Whether you are planning to move or are simply interested in the legal paths to a UAE passport, this overview will provide clear, practical steps and explanations of what you need to know in 2025. Learn how to obtain UAE citizenship in 2025: standard paths (birth, marriage, descent, naturalization) and new opportunities for investors and talented professionals, including conditions, requirements, application procedures, etc

Citizenship in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a rare and highly respected legal status that provides access to a full range of social, economic and political rights. Between 2021 and 2025, the UAE gradually relaxed its approach to granting citizenship to foreigners, including citizens of Oman, Zimbabwe and Armenia, introducing clearer mechanisms for certain categories of investors, highly qualified professionals and people of “special merit”. This guide will explain what paths exist in 2025, what requirements need to be met and how to prepare for the application.

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Is it difficult to obtain UAE citizenship in 2025?

The UAE has traditionally been governed by strict citizenship rules (mainly by origin), but in 2021 the government approved amendments and executive regulations that allowed certain categories of foreigners (investors, scientists, doctors, talents, etc.) to be nominated for nationality.

At the same time, the process remains strictly controlled: acquisition of citizenship usually occurs by decision of the relevant higher institutions - the Houses of Rulers, Crown Princes or the Cabinet of Ministers - and is carried out according to the nomination procedure. Standard ways of obtaining UAE citizenship also remain.

Advantages of citizenship in the UAE

1. A full set of citizen rights, including the ability to work in the public sector (some positions are available only to citizens), social guarantees and access to special programs.

2. Improved international mobile passport status (a significant number of visa-free destinations are available for UAE citizens).

3. Tax benefits - no personal income tax in many cases; however, taxation matters depend on a wide range of factors and are best discussed with a financial advisor.

Please note: detailed rights and obligations vary depending on domestic law and the specific provisions applicable to naturalized persons.

Ways to obtain UAE citizenship

- Citizenship by birth

A child acquires citizenship if his/her father is a UAE citizen.

If the mother is a citizen and the father is unknown or stateless, the child is also recognized as a citizen.

Important! Birth in the UAE does not in itself confer the right to citizenship.

- Citizenship by descent

Children of UAE citizens automatically acquire citizenship regardless of their place of birth.

Adopted children can also acquire citizenship if the adoptive parent is a UAE citizen.

- Citizenship by marriage

A foreign woman married to a UAE citizen can apply for citizenship after 7 years of marriage (if there are children) or after 10 years (if there are no children).

For foreign men married to UAE citizens, the rules are stricter: there is no automatic right, but their children can obtain citizenship.

- Naturalization (long-term residence)

Foreigners who have legally resided in the UAE for more than 30 years (or 7 years for citizens of Gulf countries) can apply.

Mandatory conditions: knowledge of Arabic, no criminal record, stable income, integration into society.

The decision is made by the President or the ruler of the emirate.

- Citizenship by nomination

In addition to the standard ways, certain categories of foreigners can also apply for UAE citizenship, in particular, nominees can be

1. Investors and entrepreneurs (for significant investments in the economy, real estate or national funds).

2. Highly qualified specialists (doctors, scientists, engineers, teachers with notable achievements).

3. Talents in culture, sports, science and technology (winners of international awards, patent authors, well-known specialists in their field).

4. Individuals who have had special merits before the state (rare cases at the invitation of the authorities).

Nominations are initiated by state structures, local councils or offices of the rulers of the emirates.

From June 30, 2025, the UAE is launching a new visa for those who want to look for work or implement short-term projects in the country without an invitation from an employer. Read here what are the benefits of a Visit Visa for Work Purposes, who can get it, how much it costs, and how to submit the documents correctly.

Is dual citizenship allowed in the UAE?

Following the 2021 changes, certain categories of foreigners are given the opportunity to retain their previous citizenship after being granted UAE citizenship (i.e. dual citizenship is possible in exceptional cases).

However, this does not mean that dual citizenship has become an automatic right for everyone: the rules vary depending on the category of acquisition, personal consideration and the provisions of the legislation of the citizens of the country of origin.

Please note! For citizens born in the UAE (by origin), the rules may be different. Official explanations are on the government portal.

How is citizenship different from residency?

Many foreigners confuse long-term residence (for example, Golden Visa for 5-10 years) with the direct opportunity to obtain a UAE passport. Golden Visa provides stable long-term residence, the right to live, work and educate a family, but it is not an automatic basis for citizenship.

Nomination for citizenship is a separate procedure and is decided by the authorities; for many candidates, the life path is: long-term residence → intensive integration/achievement → nomination and consideration.

Specific requirements and assessment criteria that verify

Key elements that are considered when considering candidacies for citizenship:

- Reputation and legal purity – no criminal record, no immigration violations.

- Professional achievements and contributions – evidence of high-level qualifications, publications, patents, international awards or implementations.

- Economic contributions – real investments, job creation, participation in national projects.

- Integration and social ties – length of legal residence, participation in community/economic initiatives.

- Propensity for confidentiality of the procedure – many stages occur through nominations and internal checks, which are not always public.

Official agencies conduct comprehensive checks, and the timing and scope of checks may vary.

How to apply for UAE citizenship

Step 1 – Find out if you fall under one of the official categories (investor, professional, talent, naturalization, etc.).

Step 2 – Gather your documents: passport, CV, academic/professional credentials, criminal records, documents proving investments or achievements (patents, publications, awards).

Step 3 – Get nominated: In most cases, the nomination is initiated by an authorized government agency, a public sector employer, or a local authority in the emirate.

Step 4 – Submit to the authorized authority: Once nominated, the documents are forwarded to the Federal Authority for Identification and Citizenship (ICP) or another authorized authority.

Step 5 – Checks and interviews: security check, verification of sources of income, sometimes – an official oath.

Step 6 – Decision and passport processing: in case of a positive conclusion – a government decision and issuance of citizen documents.

Exact contact addresses and e-services for residency programs and initial consultation are available on the official portals of ICP and the UAE government.

The process of legalizing documents in the UAE is an important stage for those planning to move to this country. In this article, read about the procedure for legalizing documents in the UAE, the necessary steps, documents subject to legalization, the time taken by the process, and important details that should be taken into account.

Alternative path – residency first

For most foreigners, the logical path is to first obtain permanent residency (Golden Visa, investor or work category), establish yourself in the economy and society, and then apply for nomination. Golden Visa provides stability and time to prove your contribution to the development of the UAE, accumulate professional success and receive support from local institutions.

In 2025, UAE citizenship remains exceptional and selective. There are traditional paths (birth, descent, marriage, naturalization) and new opportunities (investment, talent, professionals). The key to success is official channels, proper training and expert support.

Obtaining UAE citizenship is a complex and multi-stage process, where every detail is important: from the correct collection of documents to choosing the optimal path (through marriage, descent, investment or naturalization). Laws change frequently, and requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Our migration specialists:

- will advise on the most realistic path to citizenship in your situation;

- will check the package of documents and help avoid refusals;

- will accompany you at every stage - from submitting an application to obtaining a passport;

- will explain the legal consequences and tax nuances.

Do not risk your own attempts - contact experts to save time and increase your chances of success.

Reminder! In 2025, the UAE continues to attract freelancers from all over the world thanks to flexible visa solutions, tax benefits and simple legalization of activities. In this article, how to get a freelance license in the UAE: who is eligible to apply, how much it costs, what are the benefits, and which jurisdictions offer the most favorable conditions.

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