The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining the UAE Citizenship

Almost everyone wants to live permanently in the United Arab Emirates now, so they want to live there forever. It’s full of opportunities and awesome things that attract people from everywhere. Some people hope to get their dream jobs, which in turn will bring them stable incomes free of taxes.

UAE can also be called a foreign country since over 80% of the population is foreign. Expats get plenty of great opportunities – even though they don’t get as much as locals do. The country’s high living standards and tax-free benefits make it really easy for expatriates to make benefits.

Because there are so many expats in the country and so few nationals, strict Emirati nationality laws determine who’s eligible to be a citizen. To ensure Emirati culture doesn’t disappear, the government has put laws in place because the Emirati population is shrinking, which worries the countryside.

You can live and work legally in the United Arab Emirates with a residence visa and spread into Abu Dhabi and the Middle East. You just need a residence visa to be able to live there. But getting UAE citizenship is a different story, and it can be tricky. Especially if you’re navigating the process for the first time.

Sheikh Mohammed introduced a new visa system called the golden card system in 2019 that can grant ten years of residency. This golden visa is the key to establishing a business in Dubai for many people. The fact is, however, that just obtaining a residence visa is different from becoming an Emirati citizen.

Nevertheless, the benefits of UAE citizenship make it worth the effort and time required to acquire it.

There are many reasons why UAE is one of the best countries in the world to start a business. Therefore, it is essential to learn about the citizenship requirements for UAE so that you can get a chance to become a member of this thriving country.

The following is a complete guide on how to get citizenship in the UAE that will assist you in finding out more about what it takes to become one of these citizens.

In the past, citizenship was only offered to the following individuals before these regulations took effect:

• A citizen of another country who has lived in the Emirates for at least 30 years and is capable of speaking fluent Arabic is eligible for such a visa (in this case, the applicant had to renounce any existing citizenships they may have)
• A non-UAE citizen who has been married to an Emirates citizen for seven years or more
• Those foreigners who were given the honor of receiving a UAE passport by one of the heads of the Emirates during official ceremonies

There has been a change in this recently as the Emirates developed regulations to grant citizenship to certain foreign nationals who meet specific requirements. 

Even if you meet all the requirements regarding professional experience, getting citizenship is challenging in the UAE. It takes a lot of work to get nominated by the Rulers and Crown Princes Court, the Executive Council, and the Cabinet.

As of 2019, the Golden Visa scheme has been introduced, which enables its holders to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need to have a local sponsor set up to take care of their needs, and will grant them all the privileges associated with an Emirates ID as well.

For foreigners, legitimate long-term stays are restricted to 2-3 years. This general working visa can be extended, but the long-term visa program (for 5-10 years) is a big step toward easing immigration restrictions.

You can get one if you hold an academic degree, are a specialist in a specific profession in demand in the Emirate, or are studying marketing. You can also get one if you have a family member (husbands/wives, kids under 18).

Can foreigners become UAE citizens?

This policy is similar to every other country’s policy, and it has been set to ensure only those who merit it get it. Citizens of a country have different rights, benefits, and responsibilities than expats, who can only boast of a temporary residency. 

The facts that expats have the opportunity to enjoy all of these benefits have made them want to strive hard to get citizenship so they can also enjoy them. While it is undoubtedly not something that can be ruled out, getting one’s hands on citizenship won’t come easy, and that’s an essential vital thing to know.

How did the UAE decide to grant citizenship to foreigners?

A significant part of the UAE government’s interest is to attract bright minds from across the globe to contribute to the state’s future development in line with its “Plan of the Century”.

For the UAE to become the most influential country in the world by its 100th anniversary in 2071, it will invest in four main areas: education, economy, governance, and social development.

What kinds of people can get UAE citizenship and passports?

To specify who would be suitable for UAE citizenship, a few foreigner categories were identified to determine the requirements.

According to the new provisions, foreigners can now apply for UAE citizenship under three categories:

Highly qualified doctors and specialists

• The candidate should specialize in a unique scientific discipline, along with evidence of skills in demand in the UAE.
• The candidate must have a recognized contribution of scientific value to the ongoing research of the country.
• Have a professional background of at least ten years in your field.
• Be a member of a reputable organization in their field of scientific specialization, or be a member of a professional association.

Scientists

• Having academic and professional experience for at least 10 years.
• Candidates should have worked in academia, a research center, or the private sector doing research
• The winner of at least one prestigious international award in scholarship or a significant research grant in the last 10 years.
• Get a letter of reference from a reputable academic institution

Inventors

• Get a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Economy.
• Have at least one patent from the UAE Minister of Economy or a reputable international organization.

