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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?

Qualifying applicants may obtain 5- or 10-year self-sponsored long-term residence. Citizenship remains a separate, exceptional Presidential-decree process. 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

Stages — from visa to passport

  1. 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. 2

    Long-term residency (Golden Visa / Blue Visa)

    5 or 10 years, renewable, depending on qualifying category

    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.
  3. 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

Qualifying applicants may obtain 5- or 10-year self-sponsored long-term residence. Citizenship remains a separate, exceptional Presidential-decree process.

Primary source

UAE Government Portal — Visa and Emirates ID

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get Emirati citizenship (by Presidential decree only) after first arriving in United Arab Emirates?

Qualifying applicants may obtain 5- or 10-year self-sponsored long-term residence. Citizenship remains a separate, exceptional Presidential-decree process.

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.

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