Dual Citizenship for UAE Citizens
Dual citizenship is becoming an increasingly in-demand tool for UAE citizens seeking global mobility and asset protection. A second passport opens access to visa-free travel, foreign investments, quality education, and new business opportunities. In the context of international instability, having alternative citizenship becomes a reliable security strategy for the family and future generations. However, the path to obtaining a second passport is associated with legal nuances and serious requirements of each program. A mistake in choosing the country or in preparing the documents may result in rejection and loss of investments.
Our legal team supports clients from the UAE at every step: we select optimal citizenship-by-investment programs in various jurisdictions, conduct legal due diligence and protect clients’ interests before government authorities, assist in structuring assets and businesses considering the tax benefits of a second passport, and handle all the documentation until successful acquisition of citizenship. With us, you gain a strategic tool for global mobility and protection of your family’s and business’s future.
UAE Citizenship Legislation
The main document defining the rules of acquisition and loss of citizenship in the UAE is Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 “On Nationality and Passports.” It was adopted at the dawn of the state’s existence and reflected the young Emirates’ strategy to preserve the uniqueness of the national composition. Subsequently, it has been amended multiple times – in particular, Law No. 10 of 1975 and Decree-Law No. 16 of 2017.
The system is based on the principle of blood right (jus sanguinis): a child acquires citizenship if the father is a UAE citizen, or if the mother is an Emirati and the child has no father. Birth on the country’s territory, as in the USA or Canada, does not provide the right to a UAE passport. From the very beginning, the legislator established strict control over who can become a citizen.
Naturalization in the UAE is an extremely complex process. It is possible for foreigners who have lived in the country for a long period (for Arabs – at least 7 years, for others – up to 30 years). In addition, knowledge of the Arabic language, impeccable reputation, stable income, and proven contribution to the state’s life are required. Even if all these conditions are met, the final decision always remains with the authorities and may depend on political and economic factors.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions. A woman married to a UAE citizen has the right to apply for citizenship after several years of marriage. In some cases, the president or emirate ruler may personally petition for granting a passport to a person who has made a special contribution to the development of science, culture, or the economy. This emphasizes the individual, rather than automatic, nature of granting citizenship.
The question “Does UAE allow dual citizenship?” is regularly raised by foreign media and Emirati residents. For decades, the answer was unequivocal: no. Upon obtaining UAE citizenship, a foreigner was required to renounce all other passports. Similarly, an Emirati citizen who obtained another country’s citizenship risked automatically losing the UAE passport.
However, in 2021 the situation changed. As part of large-scale reforms, the UAE government revised the rules and allowed dual citizenship, but only for a limited group of people. These include investors, outstanding scientists, doctors, engineers, inventors, as well as creative figures capable of making a significant contribution to the country’s development. Such citizenship is granted exclusively by decision of the emir, the Cabinet of Ministers, or through nomination by executive councils, once again underlining the exceptional nature of the mechanism.
It is also worth noting that anyone who acquires a second passport without notifying the Emirati authorities may face consequences: from citizenship revocation to serious legal sanctions. Therefore, Emirati lawyers recommend considering a second passport only within the procedures provided by law.
Dual Citizenship in Dubai for Emiratis
Until 2021, dual citizenship in Dubai (and in the UAE in general) was prohibited: acquiring another country’s passport meant automatic loss of UAE citizenship. However, in 2021, the legislation became more flexible. Amendments were approved that allow dual citizenship, but only for foreign specialists and strictly upon official nomination by the highest authorities. This is not an automatic right: only investors, scientists, doctors, patent holders, and creative talents may apply, and only after official approval through the Rulers’ Courts, Executive Councils, or the Cabinet of Ministers.
If you are an Emirati by birth, dual citizenship in Dubai is officially not allowed. Even if you hold another citizenship, it is not legally recognized and may result in the loss of the UAE passport.
Loss of citizenship is possible if an Emirati serves in the army of another country without permission, lives abroad for many years without valid reason, or obtained UAE citizenship through fraud. The official decision on granting dual citizenship is made only at the highest level and involves the obligation of an “oath of allegiance,” notification of the authorities about changes in citizenship, and compliance with UAE laws.