Individuals with creative talents

• Applicants must be innovators within their field
• Register at least one patented invention with an international organization.
• Achieved one or more international awards.
• A recommendation letter from a government agency in the field

Investors

• It has not yet been determined precisely what the criteria will be, but it is likely to be long-term visa holders who have significantly contributed to the economy and the real estate market in the United Arab Emirates.

A close family member can be included in the citizenship application, namely a spouse or children or another person in close contact with them.

It’s a legal requirement for foreign nationals (applicants) to swear allegiance to the state, abide by the law, and follow its rules and norms. They must also inform the authorities if they lose or gain another nationality right away.

Note: An individual’s citizenship will automatically be revoked if they do not fulfill the legal requirements for becoming a citizen of the UAE, or if they fail to meet the criteria for becoming a citizen of the UAE.

How to get UAE citizenship?

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, an organization that handles issues related to identity and citizenship, maintains a list of the different procedures associated with becoming an Emirati resident: bylaw, citizenship, and naturalization.

The Federal Office of Identity and Citizenship will review each application individually under the direction of the Federal Office of Identity and Citizenship. In addition, subcommittees will be established to review the applications under the law of the main advisory committee.

Each subcommittee is assigned to a specific region and will verify all data and nominate candidates based on clear criteria. In addition, they can cross-check all data more closely and get expert help if they need it.

At this time, there is not yet an application process, but there is a general principle for selecting candidates that entails the following:

1. Applicants will be treated as individuals, and each application will be reviewed individually by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. Subsequently, there will be a main advisory committee and sub-committees to review the applications under the leadership of the Federal Authority.
2. A subsector committee attached to a particular region will gather essential information and nominate those applicants who meet the criteria and are eligible for citizenship in that category of that region. These sub-committees may recheck all data and make an extra selection if necessary.  
3. After the sub-committee approves the application, it will be forwarded to the advisory committee. The advisory committee consists of representatives from the four emirates in the UAE. Their members are responsible for making the final decision regarding granting UAE citizenship.

Why should you get UAE citizenship?

During the past few years, UAE has become an attractive destination for foreigners. Cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Al Ain are trendy spots with plentiful job opportunities.

The main reason UAE has become popular as an expat destination is that the country has an excellent quality of life, a moderate cost of living, and high wages, which make it an attractive destination for expats.

The UAE is a desirable destination for career-driven singles with its wide range of job opportunities, as well as for families with its well-developed educational and childcare facilities, which make it equally attractive to everyone.

UAE citizenship also has other benefits, including working at public institutions or taking part in business ownership. Also, if you have worked for many years, you can retire at 49 as long as you have two decades of work experience behind you.

Obtaining a UAE Golden Visa, which entitles you to reside and work in the UAE, is another alternative. In contrast, you may find it more convenient to acquire an Emirate ID instead. 

As a matter of fact, an Emirate ID can have most of the same features as an Emirate ID as well, and two members of your family can be included in the program.

Specific Requirements for UAE Citizenship

If you are wondering how to get UAE citizenship, then you will need to go through different forms to obtain the approved document which states you are a citizen of the UAE.

Investors

UAE citizenship offers a whole range of business opportunities. Therefore, many investors are eager to get involved, but you must own at least a small property to qualify for citizenship.

As an investor, your property owner must have a value of one million AED. You will only qualify for citizenship as an investor if this is met.

Doctors and Scientists

Doctors and scientists have fewer money requirements and more experience. You need at least 10 years of experience in your field.

You must have not only experience but also skills that are in demand throughout the United Arab Emirates.

Inventors

You might be eligible for UAE citizenship if you have created something marvelous. However, every inventor in the UAE must have one patent approved by the Ministry of Economy before you can apply for citizenship.

Creative People

There is also a reason why some people wish to obtain citizenship in the UAE because they have creative talent and are interested in relocating to continue their career in the UAE.

You will need to receive at least one international award for your talents to be recognized.

Additional Requirements for UAE Citizenship

It is important to remember that if you hold a relevant background that qualifies you to apply for UAE citizenship under the investor, creative, intellectual, or scientist categories and also hold a UAE Unified Number, then you are already on your way.

To become a citizen of the UAE, you will be required to take an oath or pledge allegiance to the UAE, a non-negotiable aspect. Additionally, you will be required to obey the country’s rules and laws.

Finally, it is also necessary for you to notify the UAE government about the loss of citizenship or the give-up of citizenship. Although these additional requirements are the same in most countries, handling themes should be no problem.

