Overview
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Program
- UAE Citizenship by Nomination
- Local name
- الجنسية الإماراتية بالترشيح
- Type
- Exceptional Merit
- Status
- Active
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 184 destinations
- Passport rank
- #5 (Henley Index)
UAE citizenship is granted exclusively through government nomination — there is no open application process. Candidates must be nominated by an official Emirati entity (Cabinet, Ruler's Court, or Executive Council) and approved by the Cabinet. Eligible categories include investors, doctors/specialists, scientists, inventors, and intellectuals/artists. The Golden Visa provides supporting evidence but does not guarantee citizenship.
Fees and costs
No fees listed for this program.
Eligibility and requirements
- Minimum age 18+
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam required
- Interview required
- Oath required
Family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Spouse
- Included
- Spouse eligible
- Spouse of eligible person also qualifies
- Max child age
- 18
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #5 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 184 countries
- Passport validity
- 5 years
- EU citizenship
- No
- Schengen access
- No
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Apply from abroad
- Must apply in-country
- Application type
- Nomination
- Official website
- u.ae
- Legal basis
- Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 (as amended January 2021)
Notes and caveats
No open application — nomination only by Rulers' Courts, Executive Councils, or Cabinet. Categories: investors (property owners), doctors/specialists, scientists with international recognition, inventors with UAE patents, intellectuals/artists with distinguished records. Dual citizenship permitted since 2021 amendment. Golden Visa (5-10yr residency) is a supporting factor but NOT a pathway to citizenship. Final approval rests with the UAE President through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).