenship in UAE:

Travel visa-free: with a strong UAE passport, you can go to numerous countries without a visa or get one when you arrive.
A thriving tax-free economy: citizens don't have to pay personal income tax, which is a big draw for professionals and business owners.
Access to world-class healthcare and education: citizens have access to high-quality healthcare and schools, frequently with government help.
Job opportunities with the government: you can get government jobs more easily and there is a robust social safety net.
Property ownership and business privileges: more rights to own property and take part in national programs.
Better life quality: modern infrastructure, luxurious amenities, a safe environment, and a lively cultural scene.
Family reunification: help with supporting family members.
Political participation: the right to take part in the UAE's political processes.

Who Typically Qualifies for UAE Citizenship

In the past, eligibility was based on descent, but recent amendments to the law have made it more open.

People who usually qualify presently include:

People of Emirati descent: Children born to an Emirati father naturally, and in some situations, children born to an Emirati mother with an unknown or stateless father.
Long-term residents through naturalisation: foreigners who have lived in a country for a long time (usually 30 years).
Wives of UAE nationals: foreign women who are married to Emirati males, but only under certain conditions.
People of exceptional merit: highly skilled professionals, investors, and talented people.
Special government nominees: This is when the government gives someone a job directly.

How to Get UAE Citizenship in Practice

There are different ways of how to apply for UAE citizenship, while each has its own set of requirements.

Citizenship Through Naturalization

This path is for people who have lived in the UAE for a long time and are now part of Emirati society. This path is considered to be the longest method for obtaining citizenship.

Residency requirement: Usually, you must have lived in the country legally for 30 years straight. For people from several Arab Muslim nations like Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, this can be anywhere from 3 to 7 years.

Language proficiency: you usually need to be able to speak Arabic well enough.
Financial stability: proof of enough lawful income.
No criminal record and good reputation: Having a good reputation and no criminal record is critical.
Academic qualifications: This might make an application stronger.
Oath of allegiance: required after approval.

Citizenship Through Marriage to a UAE National

How to get UAE citizenship by marriage? This method primarily applies to women from other countries who wish to marry Emirati men.

If a foreign woman marries an Emirati man, she can petition for citizenship after a certain amount of time, usually 7 years with a kid or 10 years without. The marriage has to be registered with the law. The spouse normally starts the "Citizenship Request for the Foreign Wife" through the GDRFA. In the past, having dual citizenship was against the law, but things have changed recently to make it more flexible.

For Men from other countries Getting married to Emirati women: not usually a direct way to get citizenship. Children born to parents who are married to Emiratis may not immediately get Emirati citizenship.

UAE Citizenship by Investment Programs

The UAE does not have a direct "citizenship by investment" program that lets people buy citizenship. However, the changes made in 2021 allow investors who make large economic contributions to become citizens under the "exceptional merit" category.

Outstanding contribution: investors who can make a big difference in the UAE economy.
Golden visa as a first step: Golden Visa (5 or 10-year residency) for investors doesn't give you straight citizenship, but it can lead to citizenship consideration for outstanding holders under the merit category.
Grand investment: golden Visa limits are AED 750,000 (about USD 204,000) for a 5-year real estate visa, AED 2,000,000 (about USD 545,000) for a 10-year real estate investment, or AED 10,000,000 (about USD 2,720,000) in a UAE enterprise. This way of getting citizenship would have a much bigger effect on the economy.
Nomination: this approach usually requires a nomination from a UAE government body.

Citizenship for Scientists, Doctors, and Talented Individuals

This method brings in and keeps top talent in the UAE to help its knowledge-based economy grow.

Who can be a scientist?

Researchers who are currently working in a university, research center, or private sector and have at least 10 years of experience, made important scientific achievements (publications, prizes, patents), and got a recommendation from a well-known UAE scientific organization. Needs to be nominated.

Who can be a doctor or medical specialist?

Specialists in subjects with a lot of demand who have at least 10 years of experience, are members of a well-known organization, have made scientific contributions, and have been nominated.

Who can be an inventor?

Have one or more patents that the UAE Ministry of Economy or foreign organizations recognize, and get a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy.

To be eligible for Creative Talents (Artists, Intellectuals), you must be a pioneer in your profession and be recommended by a competent government entity.

Other specialists (such as engineers and executives) can apply if they have advanced degrees, at least five years of experience, a high pay (at least AED 50,000 a month for executives), a valid work contract, and a nomination.

