United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates settlement & citizenship
The UAE does not operate a general path from residence to citizenship. Long-term residency is available via the Golden Visa (10 years) or Blue Visa (environmental contributors, 10 years). Citizenship can only be granted by Presidential decree — 2021 amendments to the nationality law opened a narrow path for investors, scientists, doctors, artists, and intellectuals.
Last reviewed 1 June 2026.
How long does United Arab Emirates settlement and citizenship take?
Arrival → Golden Visa (direct for qualifying income/qualifications) → 10-year residence. Citizenship only via separate Presidential decree. The pathway moves from a temporary route into Long-term residency (Golden Visa / Blue Visa), then Emirati citizenship (by Presidential decree only); check the physical-presence rule and language level before planning dates.
Verified against UAE Government Portal — Visa and Emirates ID on 1 June 2026.
Source basis
This settlement and citizenship page is compiled from the destination's official settlement or nationality source plus the linked route records that feed into the pathway.
Reviewed
Primary sources
- UAE Government Portal — Visa and Emirates ID
UAE Government Portal — Visa and Emirates ID - verified
- UAE Government Portal — Golden Visa
UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) - verified
Stages — from visa to passport
- 1
Sponsored residence visa
2-3 years, renewable
- Who qualifies
- Employees sponsored by a UAE employer, dependants of sponsors, students.
- Key gate
- Continuous employment; re-entry within 6 months of any departure.
- 2
Long-term residency (Golden Visa / Blue Visa)
10 years, renewable
- Who qualifies
- Skilled professionals (salary ≥ AED 30,000/month), investors (AED 2M+), outstanding students, exceptional talents, humanitarian pioneers, environmental contributors (Blue Visa).
- Key gate
- Nomination from ICP or a recognised nominating entity; medical; Emirates ID.
- Linked visas
- UAE Golden Visa
- 3
Emirati citizenship (Presidential decree)
No fixed residency path
- Who qualifies
- Only specific categories: investors, specialised talents (doctors, scientists, inventors), artists, intellectuals — individually nominated and approved by the Federal Authorities.
- Key gate
- Presidential decree following nomination by the relevant Emirate or Federal body.
Physical presence
Residence visa holders must enter the UAE at least once every 6 months to remain valid.
Language level
Arabic (no formal test for residence; informal for citizenship candidates).
Test / oath
No standard citizenship test. Oath of allegiance at citizenship grant.
Dual citizenship
Since 2021, the UAE has allowed dual citizenship for those granted Emirati citizenship by decree. The origin country's rules also apply.
Typical full timeline
Arrival → Golden Visa (direct for qualifying income/qualifications) → 10-year residence. Citizenship only via separate Presidential decree.
Primary source
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get Emirati citizenship (by Presidential decree only) after first arriving in United Arab Emirates?
Arrival → Golden Visa (direct for qualifying income/qualifications) → 10-year residence. Citizenship only via separate Presidential decree.
How many days a year must I physically be in United Arab Emirates to qualify?
Residence visa holders must enter the UAE at least once every 6 months to remain valid.
What language level do I need for Emirati citizenship (by Presidential decree only)?
Arabic (no formal test for residence; informal for citizenship candidates).
Does United Arab Emirates allow dual citizenship?
Since 2021, the UAE has allowed dual citizenship for those granted Emirati citizenship by decree. The origin country's rules also apply.