🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates · Citizenship
Naturalization and citizenship-by-investment: residence years, language and civics tests, dual-citizenship rules, and multi-passport planning.
Quick answer
UAE citizenship is very rarely granted; a 2021 reform allows authorities to nominate select investors, professionals, talents and their families. Most residents remain long-term visa holders, and nominated citizens may retain their original nationality.
Emirati citizenship is highly restrictive and is not available through ordinary naturalisation. A 2021 amendment to the Nationality Law allows the UAE authorities to nominate select individuals — such as investors, talented professionals (doctors, scientists, engineers, artists) and their families — for citizenship. The UAE generally does not grant citizenship to long-term residents, and most foreigners remain on residence visas (e.g. the Golden Visa).
- There is no ordinary naturalisation route; citizenship is highly restricted.
- A 2021 law lets authorities nominate select investors, talented professionals and their families.
- Long-term residents generally remain on residence visas (e.g. the Golden Visa), not citizenship.
- Confirm current rules via the UAE Government portal.
Official authorities
- UAE citizenship (u.ae)
Official guide to Emirati citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners become UAE citizens?
Only in limited cases — a 2021 law lets authorities nominate select investors, doctors, scientists, creatives and talented individuals and their families.
Is naturalization open to apply for?
It is largely nomination-based rather than an open application; most foreigners remain on residence visas.
Can I keep my original nationality?
The nomination scheme allows naturalized citizens to retain their original nationality in defined cases.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.