What is the difference between residency and citizenship?

Citizenship is a legal status of individuality and membership in a sovereign state. Citizenship is a permanent right establishing a person’s constitutional rights, privileges, and protections within the country. 

On the other hand, residency is a type of permit that enables an individual to reside in a specific country, albeit with particular conditions that must be met. Residency is either temporary or permanent.

The early stages of researching options will expose applicants to programs that may seem similar but quite different. Applicants must understand the slight nuances associated with each program as they begin their research. 

UAE citizenship benefits

There are many benefits that Emiratis enjoy over expats, like better access to high-paying jobs in the country, favorable treatment, interest-free loans, leniency from an authority, and more. 

Besides free healthcare and education, UAE citizens also have access to interest-free loans for housing through government funds. They get the UAE passport, one of the world’s most powerful passports. 

There are many benefits to using this type of system, but the steps to acquire it are also numerous.

How an expat can become a UAE citizen

UAE citizenship is always managed by the Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, and Umm al-Quwain), so it’s important to know that information and have the right details for the Emirates where you live because they decide whether or not you get citizenship 

The following are some different methods expats can take to earn UAE nationality after relocating.

Citizenship by marriage

It has been said that foreign women married for at least three years to Emirati men have the right to become citizens. 

However, if the foreign woman is married to an Emirati man for at least ten years, she will be naturalized after living in the country for at least 10 years rather than having to wait for 30 years, as is the usual case for expats. 

Also, the wife of a naturalized male citizen may become an Emirati citizen by marriage; their minor children will also become citizens of the UAE. The woman loses her UAE citizenship if she divorces and remarries a foreigner.

Citizenship by birth

The Federal Law (17) states that any child born in the United Arab Emirates, regardless of parentage, shall be automatically considered to be an Emirati citizen unless evidence shows that they are not, according to which such a child was born in the state.

Citizenship by descent

If a child is born to an Emirati father or a stateless or unknown father with an Emirati mother, they are considered an Emirati citizen by descent, regardless of where they were born, whether in the UAE or abroad.

In addition, a child with an Emirati mother and a foreign father has the right to apply for UAE citizenship when he reaches 18.

Citizenship by naturalization

As a foreigner seeking citizenship by naturalization in the UAE, you must possess the following:

• You should have lived in the country for over 30 years. If you’re an Arab citizen of Omani or Bahraini origin, you should have lived there for seven years.
• Have maintained a good reputation
• Earned a living legally in the United Arab Emirates
• Know enough Arabic to be able to communicate effectively with others
• No record of criminal activity

After completing all these steps, you can submit the necessary documents and effectively apply for the UAE citizenship process. However, naturalized citizens do not have the right to run for elections, although arab citizens of Omani or Bahraini origin can do the same after seven years.

Please take note that in the United Arab Emirates, dual citizenship is not recognized; once you acquire nationality from another country, you must forfeit your nationality from the UAE.

When is UAE citizenship revoked for citizens?

An Emirati citizen or a person who holds citizenship of this country may lose his Emirati citizenship in the following situations:

• If it works for the benefit of countries that are hostile to the UAE
• If he goes to the military in a foreign country without the permission and notification of the UAE
• If he acquires the citizenship of a foreign country by his own will
• If he stays outside the UAE for 4 years or more without any valid reason
• If he has committed a crime that poses a threat to the security and well-being of the UAE

Note: UAE citizens can voluntarily give up UAE citizenship.

What other ways are there to get UAE citizenship?

Before we discuss the question of what other ways there are to obtain UAE citizenship, it is necessary to note that obtaining UAE citizenship is much more difficult than obtaining citizenship in the United States or European countries.

In general, there are the following ways to obtain a passport and citizenship in the UAE:

The marriage of an Emirati man with a non-Emirati woman. In this case, the woman can obtain a UAE passport if they have been married for 7 years and have a child or if they have no children and have been married for 10 years. Also, the woman must become a Muslim and learn Arabic well.

Naturalization. To have this type of citizenship, individuals and foreigners must have lived in the UAE for at least 30 years and reached a high proficiency in Arabic. Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman citizens have the right to receive a passport if they have lived in the UAE for three years.

Merits. This type of UAE citizenship is given to foreigners. The Merits method is a legal procedure in the UAE, and people can apply for this type of citizenship.

What are the benefits of having a UAE passport?

The UAE is one of the most desirable destinations for foreigners from all over the world. Foreigners go to UAE for many reasons and want to obtain residency there. Among these reasons are many job and business opportunities, warm weather, beautiful sandy beaches, many shopping centers, and the security of this country.

