How to Get UAE Citizenship

Candidates for UAE Citizenship

First off, the requirements for becoming a UAE citizen are still very strict, as the protection of Emirati people’s national identity is at the core of the country’s policies. However, the changes made in the migration laws in 2021 do allow for other options in addition to simple birthright – such as naturalization and exceptional merit. The updates expanded eligibility categories for citizenship consideration, primarily through a nomination-based pathway alongside existing routes such as descent and marriage.

Here is the list of ways one can get UAE citizenship:

1. Descent

These criteria form the foundation for citizenship acquisition in the UAE, highlighting the significance of lineage and familial ties in determining eligibility for citizenship.

•  Heritage from long-term Arab settlers. Eligibility extends to individuals born into families with a lineage tracing back to long-term Arab settlers in the country with continuous presence from 1925 to 1972.
•  Paternity and maternity. Citizenship is conferred to individuals born to an Emirati father or mother, whether within the country or abroad, including cases with a stateless father or where paternity is not legally established.
•  Foundlings. Citizenship may be granted to individuals born in the UAE without identifiable parents, commonly referred to as foundlings.

2. Marriage

Acquisition of citizenship through marriage follows a structured process and specific eligibility criteria. This route is generally discussed in the context of a foreign wife of a UAE citizen, and it remains subject to meeting the required marriage duration and other legal conditions assessed by the authorities.

• Legal procedure. The foreign spouse is typically expected to hold valid UAE residency and meet the required legal and compliance checks as part of the assessment process.   
• Additional conditions. Eligibility is reviewed case by case, and additional requirements may apply depending on the circumstances of the family and the file.
• Marriage duration and children. Marrying an Emirati woman does not automatically qualify for UAE citizenship. In practice, citizenship through marriage is most commonly referenced for a foreign wife of an Emirati man and may be possible within a span of 7 years if the couple bears a child or 10 years if the couple does not have children, subject to meeting all conditions and approval.

3. Naturalization

In alignment with the revised naturalization regulations in the UAE, eligibility for citizenship via naturalization has undergone substantial evolution. This pivotal shift underscores the UAE's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, facilitating pathways to citizenship for a broader spectrum of individuals residing within its borders.

Formerly, citizenship was restricted to individuals of ethnic Arab descent with impeccable character, unblemished criminal records, proficiency in the Arabic language, possession of academic credentials, and a verifiable source of income. Today, naturalization remains a long and highly selective route with strict conditions (including, in many cases, Arabic proficiency, good conduct, and long legal residence), and it should not be viewed as a straightforward pathway for ordinary residency visa holders. The minimum residency period referenced in the law can be as long as 30 years for certain categories, and each case remains subject to government review and approval. In standard naturalization cases, applicants may also be required to renounce their previous nationality, depending on the legal basis and the decision issued for the file.

4. Outstanding merit

Introduced in 2021 by the government, this avenue offers a pathway to citizenship for individuals demonstrating exceptional contributions and accomplishments across various domains. In this scenario, UAE citizenship is considered through official nomination and approval, rather than a public “apply and receive” program. Eligible candidates for citizenship through exceptional merit encompass a diverse spectrum of professionals and innovators, including:

• Medical professionals and specialists. Individuals with recognized professional standing and contributions that are considered valuable for the UAE.    
• Scientists and researchers. Experts with an established track record of high-impact work and meaningful contributions to their field.    
• Innovators and inventors. Individuals with recognized inventions and intellectual property achievements.
• Creative talent and intellectuals. Artists and other exceptional talents with notable achievements and recognized contributions.
• Investors. Investors may be considered under this nomination-based pathway (including, in some cases, property owners), but there is no public “citizenship-by-investment” program with fixed price points or guaranteed outcomes.

Nomination for citizenship under these criteria is initiated by UAE officials or royalty, with final approval resting with the Cabinet. This rigorous selection process ensures that only individuals of exemplary merit and contribution are granted the privilege of UAE citizenship. This route has also been publicly communicated as allowing eligible nominees to retain their current nationality, subject to UAE approval and compliance with the applicable rules for their specific case.

It is worth noting that part of the merit criteria is very similar to the current eligibility requirements for the UAE Golden Visa. However, the Golden Visa involves a more vast range of candidates, including athletes or school and university students, and it is best viewed as a long-term residency solution, not an automatic or guaranteed step toward citizenship.

Basic Requirements for UAE Citizenship

To get UAE citizenship, individuals must meet specific criteria outlined by the UAE government. These requirements typically apply to foreigners regardless of whether they choose the naturalization path, marriage, or merit.

1. Residency status. One of the primary requirements for citizenship is to have a legal residency status in the UAE. This could include holding a long-term visa or residency permit.
2. Length of residency. Applicants often need to have resided in the UAE for a certain number of years continuously.
3. Contribution to the UAE. Citizenship applicants are often required to demonstrate their contribution to the UAE society and economy. This could include involvement in business, investment, cultural activities, or community service.
4. Good conduct and character. Applicants are expected to have a clean criminal record and exhibit good conduct and character.
5. Language proficiency. Proficiency in Arabic, the official language of the UAE, may be required for citizenship.
6. Knowledge of UAE culture and laws. Applicants may need to demonstrate knowledge of UAE culture, history, and laws through tests or interviews.
7. Financial requirements. Some routes to citizenship may require a significant financial investment in the country, such as purchasing property or making a substantial contribution to the economy.
8. Government approval. Ultimately, the decision to grant citizenship rests with the government authorities. Applicants must submit their documents and undergo a thorough review process, which may include background checks and interviews. In many cases, citizenship consideration is linked to official nomination and discretionary approval, rather than a standard application route.

Other Options for Residency in the UAE

Despite the amendments made to the law, the requirements for citizenship in the UAE are still quite strict, and the standards are quite high, so it is advisable to thoroughly assess your capabilities in pursuing it.

It is worth remembering that there are plenty of other ways to become a long-term UAE resident, such as the abovementioned 10-year UAE Golden Visa with an array of eligibility options, the 5-year Green Visa, or the Investor Residence Visa granted for substantial investments in the local business or real estate.

There are also more common and accessible visa types with 2 years of validity. It is up to you to aim for citizenship from the start or, for example, to take the path of gradual naturalization by acquiring and renewing the resident status.