300x85.png)
Hong Kong
Singapore
China
Dubai
Thailand
United Kingdom
Mexico
Becoming a citizen in Dubai is possible but limited to specific pathways approved by the UAE government. Most expats secure citizenship through naturalization after decades of residency, marriage to an Emirati citizen, exceptional achievements, or investment programs. Birthright citizenship also applies in certain cases, but it is strictly regulated.
Discover the world’s top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
Unlike many countries, the UAE has a highly selective process, and only a small number of foreigners are granted citizenship each year. Those who qualify gain long-term stability, the ability to own property without restrictions, and access to government benefits. Before beginning the application, exploring Is It a Good Idea to Move to Dubai? can help expats understand whether pursuing citizenship aligns with their long-term goals. Understanding the eligibility criteria for each route is the first step toward applying for UAE citizenship in Dubai.
Other articles in this series include a comprehensive guide on Moving to Dubai and a feature article on some of the best places to live in Dubai.
Main Pathways to UAE Citizenship
In order to be a citizen in Dubai, you will need UAE citizenship which can be obtained through several methods: naturalization, marriage, or birth. In this section, we will go through the requirements of each method. The UAE also allows dual citizenship.
Naturalization Process for UAE Citizenship
One way to obtain citizenship in Dubai is through long-term residency. Visa holders who have continuously lived in Dubai for 30 years will be able to apply for citizenship. Other requirements include:
- Basic Arabic proficiency
- Financially self-reliant
- No prior criminal record
Citizenship for Exceptional Merit and Talent
Dubai citizenship by exceptional merit is one of the latest initiatives announced by the UAE to attract exceptional talents to the country. Eligible applicants include:
- Doctors with at least ten years of experience who are recognized for their scientific contribution in their field and hold a membership in a reputable organization in their field.
- Scientist with at least ten years of experience and holds at least one prestigious international award or research grant in their field.
- Innovators with at least one patented invention, at least one international award, and a recommendation from a government agency in their field.
- Inventors with at least one patent approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or a reputable international organization.
- Investors such as individuals who have bought real estate in the UAE.
How to Get Citizenship in Dubai Through Marriage
To obtain Dubai citizenship through marriage, your partner must first get a court’s permission to marry a foreigner. You must have a clean medical and criminal record and not already have a UAE residence visa
Birthright Eligibility for UAE Citizenship
Being born in the UAE does not grant citizenship. In order to obtain a Dubai citizenship at birth certain requirements must be fulfilled including:
- Descent of a long-term Arab settlers (Arabic families that have settled in the UAE before 1925 and stayed until 1972).
- Born from an Emirati father (this applies to those born in the UAE and abroad)
- Born from an Emirati mother without a legally established fatherhood or with a stateless father (this applies to those born in the UAE and abroad)
Moving to Dubai: Essential Expat Guide
As an expat, there are several things that you need to be aware of when moving to Dubai. In addition to the difference in culture and Dubai’s dry desert climate, the UAE has a mandatory health insurance policy which requires all visa residents and visa holders to be covered by a health insurance plan.
Culture and Daily Life in Dubai
Cultural difference in Dubai is something that will be something all expats must come to terms with. The UAE has deep islamic roots which is reflected in local laws, this applies to Dubai as well. One example is the strict dress code in public. Public displays of affection (PDA) is also a taboo.
Moving from the US to Dubai
Expats moving to Dubai from the US, will find that though Dubai may seem westernized in TV and movies, the country is still conservative in certain ways. That being said, expats won’t have to worry about whether Dubai is safe for Americans as Dubai is one of the world’s safest cities for Americans.
For US citizens moving to Dubai, they will find that Dubai has a considerable cheaper cost of living. When compared to the US, the cost of living is approximately 17.3% cheaper for individuals and 16.3% cheaper for families.
Moving from the UK to Dubai
Expats from the UK moving to Dubai, will find that the cost of living in dubai is approximately 35% cheaper than in the UK. Combined with the fact that Dubai is a tax haven, this makes the emirate the perfect place for UK expats.