Obtaining a UAE passport has many benefits; we will mention some of them in this section. Among the benefits of having a UAE passport the following can be mentioned:

• Free entry to over 170 countries worldwide
• The possibility of free education and receiving medical aid
• Employment in a government institution
• Having the right to own one hundred percent of commercial companies as well as real estate in any region of the UAE
• benefiting from retirement and pension benefits from the age of 49; If you have 20 years of work experience in the UAE

What other ways are there to get permanent residency in the UAE?

If foreigners wish, they can apply for a long-term visa. The most common options that foreigners have to obtain a UAE visa are the following:

Freelance visa

Freelance visas are issued for a minimum of one year and allow their holders to work in the UAE or other countries. Those on a dry freelance visa must earn at least 19,000 AED or 5,000 US dollars per month. Those with this visa type not only have access to a wide range of facilities in the UAE but also have access to zero income tax.

The price of this type of visa varies depending on the region you want to live in and your profession. For example, applying for a one-year IT freelance visa will cost AED 2,750 or $750, while applying for a three-year visa will cost AED 5,000 or $1,400.

Retirement visa

A retirement visa is issued for five years, and those who have invested in a property with a minimum cost of two million AED, have at least one million AED in savings, or have an income of twenty thousand AED per month can apply for a retirement visa. If those with a retirement visa meet the necessary conditions, their visa can be easily extended.

Golden visa

A golden visa is issued for 5 years, and applicants must meet several conditions, such as having invested in a property worth at least two million AED. Those with a golden visa in the UAE will have the opportunity to live, work and study in the UAE and will not need a local sponsor.

Student Visa

The student visa is given to outstanding students, and its validity period is 5 years. High school students who want a student visa must have obtained at least 95% marks. A student must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher.

What are the benefits of having UAE residency?

Investors who have a residence visa or a UAE passport will get many benefits for themselves and their families.

There is no mandatory stay in UAE

Those who have a UAE residence visa do not have to live in the UAE all the time to maintain their residence permit and only need to travel to this country once or twice a year to maintain their residence permit.

There is no corporate tax in the UAE until 2023. After 2023, corporate taxes will be lower than in many developed countries.

Access to international banks

Investors can have multi-currency accounts in the UAE to transfer funds.

Access to health care and education

The UAE is one of the top medical tourism destinations in the world due to its solid and innovative medical care. Those with a UAE residence visa can be treated in public or private clinics and receive medical insurance under certain conditions.

In addition to access to health care, children can attend kindergartens, public or private schools, and universities in the UAE and benefit from the benefits of the UAE education system. The educational standards in the UAE are very high, and many international and prestigious schools exist. In addition, higher education programs in the UAE are usually in English.

Esaad Privilege card is available for golden visa holders of the UAE

The Esaad Privilege card allows holders to enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 70% in the UAE. Previously, the Esaad Privilege card was only available to Emirati citizens.

Those who have lived in the UAE for 30 years are eligible to receive UAE citizenship; Of course, specific rules and conditions must be checked and approved.

Having a visa and residency in the UAE has many other benefits, such as traveling to 176 countries without a visa, including Schengen countries, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Dual citizenship is prohibited in the UAE, but investors who obtain a passport by exceptional merit can keep other citizenships.

Note: Only the applicant can request the relevant information through the centers specified for the visa. You can submit all required documents by uploading them to the DLD Vault.

If you live outside the UAE, you must apply for a 6-month multi-entry visa. This type of visa allows you to enter the UAE and convert your temporary visa into a residency permit. A multi-entry visa costs around 1150 AED or 313 US dollars.

To obtain a golden visa, you must have a NOC letter. The cost of 5 and 10-year golden visas in the UAE is 4850 AED. The application fee is 150 dirhams, and the visa issuance fee is 1000 AED. So in total, you have to pay something like 6 thousand AED.

How to get UAE citizenship?

Obtaining UAE citizenship is done through the Rulers and Crown Prince’s Courts, Executive Councils, and the Cabinet based on federal entity nominations.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship manages issues related to UAE citizenship. Obtaining a UAE passport can be very challenging because each application is examined individually under the supervision of The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

Using its various committees, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship is responsible for verifying all information related to UAE citizenship. If a problem is found in the information sent, the data will be rechecked, and additional checks will be made.

After confirming the applicant’s information, the information is sent to the central advisory committee, which consists of seven representatives, who make the final decision.

Frequently asked questions about obtaining UAE citizenship