Emirati nationality by nomination for investors, professionals and talents
UAE · Official name: Acquisition of Emirati nationality under the amended Executive Regulation of the Citizenship and Passports Law (Federal Law No. 17 of 1972)
There is no application-based naturalisation route for most foreigners in the UAE. Since amendments approved in January 2021, certain categories of foreigners and their spouses and children can be granted Emirati nationality, but only by nomination: the Rulers' and Crown Princes' Courts, Executive Councils and the Cabinet nominate candidates put forward by federal entities. Categories include investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, intellectuals, artists and people with creative talents. People granted nationality this way may keep their original nationality. Long-term residence (the Golden Visa) is a separate route and is not citizenship.
1 entry rule for United Arab Emirates based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 9 months and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in United Arab Emirates
Finance
3
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham
AED
United Arab Emirates Dirham
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Living
1
Happiness
#19 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Exceptional investors, doctors and scientists, inventors, intellectuals and artists already known to UAE authorities, and their spouses and children.
Eligibility
Nomination only
Sign in to check this route against your profileNationality is granted only on nomination by the Rulers' and Crown Princes' Courts, Executive Councils and the Cabinet, based on nominations from federal entities. You cannot apply directly.
Doctors and specialistsDoctors and specialists
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need expertise in a high-demand scientific field, recognised scientific contributions, and membership of a reputable organisation in your field.
At least 10 years
Experience required
- Applies to doctors and specialists
Official wording
Expertise in a high-demand scientific field, recognised scientific contributions, at least 10 years of practical experience, and membership of a reputable organisation in their field.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 more requirement
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Before you pay anyone, check their licencePlaces to visit in United Arab Emirates
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Other routes to United Arab Emirates
- Visit & tourismTourist visit visa (entry permit for tourism), sponsored by a licensed tourism establishment
- StudyResidence permit for a student
- Work permitsWork permit (MOHRE) and residence visa for private sector employees
- 3 more routes with Premium