Want to Call the UAE Home for Life? Here’s How to Get Emirati Citizenship in 2025

For many people living in the UAE, the idea of getting a Emirati citizenship feels like a distant dream, something reserved for a select few. But in recent years, that dream has started to feel a little more real.

Thanks to pioneering reforms in the UAE’s citizenship laws, some experts who have made significant contributions in business, science, medicine, arts, or innovation  now stand a chance to be rewarded with Emirati citizenship. It remains a selective and government-initiated process, but it’s no longer impossible.

In this guide, we’ll explore who may be eligible, what citizenship actually entails in the UAE, and how you can maximize your chances of being seen. Whether you view the UAE as your home in the long term, or you’re simply interested in what’s available beyond residency, this article will provide a clear and actionable overview.

Citizenship is now an option. 

Most foreigners living in the UAE don’t realize that citizenship is now an option. While it’s not easy, it’s no longer impossible. If you plan to live here long-term, build a business, or contribute your skills, understanding the citizenship process can help you secure a future with more rights, stability, and opportunity.

So, Can Foreigners Really Become Emirati Citizens?

Yes. In 2021, the government of the UAE amended its laws to enable exceptional specialists to become Emirati citizens. It was a daring and unusual step, highlighting how committed the nation is to recruiting high-quality talents from across the world.

However, you cannot apply. There is no form. You need to be nominated by state organizations such as:

• The Ruler’s Court
• The Cabinet
• Executive or Crown Prince’s offices

Who’s Eligible for Emirati Citizenship?

Not everyone qualifies. The UAE is looking for individuals who bring real value economically, culturally, or scientifically.

1.Investors

If you have invested heavily in the UAE — real estate, startups, or the economy — you could be eligible..

2. Doctors & Medical Experts

Especially those in rare or high-demand specialties, with at least 10 years of experience and active practice in the UAE.

3. Scientists & Researchers

With notable work, publications, or contributions to innovation. Think patents, discoveries, or academic excellence.

 4. Inventors

If you’ve created something useful and have registered patents recognized globally, that benefit the UAE — you’re in a strong position.

 5. Artists & Creatives

They are authors, cultural figures, filmmakers, and designers who have received awards or have made a difference in the UAE.

 6. Professionals & Experts

Engineers, IT experts, or scholars with outstanding qualifications and accomplishments in their field.

 What Are the Conditions?

• You must already live legally in the UAE
• You need to pledge allegiance to the country
• You agree to follow the laws
• You must inform UAE authorities if you take or drop another nationality
  

 Why It’s Different from the Golden Visa

Let’s clear something up. A lot of people confuse UAE citizenship with the UAE Golden Visa. Here’s the difference:

Feature	UAE Citizenship	UAE Golden Visa
Duration	Permanent	10 years (renewable)
Passport	Yes (Emirati passport)	No
Public Benefits	Full access	Limited
Land Ownership	Anywhere in UAE	Only in approved areas
Voting Rights	Yes	No

What Do You Get as a Citizen?

• A UAE passport — one of the world’s most powerful (visa-free to 180+ countries)
• Free healthcare and education at public institutions
• The right to own land anywhere in the UAE
• Access to government roles and national funds
• Social benefits, retirement, and security
• A sense of permanency and belonging

 How to Get Noticed for Citizenship

Since there’s no official application, here’s what you can do to improve your chances:

1. Make an Impact

The more valuable you become whether through business, ideas, or creativity the higher your chances of being noticed. Be seen. Be worth it.

2. Apply for the Golden Visa

This can serve as a stepping stone to demonstrating your commitment to the nation in the long term. Many individuals who eventually became citizens began here.

3. Get Featured

Publish, win, submit for UAE-based fellowships, or work with government programs.

4. Consult the Experts

Companies such as E-Startup assist professionals and businesspeople not only establish in the UAE but also find alignment with long-term paths such as Golden Visa and (ultimately) citizenship.

 Is Citizenship Worth Pursuing?

Becoming a citizen of the UAE is not a common path but it is now a possible one for those who bring real value to the country. Whether you’re an entrepreneur building the next big idea, a doctor saving lives, or a creative shaping culture, your work can open doors to something far greater than residency.

Although you can’t directly apply for Emirati citizenship, the secret is in making a meaningful contribution, being dedicated to the UAE, and creating a long-term presence here. If that’s your path, you’re already well on the way.

Here at E-Startup, we don’t just assist individuals and companies with setting up in the UAE, we assist them in planning for long-term expansion from Golden Visas to strategic investments and more.

SOURCES

• https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/uae-nationality

• https://www.mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2021/January/30-01/UAE-grants-citizenship-to-investors-professionals-and-special-talents

• https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/

• https://www.mbrf.ae

• https://adro.gov.ae

 

FAQs

 

1. Can foreigners apply directly for Emirati citizenship?

No. There is no direct application. Citizenship can be granted only through government nomination by bodies such as the Ruler’s Court, Cabinet, or Crown Prince’s Court.

 

2. Who is eligible for UAE citizenship?

Categories that qualify are investors, doctors, scientists, inventors, artists, intellectuals, and skilled professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the UAE.

 

3. Is the UAE providing dual citizenship?

Yes, the UAE provides dual citizenship for those to be nominated, upon approval by the government. You need to notify the authorities if you gain or lose any nationality.

 

4. What is the advantage of Emirati citizenship?

Advantages comprise a UAE passport, free healthcare and education, land ownership, access to government employment, social welfare, and visa-free travel to 180+ destinations.

 

5. What is the difference between UAE citizenship and the Golden Visa?

Golden Visa grants long-term residence (10 years), whereas citizenship grants permanent status, rights to vote, a passport, and complete public entitlements.

 

6. Will my family also qualify for citizenship if I am selected?

Yes. In most instances, spouses and children of the nominated persons are also eligible for citizenship.

 

7. Do I have to speak Arabic to be a citizen?

Arabic fluency is desired, particularly for public communication roles, but not always a strict requirement for all categories.

 

8. How long do I need to live in the UAE to be eligible for citizenship?

There isn’t a specific number of years, but a solid, sustained record of giving back to the UAE — typically 10+ years — is typical of those nominated.

 

9. Does it cost money to obtain UAE citizenship?

There’s no official charge as you can’t directly apply. But fees associated with residency, business registration, or Golden Visa applications might be involved in the path to qualification.

 

10. How do I enhance my chances of nomination?

Focus on creating long-term value in the UAE, making contributions to your profession, obtaining a Golden Visa, collaborating with government-linked programs, and consulting experts for alignment with national priorities.