Global عربي
KSA عربي
Global عربي
A foreign investor or a top-tier professional who has spent years building a business, raising a family, and making the country their home has often been made to feel more like a valued guest than a full member of society.
The previous citizenship laws allowed individuals to obtain a Golden Visa or another long-term permit, which ensured security but not the sense of belonging that comes with citizenship. But with new changes to the nationality law in the UAE, things began to shift, and a greater understanding of inclusion became accessible.
In the past, Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 meant that citizenship was tightly controlled and naturalization was extremely difficult to obtain, accessible only to individuals with a strong family relationship with Emiratis.
In 2021 and 2022, the government introduced new rules to help the country compete on skills and money. They allow highly talented residents of their own nation, whether that be an investor, a scientist or an artist, to gain citizenship. One big difference is that these new citizens can and are permitted to retain their original citizenship, unlike under the old policies.
Instead of making direct applications, qualified applicants should be recommended by senior government officials such as the UAE Cabinet, the executive councils of emirates or royal courts and in this way, the citizenship program will be selective and oriented towards long-term national development. This nomination plan supports the government's initiative to attract people who will help shape the country's future destination.
The reform has received appreciation already. Business leaders use it to attract consistent investment, and expats who have spent years in the country now have a chance of being granted permanent residency. It is becoming a reality to many of them because citizenship no longer feels like a faraway dream.
In this blog, you'll find clear, up-to-date answers to the most pressing questions about UAE citizenship as of 2026. Who has the right to grant it, into what classes of individuals it can be given, and what the consequences of dual nationality are. This guide will assist an entrepreneur, a researcher or a policy watcher to see what is truly possible today.
1- Access to Public Services: The right to public services, such as education and health, is one of the most essential rights. These services are either free or highly subsidized and hence, children of citizens can attend a public school without paying tuition fees.
It also implies that the medical service is significantly less expensive than what non-citizens typically pay, allowing the family to remain healthy without worrying about money.
2- Political and Civic Participation: Citizens have the right to vote in some consultative councils and may even be eligible for leadership positions within public institutions. This enables them to participate in decision-making that directly affects them and to contribute to the country's development.
3- Social Stability and Identity: Citizenship also tells families that they can come and work, and live in the UAE without having to worry about visas and residency. It provides them with a feeling of home and they actually schedule their life around it.
4- Dual Nationality: There are also situations in which citizens may retain their original nationality and still enjoy UAE privileges. This flexibility supports the individual's professional and personal connections in a foreign country, but it comes with rules, such as the prohibition on serving in a foreign military.
5- Obligations and Risks: These rights come with responsibilities and liabilities. Naturalized citizens can lose their UAE citizenship for committing serious crimes or for acquiring it through fraud. They might also have to go for national service to defend the nation.
1- No or very Low Income Tax: The citizens do not pay the personal income tax, thus they retain more of their income. This is also extended to business or investment income, which provides the citizens with greater financial freedom.
2- Property Ownership: Citizens are free to purchase and hold property, including property outside the freehold area. This allows them to invest in long-term stability and will enable families to own a permanent place to stay.
3- Employments and Business Privileges: The government jobs are first given to citizens because they are secure and stable jobs, and this is not guaranteed to non-nationals. They can also establish businesses more easily, secure funding, and secure government contracts without a local partner. A pension or social security usually supports these opportunities.
4- Social Support and Welfare: The citizens are able to access social allowances and welfare benefits, which include a monthly income to meet the living costs or unforeseen situations. This support typically comes with a pension, which provides protection throughout working life and after retirement.
5- Enhanced Travel Freedom: The citizens are given access to more than 160 countries where they can visit without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival. This ease of travel facilitates international business, study and personal travel and promotes professional mobility and global investment opportunities.
The UAE's nationality law did not allow people to retain their other nationality after becoming UAE citizens. However, the government changed this rule in 2021. The new law permits some foreigners to retain their original nationality, but under certain conditions.
It doesn't work automatically, and only selected people can apply and they must be nominated for it by the government. People born in the UAE are generally not allowed to hold dual citizenship. These changes are mainly beneficial for foreigners who become citizens and meet these rules.
The law restricts dual citizenship to a small group of people. It is open only to people who meet specific criteria to retain their original nationality and obtain UAE citizenship.
- Investors: Anyone who invests a lot of money or owns businesses in the UAE.
- Scientists and Researchers: People who do essential science, research, or innovation.
- Doctors and Medical Specialists: Most particularly doctors who figure in highly needed or critical areas.
