Yes, you can get UAE citizenship, but it's difficult and usually by invitation or specific pathways like exceptional talent, investment, entrepreneurship, or marriage to an Emirati (for foreign women), as traditional long-term residency doesn't guarantee it; since 2021, the UAE offers dual citizenship, allowing you to keep your original passport.
The UAE does not grant citizenship to foreigners because Emiratis are a minority and their culture is being threatened with other cultures brought by expats. Naturalization does exist however it is extremely difficult and almost impossible. You need to reside in the country for 30 years and learn fluent Arabic.
The law is primarily jus sanguinis. Foreigners who meet certain criteria may be naturalized and granted citizenship. Gulf Cooperation Council citizens are allowed to live in the UAE without restriction and have the right of freedom of movement.
While Dubai does not provide a traditional Permanent Residency (PR) system, it offers several long-term residency options that serve a similar purpose. These options include the Golden Visa, Retirement Visa, Investor Visa, and Employment Visa, each catering to different categories of residents.
The Golden visa is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden visa.
The 3000 AED requirement in Dubai is often misunderstood. There is NO mandatory requirement to carry exactly 3000 AED cash when entering Dubai as a tourist. However, UAE immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds (typically AED 3000-5000 or equivalent) to cover your stay.
Shah Rukh Khan was the first Indian actor to receive the UAE Golden Visa, awarded in 2019. The UAE's decision reflected his immense contribution to global cinema and his special bond with the emirate, where he owns property and is a brand ambassador for Dubai Tourism.
United Arab Emirates's passport holds a prestigious position in the global passport rankings for 2026. As one of the world's most powerful travel documents, it offers its holders exceptional global mobility and access to a vast number of countries without the need for prior visa arrangements.
The new law permits some foreigners to retain their original nationality, but under certain conditions. It doesn't work automatically, and only selected people can apply and they must be nominated for it by the government. People born in the UAE are generally not allowed to hold dual citizenship.
Investors can get a UAE Golden Visa by investment in real estate or business: Real estate. Applicants for a 10-year Golden Visa invest at least AED 2 million, or approximately $544,500, in real estate. The property may be off-plan or fully constructed, and getting a loan from an accredited bank in the UAE is allowed.
No, directly buying citizenship in the UAE is not possible. However, you can choose to invest in the UAE by purchasing property, which offers a residency permit. Investors may be offered citizenship if their contribution to the UAE economy is significant, but this is not regularly given.
List of Top 15 Hardest Countries To Get Citizenship in 2026
For Emirati women marrying expatriate men
When an Emirati woman wishes to marry an expatriate man, she should obtain: consent from her parents/guardian.
The United Arab Emirates passport continues to rank among the world's most powerful, granting access to a wide range of destinations with minimal visa requirements. With visa-free travel, visa on arrival, and eTA access, the UAE passport opens doors to the world in 2026.
By Birth & Descent
Children born to a UAE citizen father or a UAE citizen mother (we will see the differences below) automatically or by process acquire UAE citizenship. However, UAE nationality is not automatically granted to children born in the UAE to foreign parents.
Unlike many countries, the UAE does not offer citizenship to foreigners just by purchasing property. The concept of obtaining UAE citizenship through property ownership is not part of the existing laws. However, the UAE government has introduced a Golden Visa for long-term residency, which is the closest alternative.
For Indians, getting a residence visa Dubai opens up access to jobs, healthcare, education, banking, and more opportunities. It is also the first step towards getting a Dubai permanent residents visa or even a Dubai golden visa.
For applicants currently in the UAE, the Golden Visa will cost between AED 2,800 and AED 3,800. For applicants outside of the UAE, the Golden Visa will cost between AED 3,800 and AED 4,800. Cost will depend on visa category and type of service.
There are a few ways to obtain a UAE Citizenship. These include naturalization, descent, marriage and exceptional merit. Citizenship through exceptional merit targets the Non-UAE citizens such as scientists, creative individuals, qualified specialists, inventors and investors.
Asia, led by Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, continues to hold a strong lead in global mobility. The United States, tied at 12th place with Malaysia, now grants visa-free access to 180 destinations, putting it behind most major European countries.
The Golden Residency is one of the leading initiatives of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. It offers eligible individuals the opportunity to obtain a long-term residency in the UAE, ranging from five to ten years, with automatic renewal and no need for a sponsor.
The UAE has six per cent of the world's oil reserves and the seventh largest proven natural gas reserves. Petroleum exports were US$94.7 billion in 2023. In the medium term, oil and gas (which account for over two-thirds of exports and the bulk of government revenue) will continue to underpin the UAE's economy.
Shah Rukh Khan's net worth, at an estimated $1.4 billion, significantly surpasses Salman Khan's estimated $360 million, primarily due to SRK's diverse and strategic business investments.
However, there are certain individuals other than diplomats who are also issued red passports. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) is one among them, according to India.com, a digital news website.
Disadvantages of Golden Visa UAE
Renewal Requirements: Golden visas need to be renewed upon expiry. This means that you need to maintain your investment and residency status to be eligible for renewal. No Path to Citizenship: A golden visa is a residency visa only and does not lead to citizenship.