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Pathway

UAE Citizenship by Government Nomination

United Arab Emirates Citizenship
Pathway overview

At a glance

The UAE can grant citizenship to certain investors and people with exceptional skills or talent who are officially nominated by a UAE authority. You need an actual nomination to use this route, and final approval is not guaranteed.

Official nomination
A UAE authority must formally put you forward; you cannot apply independently
Eligible categories
Investors, doctors and specialists, scientists, inventors, recognized intellectual or creative professionals, and qualifying family members
Category evidence
For example, property ownership, professional experience, a patent, or an official recommendation, depending on the nominated category

Summary

The UAE can grant citizenship to selected investors, professionals, and people with exceptional talents through an official nomination process, supported by evidence for the relevant category. A strong career or a long stay in the UAE cannot replace that nomination.

Government approval and completion of the citizenship grant are separate from holding a work, Green, or Golden residence permit. UAE law also contains other residence-based citizenship provisions; this page covers the nomination route only.

From official nomination to a citizenship decision
  1. Confirm your nomination Verify which UAE authority is considering you and which category applies.
  2. Provide the evidence Follow the authority's checklist for your investment, profession, research, or talent.
  3. Complete the citizenship steps If approved If approved, follow the instructions to record your citizenship and obtain your documents.

A Golden Visa, investment, or long stay does not create a nomination. Separate citizenship rules for some long-term residents are outside this guide.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

An official nomination comes first

A nomination means an authority formally puts you forward for citizenship. Nominations can come through the Rulers' and Crown Princes' Courts, an Emirate's Executive Council, or the Federal Cabinet. You must confirm that an authority is actually considering you, and which category it is using. Hoping for a nomination is not enough to plan a move around this route.

The published categories include investors, doctors and specialists, scientists, inventors, intellectuals, artists, other people with creative talent, and qualifying family members.

Evidence for your category

The authority will tell you what to provide. Examples in the published conditions include:

Meeting a category's requirements does not let you apply on your own without a nomination. Officials still check your evidence, background, and other legal requirements. These include an oath of allegiance and compliance with UAE law.

Keeping another citizenship

The 2021 rules allow someone granted citizenship under this framework to keep their original nationality on the UAE side. Your other country may have different rules, so check whether acquiring UAE citizenship would affect your existing citizenship.

A nomination does not guarantee approval. Officials can ask for more evidence or refuse the case. Citizenship granted under the framework can also be withdrawn if its conditions are breached.

What This Route Allows

Once the government approves and completes the citizenship grant, you become a UAE citizen. You can then complete the citizenship and family records, Emirates ID, and passport procedures.

Citizenship carries the rights and responsibilities set by UAE law. You no longer need a foreign resident's permission solely to live in the country.

A qualifying nominee's spouse and children may also be included. Ask the nominating authority to confirm who is covered and what each person must do.

What This Route Is Not

A work residence visa, Green Residency, Golden Residency, investment, or long stay does not create an official nomination. Holding a Golden Visa for ten years does not guarantee citizenship.

UAE law has separate citizenship rules for some long-term residents, including different requirements for certain Arab nationals and other foreigners. Those also require a government decision and are outside this guide.

Success in a listed profession does not guarantee nomination or citizenship. Verify any claimed nomination directly with the government institution before paying an intermediary or sharing sensitive records. A nomination letter, citizenship decision, registration, Emirates ID, and passport are separate steps.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm that you have an actual nomination, which authority is handling it, and which category applies. Informal encouragement or an award alone is not enough.
  2. Verify the nomination and contact directly with the relevant government body.
  3. Get its checklist and gather the required property records, professional licenses, research evidence, recommendations, patents, awards, publications, or family records.
  4. Provide complete information about your citizenships, names, family, and any criminal or professional regulatory matters requested.
  5. Ask in writing whether your spouse or children are included.
  6. Check how acquiring UAE citizenship would affect any citizenship you already hold.
  7. After final approval, follow the authority's instructions for the oath, registration, family records, Emirates ID, and passport.

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Other routes in United Arab Emirates.

Sources