- Engineers: Those who bring technical skills that help the UAE to grow.
- Inventors and Patent Holders: People holding registered inventions/patents
- Creative People: Important and famous people who are engaged in a creative area, such as artists, writers, intellectuals and whose works are known at a national or international level.
- Family Members: The spouses and minor children of persons in the above groups may also be considered.
Even if someone belongs to one of these groups, they do not automatically receive dual citizenship. They need to be nominated by top-tier authorities like the UAE Cabinet, royal courts or executive councils instead of just applying for them.
To qualify as a dual citizenship candidate, eligible people usually have to:
1- Demonstrate a significant contribution to the UAE in their area, whether investment, science, art, or other known regions.
2- Have a clean criminal record in the UAE and most likely in their home country.
3- Be able to show proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or proof of income
4- Provide proof of accomplishments such as published research papers, patents or letters of recognition by known experts.
5- After approval, take an Oath of Allegiance to the UAE, with the understanding of respect and obedience to the laws of the state.
6- They must inform the authorities of the UAE regarding the acquisition or possession of a second nationality and failure to do so can lead to serious consequences.
While there's no publicly published, fixed "dual citizenship form," people seeking this status generally need to provide:
- A valid International passport with copies of other passports that you possess.
- A birth certificate and sometimes you would need a marriage or divorce certificate.
- Evidence of financial solvency, such as bank statements, business audits or ownership of assets
- Evidence of professional or creative achievements, like papers, patents, published work or awards.
- A certificate of no criminal record from within the UAE and the home country respectively.
- Possibly a medical certificate stating that you are healthy.
These types of documents are typically reviewed by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
1- Nomination: The process begins through nomination. The eligible people, like investors, doctors, scientists, inventors or creative people, need to be nominated by high-level UAE authorities like Rulers courts, Crown Prince courts, Executive Councils or the Cabinet in the UAE. The nomination is sent to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and Customs & Port security (ICP) for a formal review.
2- Document Submission: After being nominated, the candidate submits all necessary documents such as a valid passport, proof of residence, police clearance certificates, financial records and evidence of career achievements such as patents or research. These documents will allow authorities to verify the candidate's identity and eligibility.
3- Security & Background Checks: Then the federal authorities conduct detailed security and background assessments. They look at criminal records, financial stability etc that would impact eligibility. The outcomes of these checks determine whether or not the candidate proceeds to the review committee.
4- Committee Review & Final Approval: If there is a security review, a federal advisory committee looks over the file. The committee reviews the nominee's accomplishments, the eligibility of the appointment, and the nominee's overall qualifications. If the recommendation is positive, final approval is granted by a ministerial decree or by a decision of the Cabinet. At this stage, a decision is also made on whether the candidate can retain their original nationality.
5- Oath of Allegiance: After formal approval, the candidate must take the Oath of Allegiance. This oath involves expressing loyalty to the UAE and a commitment to obey its laws. The official start of legal citizenship to take the oath is underway.
6- Formalities & Passport Issuance: After swearing the oath, the new citizen then undergoes additional procedures, such as biometric registration and identity verification.
They can then apply for a UAE visa through the ICP passport. If the government approves retaining the original nationality, the dual citizen must declare that nationality to the authorities to comply with UAE rules.
7- Timeline and Expectations: The whole process can take many months due to the detailed aspects of the nomination process, checking of documents and security checks.
Usually, it takes 12 to 18 months, though this depends on the case's complexity and government procedures. They should have the paperwork prepared in advance to maintain momentum.
It is the passport that grants you UAE citizenship; it tells them who you are and where you come from. You’ll also have to bring a copy of your UAE residency visa to show you’re legally residing in the country. All of these documents will allow the authorities to verify your presence in the UAE and eligibility to obtain citizenship.
Read more about: What Are The Types of Residency Visas in the UAE?
The Emirates ID is another crucial document. It operates as a government ID card in the UAE. It links your application to your record in the country so that the authorities can check your residential status and personal information without any problems.
The birth certificate should be in accordance with your complete name, birth date and place of birth. It assists the authorities in checking your identity and original nationality, particularly when you are applying to be a dual citizen or for exceptional merit.
If you are married, it is necessary that you have a certificate as proof of your marital status to show your family status. This is necessary if your spouse or children are included in your citizenship application, as authorities require evidence of a legal family relationship.
You will be required to present your educational degrees, diplomas, licenses and certificates to verify your qualifications. In case you are a scientist, doctor, engineer or inventor, you might need research papers, patents or publications to demonstrate your work.