The legislation strictly limits the categories of people who may be considered for citizenship:
- Investors: owners of real estate or businesses with verified assets;
- Scientists and specialists in medicine, technology, engineering, energy;
- Inventors and patent holders, provided they have registered international patents;
- Intellectuals and creative figures who have contributed to culture or the arts;
- Families of such specialists, including spouses and children.
The process is always initiated by an official body. A personal application by a foreigner for citizenship is not considered. For Dubai residents, the key role is played by the Ruler’s Court.
Competent authorities conduct comprehensive due diligence: they verify financial solvency, sources of income, absence of criminal record, contribution to the economy or culture. The candidate must submit a complete set of documents. At this stage, lawyers help prepare the papers and translations correctly:
- International passport and copies of all existing passports;
- Birth certificate and marriage/divorce documents (if applicable);
- Recommendation letters from local authorities or partners;
- Proof of income and financial solvency (bank statements, tax reports, audit conclusions);
- Evidence of achievements: scientific publications, patents, investment documents, portfolio (for cultural figures);
- Certificate of no criminal record in the country of residence and in the UAE;
- Medical certificate of health condition.
The documents are submitted to the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. A final analysis is carried out here. After approval, the candidate takes the oath of allegiance to the UAE, signs obligations to comply with laws and notify the authorities about possession of other citizenships. Afterwards, a passport is issued.
It is important to note that granting citizenship in the UAE is not an automatic right even with a perfect set of documents. The decision remains with the authorities and is discretionary. Furthermore, Emirati authorities may revoke citizenship in cases of false information, evasion of duties, or actions threatening national security.
International Aspects for UAE Citizens
Traveling with two passports is much easier. A second passport can reduce visa restrictions and provide access to countries where the UAE passport is less convenient.
Many countries require their citizens to use their national passport when crossing the border. For example, US citizens must use their American passport when returning to the US. For Emiratis, it is similar – when leaving or returning to the UAE, the UAE passport must be used, even if a second one is held.
Taxation is one of the key aspects influenced by dual citizenship. The UAE does not levy personal income tax. Only corporate tax, excise duties, and value-added tax (VAT 5%) exist. In the UAE, tax residency is determined by actual presence (more than 183 days per year, under certain circumstances – a minimum of 90 days for UAE or GCC citizens/residents).
For UAE residents who are US citizens, there is no double taxation avoidance agreement. However, the United States applies mechanisms such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit. At the same time, a UAE resident may in practice not pay additional income tax locally.
Restrictions and Risks for UAE Citizens
Traditionally, the UAE did not recognize dual citizenship. Until 2021, an Emirati who obtained another country’s passport automatically lost UAE citizenship. In recent years, the rules have become more flexible: in exceptional cases, an emirate ruler or the Cabinet of Ministers may allow retention of two passports. However, this is not a general right but an individual exception. For most citizens, the prohibition on independently acquiring a second citizenship without government approval still applies.
UAE citizens are obliged to perform military service or alternative state duties if they fall within the relevant age category. Having a second passport does not exempt from this requirement. Moreover, serving in the army of another country without Emirati authorities’ permission is considered a violation and may lead to loss of citizenship or criminal prosecution.
UAE citizenship is tied to political rights: the right to participate in consultative councils, the possibility to work in government positions, and eligibility for certain social benefits. However, having a second citizenship may limit access to these rights. In some cases, an Emirati with a foreign passport may be excluded from elections or deprived of the ability to hold positions related to national security.
Violation of citizenship legislation may lead to:
- Loss of UAE passport if a citizen conceals possession of a second passport;
- Passport annulment if citizenship was obtained using false data;
- Deprivation of social and political rights, including access to public service and benefits;
- Criminal prosecution if an Emirati’s actions contradict national security interests.
Our legal team accompanies Emiratis and UAE residents on all matters related to citizenship and international law. We help clarify the legal consequences of obtaining a second passport, verify whether foreign citizenship may be lawfully retained in a particular case, prepare and correctly submit the necessary documents to Emirati authorities, protect client interests in case of risk of losing citizenship, and develop an international tax and legal planning strategy for holders of multiple passports.
Do you want to be sure that your actions regarding citizenship will not lead to legal risks? Contact our lawyers today – we will help you understand the legal nuances and protect your interests in any jurisdiction.