The main idea is that each person should be able to make a big difference in the UAE's growth.

Special Government Nominations and Exceptions

The UAE government can give citizenship to those who provide excellent services, have a particular link to the UAE, or whose presence is essential for strategic reasons. These kinds of incidents are very unusual and are only handled by the highest levels of government.

UAE Citizenship Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

All applicants must meet the same general prerequisites and qualifying criteria.

Documentation and Residency Rules

Copies of a valid passport and visa: for proof of identity and legal status.
Birth Certificate: A document that proves your age and identity.
A marriage certificate, if applicable.
Educational and professional credentials include diplomas, certifications, and proof of experience.
Bank statements and income certificates are examples of proof of financial stability.
Proof of Housing: a rental or ownership contract in the UAE.
Health Insurance: Coverage that is still good.
Police Clearance Certificates: A clean criminal record from your native country and any country where you have lived for more than a year.
Letters of recommendation or sponsorship are critical, depending on the category.
Translated Documents: All foreign documents are translated into Arabic by qualified translators.

Language, Loyalty, and Security Conditions

Proficiency in Arabic: this is often a major criterion for naturalization, as it shows that the person has adapted to the culture.
Oath of Allegiance: promise to be loyal and follow the laws and customs of the UAE.
Good moral character: always doing the right thing.
Security clearances: strict checks on people's backgrounds.
Understanding of culture: you should know and respect Emirati values and practices.

How to Apply for UAE Citizenship

The process of applying is rigorous and quite picky.

Official Application Channels and Ministries Involved

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) is the main government agency that deals with citizenship issues (icp.gov.ae).

The General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) takes care of some immigration and citizenship issues in Dubai.

The Ministry of Interior is in charge of the final approval steps.

Direct nomination usually starts with a nomination from a royal court or other relevant government body for someone who has done something outstanding.

The pathway determines the channel.

Processing Time and What to Expect

The timeframe varies:

Naturalization can take a long time, often decades after completing residency requirements.
Exceptional merit/nomination is sped up since it is strategically important, but it is still very thorough.
There is no official schedule; however, it usually happens faster than naturalization.
Overall, be ready for a thorough evaluation by more than one agency. Being patient is very important.

What to expect during the process:

Eligibility check: make sure you are eligible for the path you want to take.
Gathering documentation: carefully gather all necessary, correct, and translated documents.
Sending in your application: use the right official channels to send it in.
Review and vetting: committees and security agencies do a lot of checking, including background checks and possible interviews.
Decision: the final choice is made by top government authorities.
Oath and issuance: upon approval of your application, you will take the oath of allegiance and receive your citizenship certificate and passport.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive guide has clearly explained how to obtain UAE citizenship. Being a citizen of the UAE is a very desirable privilege. Traditional paths require people to live in the country for a long time, but new changes focus on attracting extraordinary talent and investment.

The approach is strict and stresses dedication, contribution, and loyalty. For those who achieve the strict requirements, UAE citizenship offers privileges that are second to none and a real sense of belonging in a country that is always looking to the future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about business setup in the UAE. If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us directly.

Is it possible to get UAE citizenship as an expat?

Yes, it is possible, but only for a few people. Pathways include naturalization (living in the UAE for a long time), marriage to a UAE native (for foreign women), and, most importantly, being Individuals are nominated for their extraordinary qualities as scientists, doctors, innovators, creative talents, or investors who can make a significant difference.

Do children born in the UAE get citizenship automatically?

No, the UAE observes "Jus Sanguinis," or "Right of Blood." Parents pass on their citizenship to their children. A child born in the UAE automatically becomes an Emirati citizen only if their father is an Emirati citizen. The child may be eligible if the mother is Emirati and the father is stateless or unknown. If not, the child is a citizen of their parents' country.

Can you hold dual citizenship in the UAE?

In the past, it was not legal to have dual citizenship. But after the changes in 2021, the UAE is now more flexible, especially for people who were granted citizenship under the "exceptional merit" categories (investors, scientists, etc.). You must check the exact terms of the citizenship grant and the rules in your home country about having two nationalities.

What happens if you lose UAE citizenship?

Naturalized nationals can lose their UAE citizenship if, for example, they get foreign citizenship without authority, join the military of a foreign country without permission, work for a hostile foreign government, get citizenship through deception, or give it up on their own. When you lose your citizenship, you also lose the rights and privileges that come with it, like the right to live in the country. As a foreign national, you need to regularize your immigration status.