You have to demonstrate that you possess sufficient funds by providing bank statements, income certificates or any other evidence of lawful earnings. This indicates that you can take care of yourself and your family in the UAE, which is a significant aspect of the approval process.
Submit a lease agreement or UAE residence papers, such as property ownership documents and utility bills. This lets officials verify that you’re an actual resident and part of the community.
You must have a police clearance or a no-criminal-record certificate from your home country, as well as any other criminal records in the UAE. Such papers demonstrate that your background is clean and you are not a security threat.
You may also need a doctor’s note about your physical health. That helps convince them that you’re fit and don’t have any essential health problems that would affect your life in the UAE.
In the exceptional merit route, you require recommendation letters issued by established UAE institutions, ministries, or government departments. It is also often required that the relevant UAE authority issue a formal nomination, as citizenship cannot be acquired through an application.
Finalize the citizenship/naturalization application form for the appropriate authority, such as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The form gathers your personal, professional and family data, as one legal document.
Any documents obtained outside the UAE should be officially translated and attested into Arabic. Attestation typically refers to an approval by your country's foreign affairs office and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and thus all documents are recognized in the UAE.
UAE citizenship can only be granted to eligible expats. These types of people are usually investors, doctors, scientists, engineers, innovators and creative talent.
They should be proposed by recognized UAE government bodies, such as the Rulers' Courts, the Executive Councils, or the UAE Cabinet. Ordinary residents cannot apply on their own because citizenship under the special merit route is within the government's discretion.
The application typically begins at the Emirate level, where the nominated person submits the required documents to the naturalization or residency department in each Emirate.
After an initial check, the case is forwarded to the Federal authorities for further assessment. The Ministry of Interior and ICP the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port security) must authenticate the applicant’s eligibility and background.
1- Nomination/Recommendation: To begin with, you must be nominated by a recognized Emirati institution.
2- Submission of Documents: After getting nominated, you submit your documents such as; passport, proof of money, proof of achievements, etc to the local or federal authority.
3- Background & Security Checks: The authorities verify you’re criminal, financial, and other background details.
4- Approval Process: The application is reviewed by a federal advisory board, with representatives of the emirates.
5- Final Decision: The government decides whether to grant citizenship, either through a Cabinet or ministerial decree.
6- Expected Review Duration: The review can be a lengthy process due to security and document verification. As a general rule, the whole process can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months from the time you submit to a final decision.
The timeline could also vary from case to case, depending on the complexity of the case and the speed of confirmation by federal and local governments.
7- Interview & Screening Procedures: As part of the process, some applicants may receive invitations to interviews and screening sessions.
These meetings allow the authorities to verify whether the applicant possesses the right background, skills, contributions and is qualified for UAE citizenship. The check ensures that only people who meet government standards are approved.
8- Final Decision & Oath of Allegiance: Once the application gets approved, the person must take the Oath of Allegiance to UAE. This oath means they promise to abide by the country's laws and respect its values. After taking the oath of allegiance, citizenship is officially granted either by a minister's decree or by the government's decision.
9- Passport Issuance: After becoming a citizen, the new citizen can apply for a United Arab Emirates passport. The passport indicates that the person is a citizen and allows them to enjoy all the rights and privileges of a citizen of the UAE. This is the final step in the process of making citizenship official.
- Renewal: Unlike a residency visa, citizenship generally does not need to be "renewed." Once citizenship has been granted, that is the final result and it cannot be revoked, except by law.
- Cancellation/Revocation: UAE citizenship can be revoked by the UAE authorities. According to legal reports, this may occur if a person commits grave violations of the law, commits crimes, or obtains citizenship through fraud.