Canadians Relocating to Dubai
If you are an expat moving from Canada to Dubai, you may find that the city offers abundant opportunities for those with entrepreneurial aspirations.
Whilst the cost of living may not be as low as some of the other places mentioned in this article, there are several governmental programs and initiatives that support Canadians looking to move to Dubai.
Chinese Expats Moving to Dubai
Expats moving from China to Dubai will find that due China’s Belt and Road Initiative, there are plenty of opportunities to seek employment in Dubai as a Chinese expat.
The cost of living in Dubai is higher than some of the major cities in China including Shanghai and Beijing. As such, it is important that you make sure your salary in Dubai reflects this difference when you are moving to Dubai from China.
Dubai Visa Application Guide
Applying for a visa in Dubai can be a complicated process but before you can apply, you need to understand which type of visa you will need. Below are the visas available in Dubai.
Employment Visa Options in Dubai
There are a few types of work visas in Dubai, the most common is the employment visa. To apply for this visa, applicants will need to be sponsored by an UAE employer. Without an employment visa, expats will not be able to work in Dubai.
Alternatively, Dubai also has a virtual employment visa which is used for expats who work for an UAE employer remotely.
Family Visa Sponsorship in Dubai
For family members of expats who already have a valid residency visa can apply for the family visa to stay in Dubai. Alternatively, family members can also apply for other visas on their own if applicable.
Golden Visa Options for Long-Term Stay
For expats who are looking to start or invest in a business in Dubai, they can apply for the golden visa.To apply for the golden visa, expats will have to show proof of investment funds and a business plan approval. A golden visa can be valid for five to 10 years.
Student Visa Guide for Dubai
Those who are seeking education in Dubai can apply for the student visa. Student visas are valid for a year and can be renewed for the same duration as long as expats show proof of continuous study.
What Life in Dubai Is Like for Expats
Dubai is one of the most powerful emirates in the UAE next to Abu Dhabi, the capital. As such, expats can find all sorts of modern amenities when living in Dubai that are on par from their home country. Life in Dubai as an expat can be as modern as any major city in the world!
Dubai also has one of the world’s lowest crime rates. As such, expats can expect to feel safe when they are in the emirate. However, it is important that expats are familiar with the local laws in Dubai for expats in order to avoid any unnecessary conflicts.
Dubai’s healthcare is ranked the highest in the UAE. Whilst public hospitals can be accessed by expats through the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) health card system, Dubai’s private hospitals are well-equipped with cutting-edge technology and staff who are trained to cater to expats.
Learn more about life as an expat in our guide on what to expect when living in Dubai and Dubai Laws for expats to avoid risks during your stay in Dubai.
Recommended Salaries for Expats in Dubai
On the topic of salary in Dubai many expats often have questions including what salary they need to move to Dubai? And are Americans paid more in Dubai? Whilst the recommended salary for expats is about USD $4,900 to USD $8,168 (AED 18,000 – AED 30,000), it can also vary from expat to expat.
When you receive an offer to work in Dubai, there are a few things you need to consider in order to determine whether or not the salary will work for you. In addition to the cost of living, it is also crucial that you consider your standard of living and how that translates in Dubai.
Conclusion
There are various ways for expats to become citizens in Dubai. Expats who have already spent over 30 years in the UAE can be naturalized whilst expats who are considering moving to Dubai can become a citizen through investment or exceptional merit.
From the modern metropolitan amenities to the fact that it is a tax haven, Dubai is filled with opportunities for expats to live a good life. For expats who are still on the fence check out our article on is it a good idea to move to Dubai for more information before you decide.
For expats who have already decided to move to Dubai, it is recommended that you secure comprehensive health insurance on top of the health insurance plan provided by your employer. To ensure that you have access to the hospitals of your choice in Dubai.
Pacific Prime is a global insurance broker with over 20 years in the industry. Our partnerships with top insurers in the world allow us to help you find the right plan that fits your needs and budget.
Contact us today and get a free quote comparison.
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
- Best International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Fiji – October 17, 2025
- