Global عربي
KSA عربي
Global عربي
For many years, UAE citizenship was observed as almost impossible for an expatriate to obtain. It was mainly available to Emirati families or to individuals directly selected by the UAE leadership. As the UAE's economy grew and its international vision expanded, the government began opening extremely selective doors to foreigners who could make a positive contribution to national development.
The change brought new opportunities but also misunderstandings, as most individuals believed that long-term residency guaranteed citizenship. In fact, obtaining a 10-year Golden Visa would not guarantee this step, as the UAE does not have a traditional citizenship-by-investment program.
The Golden Visa is secure and stable but the citizenship procedure remains based on nomination and merit rather than on mere investment. According to these reports, the UAE does not have a regular citizenship-by-investment program.
Instead, it has other programs that aim to attract talent, including scientists, doctors, investors, inventors and creative professionals.
These individuals are eligible for nomination only if their work contributes to the UAE's strategic goals.
Because nominations are the driving force in this approach, we find that the rules appear strict and the process difficult to comprehend, particularly for those seeking a simple route to application.
But this rigorous selection makes it attractive, because those who qualify can benefit from long-term stability, greater travel freedom, and a stronger link to one of the fast-growing economies.
Read more about: UAE Citizenship 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
This guide will describe the primary pathways to obtain UAE citizenship in 2026. It will cover who can apply, what documents will be required, and how long it will take.This will help you to understand the process very well.
1.1. Eligibility rules
A foreign woman may qualify as a citizen of the UAE through marriage, provided that she has been lawfully married to a UAE national within the required timeframe of the nationality law. The marriage must be legal and valid.
The officials check the applicant’s reputation and residence to ensure everything is legal. This is an overall test that will determine whether the application proceeds to formal consideration under the Federal Nationality Law.
1.2. Required Documents
- Marriage Certificate: An official certificate that proves the marriage is valid and must be attested and translated if issued outside the UAE.
- Husband's Proof of UAE Nationality: Emirates ID or passport that verifies the husband's Emirati citizenship.
- Passports & Residency Documents: The applicant’s passport, along with the spouse's passport and existing residency permits to show the validity of stay in the UAE.
- Police Clearance Certificates: The certificates are issued by the UAE and the applicant's home country, demonstrating to the lack of a criminal record.
- Family registration Proof: To demonstrate the family relationship, a family book/ official civil registry.
- Previous Marriages Documents: Divorce certificates or death certificates in case the applicant or spouse has had previous marriages.
1.3 Processing time
There is no established public schedule for the processing time of marriage-based citizenship. These applications are carefully considered in terms of the case and ministerial or legal review.
This can take more than a year, and even several months, since final approval is at the discretion of the individual and usually requires a ministerial or presidential decision.
2.1. Eligibility rules
The children of an Emirati father are automatically granted citizenship by descent and are thus granted direct legal status.
Children whose mother is Emirati and father is a foreign national can also be considered under certain circumstances under these rules.
The parentage and supporting family documents are reviewed by the authorities to ensure that the criteria have been met in accordance with the UAE law.
2.2. Required Documents
- Child Birth Certificate: This is the official document detailing the child's birth.
- Nationality Proof of the Parent: Emirates ID or passport of the Emirati parent.
- Evidence of Parentage: Official records, such as a marriage certificate, family book, or DNA report, demonstrate that the child has a relationship with his parents.
- Child's Passport/Residency Documents: If the child already has a passport or residency in the UAE or another country.
2.3 Processing Time
The procedure for children of Emirati fathers is typically handled on a fast track through the civil affairs office. These cases are relatively simple; however, applications involving children of Emirati mothers may take longer to process due to extra verification requirements.
3.1 Eligibility rules
Individuals seeking long-term residency must meet specific criteria, including good conduct, financial stability, and knowledge of Arabic.
These candidates are usually approved by nomination or even by presidential decree. Such reviews will help ensure that the presence and contributions of each of them align with the strategic interests and long-term goals of the UAE.
3.2 Required Documents
- Passport and Residency History: To demonstrate continuous stay, all passports and UAE residence permits are to be provided.
- Documents of Residence: Utility bills, rental contracts or Emirates ID with address history.
- Police Clearance Certificates: Both the UAE and home country certificates indicating that the applicant has no criminal record.
- Employment or financial Evidence: Paychecks, corporate documents or tax returns that show the company is financially stable.
- Arabic Language Evidence: Certificates or evidence of knowledge of the Arabic language as may be necessary.
3.3. Processing Time
The processing time for long-term residents varies depending on whether the case falls under the standard or discretionary nomination for naturalization. Such cases may take a few months or more than a year because of the verification process and the assessment of eligibility criteria.
4.1. Eligibility rules
The investor's citizenship is not automatic and must demonstrate that they have contributed to the economy.
The relevant UAE authorities should nominate such individuals for consideration. This kind of evaluation will ensure that the applicant's investment activity will have long-term benefits for the country.
4.2. Required Documents
- Corporate Documents: A trade licence or company registration is proof of ownership of a business.
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements, capital evidence and audits of contributions to investment.
- Economic Contribution Evidence: Evidence demonstrating that the business will lead to job creation or improvement to the economy of the UAE.
- Passports and Residency Documents: For the investor and any dependents included in the application.
- Police Clearance Certificates: The certificates are issued by the UAE and the applicant's home country, attesting to the lack of a criminal record.
4.3. Processing Time
Investor application processing is based on the minister's or the president's review. These cases may take several months or over a year, depending on the nomination, documentation and assessment process.
5.1. Eligibility Rules
This is the route taken by individuals whose talents and accomplishments contribute to the development of the UAE.
It ranges from scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, inventors, researchers, and other professionals who contribute transparent advantages to the country.
The nomination should be done through reliable institutions, government agencies or special councils within the UAE.
The nominations are closely reviewed to verify the applicant's contributions, achievements, and value to the nation.
They review professional qualifications, publications, patents or projects that show real benefit to the UAE.
The authorities look into the applicant’s work experience, innovative ability, and reputation to ensure that citizenship is granted to those who can deliver a permanent, positive impact.
5.2. Required Documents
- Educational and Professional Qualification: Degrees, certifications and attested documents indicating experience.
- Documentation of Achievements: Patents, publications, awards, contracts, or recognitions; documents that demonstrate contributions.
- Nomination Letters: Letters by UAE institutions, employers, or other government agencies in support of the nomination.
- Passport and Residency Document: The passport and the United Arab Emirates residency permit of the Applicant.
- Police Clearance and Health Check: Certificates by the police are provided to demonstrate good behavior and good health.
- Support Letters from Institutions: Letters from universities, research centers, or professional bodies in the UAE that verify the value of the applicant.
5.3.3 Processing Time
The processing time for exceptional talents depends on federal review which may require a presidential decree. Moreover, simple cases can be resolved within a few months, whereas complex cases may take longer due to intensive examination.
6.1. Eligibility rules
This pathway is accessible to children of Emirati mothers and foreign fathers, provided the mother has maintained her Emirati citizenship since the child's birth.
The child should meet the legal requirements under UAE nationality law, and the authorities must verify that the mother's citizenship status has not been disrupted.
The authorization also examines the child's age, residence, and general legal status to determine eligibility. These rules were added to close loopholes in the law: children of Emirati fathers automatically received citizenship, but children of Emirati mothers faced restrictions.
6.2. Required Documents
- Child's Birth certificate: This is issued to verify the child's and the mother's birth details.
- Proof of Emirati Nationality: Passport or Emirates ID indicating that she is a citizen.
- Evidence of Nationality Continuity: Documents indicating that the mother retained her Emirati nationality since the child was born.
- Fathers' Identity Documents: These will be a passport or a residential identity card to verify the father's identity.
- Additional Certificates: Any other documents required by authorities, such as proof of residence or family registration.
6.3. Processing Time
A special committee under the president’s office reviews this application to confirm that all documents are complete and the individual is qualified.
The examining process could be lengthy, based on how well the documents were filled out. These reviews take a couple of months before an official award of citizenship is given to the child.
7.1. Eligibility Rules
This is a path for those who have added value to the UAE, such as investors, professionals, or exceptional talents. The nominees must first be endorsed by recognized UAE entities such as rulers, executive councils, or government bodies, showing that they may be eligible.
The nominations are thoroughly screened, and the authorities evaluate the nominee's behavior, length of stay in the place, and the overall impact of their work.
This ensures that citizenship is granted to individuals whose presence and contributions are valuable to the UAE.
Through this path, it is possible to grant citizenship to the nominee who may not fully comply with the usual residency or language requirements, demonstrating that it is a discretionary procedure.
7.2. Required Documents
- Nomination Letter: This is an official letter issued by an authority designated by the UAE that informs of the nomination of an applicant.
- Passport and Residency Permit: Show the identity documents and the legal residence permit in the UAE.
- Evidence of Contribution: Documents that demonstrate contribution by the applicant in terms of work, investment or achievements that benefit the UAE.
- Police Clearance Certificate: This is proof that the applicant has no criminal record.
- Additional Documents: Other documents required by my nominating authority to confirm eligibility.
7.3. Processing Time
This is done in discretion and at the ministerial or presidential level, that’s why the timelines would be differ.
The application should be thoroughly reviewed with regard to the contributions made by the nominee.