| Point of Comparison | Golden Visa | UAE Citizenship |
Legal Status & Permanence |
The Golden Visa grants long-term residency for 5 or 10 years, allowing people to live and work in the UAE without a sponsor. If they continue to comply with the conditions, it can be renewed numerous times. But it does not make them citizens or grant them all the rights of citizenship. | UAE citizenship grants permanent national status, which does not need to be renewed. Citizens are allowed to live in the UAE without visa requirements or continuous residency, providing greater stability and long-term rights than residency programs. |
Path to Nationality |
Getting a Golden Visa doesn't provide a direct path to UAE citizenship. A person can maintain the Golden Visa for many years and still not become a citizen. The law makes the two systems separate without any automatic connection. | UAE citizenship is granted through the process of nomination by the authorities of the governments, such as the Rulers' Courts, Executive Council or through the Cabinet of the UAE. People cannot apply themselves; the government must select them, and only those who meet the approved criteria will be chosen. |
Residency vs Political Rights |
With a Golden Visa, a person can live, work and study in the UAE, and sponsor family members, but they do not receive political privileges. They cannot vote or participate in other national-level processes, and their role remains limited to that of residents. |
A UAE citizen can enjoy all the rights as a national as well as a citizen, which includes their right to vote and possess a UAE passport. Citizens get involved in national affairs more than those who have lived in the country for many years. |
Sponsorship & Dependents |
A Golden Visa holder can sponsor a spouse, children and sometimes parents. This sponsorship is valid as long as the Golden Visa has not expired. If the visa changes or expires, the dependent's visa may change or expire as well. |
With UAE citizenship, family rights are stronger and more stable. Children enjoy Emirati nationality by default and thus do not need to obtain a majority visa or a renewal. Families remain safe in the long term without relying on residency programs. |
| Dual Nationality | If someone has a Golden Visa in the UAE, they still retain their original citizenship. They are not treated as if they were a dual citizen. |
On the other hand, if the UAE grants citizenship to some of its expatriates, the government will restore their original nationality. Dual nationality is possible on a limited basis, but i t is generally not feasible for Emiratis by birth to hold two nationalities. |
| Responsibilities & Risks | The holder needs to maintain the conditions for which the visa was issued, like investments, or abide by the laws of the UAE. If they fail, the visa may be cancelled. This means that the holder has an ongoing responsibility. |
A person who becomes a UAE citizen must comply with all laws and obligations required of citizens. Citizenship can be revoked if acquired through false information or if the individual commits certain legal violations, to protect the value and integrity of the UAE's citizenship system. |
Read more about: UAE Golden Visa 2026
1. Is UAE citizenship permanent?
Once granted, UAE citizenship is typically permanent. It does not require you to renew it as needed with a residency visa. It provides long-term security and allows you to live, work and invest in the UAE without having concerns about future changes to your legal status.
Meanwhile, permanent citizenship is also governed by regulations. Authorities can suspend it for false information, serious crimes, or violations of UAE laws. This ensures that only residents who meet legal and ethical requirements retain their citizenship.
2. Is military service mandatory for new male UAE citizens?
The male Emiratis are usually required by law to serve in the army. It applies to both citizens who are born and some citizens who are naturalized, depending on their age and qualifications. The service contributes to the security of the country, and it makes sure that citizens become engaged in civic responsibility.
The type of support or service and its duration may differ depending on individual circumstances. An exception or other provision may be made for individuals with legitimate clinical reasons or other established conditions. These clauses will guarantee that each such worthy citizen is duly instructed in their obligations and capable of fulfilling them legally.
3. Can I lose my original nationality after becoming Emirati?
Whether you retain your original nationality after becoming a UAE citizen depends on the conditions under which you were naturalized. In the majority of cases, only those granted citizenship under the exceptional merit route are allowed to hold dual nationality. It cannot be done automatically and government approval is needed.
If the authorities do not approve dual nationality, they’ll have to give up their original citizenship. And before you apply, be sure you’re familiar with both the UAE and your home country’s rules. This will provide certainty regarding the legal implications and obligations of having two nationalities.
4. Does holding a Golden Visa increase my chance of getting citizenship?
The UAE Golden Visa plays a role in a person's overall profile; however, it does not automatically guarantee citizenship.
The Golden Visa primarily demonstrates that the individual has a long-term presence in the country, financial security, and a history of contributing to the government. Because of this, it may be used as supporting evidence in a citizenship nomination, but it will not replace the government-led nomination process required for UAE nationality.
However, citizenship is granted only through government nomination, not through open applications. The UAE authorities also look at a lot of other things like professional accomplishments, contributions to the UAE, and eligibility and the Golden Visa is just one of them.
5. Do I need a lawyer for the process?
If someone would like to apply for UAE citizenship, they can ask whether they need a lawyer. The reality is that the UAE process doesn’t need a lawyer and you can register without one.
Some people still like having a lawyer because it helps them know which documents they need to bring, how to deal with the government, and what the rules are. Lawyer support can also help avoid mistakes and wasted time, especially if you are new to the UAE system.
Lawyers are useful for complex cases like dual nationality or investment cases as well as cases with special professional awards. They can handle recommendation letters, attest documents, and speak with federal or emirate officials to ensure it goes smoothly and correctly.
Disclamer:
This post is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation to take any financial action. It should not be relied upon when making investment or financing decisions.