The time required to review a case can range from several months to more than a year, depending on its complexity.
8.1. Eligibility Rules
The eligibility rules require that individuals be able to significantly help the country in their professional field, particularly in science, technology, innovation, or research. The candidates must provide basic proof of their achievements, such as patents, publications, projects, or other work.
They must also be nominated and backed by current UAE organizations or government bodies to demonstrate impact.
Once submitted, these accomplishments are then screened for quality, relevance and potential to impact the UAE's development agenda.
It ensures that citizenship is granted only to those who can contribute to the nation's strategic priorities and long-term growth objectives.
8.2. Required Documents
- Educational and Professional Certificates: All certificates, degrees, diplomas or professional certifications which demonstrate expertise.
- Proof of Achievements: Patents, research papers, projects, awards, or recognitions demonstrating those who work exceptionally.
- Nomination Letter: A letter signed by an entity of the UAE government that supports the contribution of the applicant.
- Passport and Residency Permit: To verify identity and legal residence.
- Police Clearance and Health Certificate: These certificates attest to good conduct and medical fitness.
- Institutional Support Letters: These are letters from universities, research centers, or professional organizations in the UAE recommending the applicant.
8.3. Processing Time
This is by nomination only and includes committee review of the nominations as well as ministerial consideration.
The time varies based on the applicant's achievements and validation needs. These cases usually take a few months to finish.
9.1. Eligibility rules
This is the path followed by individuals who were citizens of the UAE but have lost their citizenship, usually by acquiring another nationality.
The applicants must demonstrate that they were previously Emirati nationals and that they meet the legal requirements to reclaim their Emirati citizenship.
This involves providing testimony that they renounce any other nationality when required.
9.2. Required Documents
- Evidence of Emirati Nationality in the Past: Passports, Emirates ID, or family books are provided, revealing the past nationality.
- Proofs of Citizenship Loss: Documents stating that the applicant obtained a different nationality.
- Evidence of Rejection of Other Citizenship: Only the official copy of the foreign citizenship renounced, when necessary.
- Current Passport and Residency Documents: To verify the current identity and legal status of being in the UAE.
- Other Documents: Any other documents that are demanded by the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (FAIC).
9.3. Processing Time
The restoration undergoes examination by the relevant federal authority. The documents are thoroughly inspected, and compliance with legal regulations is verified. Usually, this review takes several months for final approval.
10.1. Eligibility Rules
This pathway allows foundling or stateless children with unknown parents to obtain UAE nationality, preventing them from being left without a legal identity.
The child should initially be enrolled with the UAE authority and then ensure that the child meets the legal requirements for nationality.
That check reviews how the child was discovered and notes that no details about the parents are provided.
These measures may help governments to establish a child’s status and protect the child’s right to a recognized nationality. The process ensures that all children in this situation receive a lawful identity and can access fundamental rights in the UAE.
10.2. Required Documents
- Official Report of Discovery: Police or authority report describing the location and time of child discovery.
- Medical Report: Document of medical check-up in a certified facility.
- Available Identification: Any documents that can be helpful in the identification of the child/family.
- Legal Registration Documents: Documents that are submitted to the FAIC using the decree-law with which the child is granted legal status.
10.3. Processing Time
There is a humanitarian priority in this process. The Federal Authority on Identity and Citizenship is the authority responsible for verification and registration. These steps usually consume months, based on the circumstances and the child’s documentation.
11.1 Eligibility Rules
These rules apply only to non-citizens who wish to obtain UAE nationality through naturalization and must comply with all the legal conditions imposed by the state.
It should demonstrate persistent legal presence, good morals, basic knowledge of the Arabic language, and steady earnings.
The applicants are also required to refuse any other nationality, except when the presidential decree permits them to retain it.
The authorities examine all these requirements collectively to determine whether the applicant qualifies for naturalization under the UAE law.
11.2 Required Documents
- Passport and Residence Proof: Passports and residence permits indicating that one is still legally a resident within the nation.
- Evidence of Income or Financial Stability: Salary slips, tax returns or business records that show that the applicant can maintain themselves.
- Educational Certificate: To confirm education, degrees or qualifications, a certificate in the UAE is required.
- Arabic Language Proof: Certificate or the results of the tests proving proficiency in the Arabic language.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Both in the UAE and the home country show that the applicant has not committed any crime.
- Proof of Rejection of Other Nationality: Where valid, evidence of Renunciation of foreign citizenship has been presented.
11.3. Processing Time
This is a discretionary process, which is consulted by federal officials or in extraordinary situations, by the president. These time reviews depend on the preparation of the documents and whether the applicant is in normal or exceptional condition. It may take months or more than a year.
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.
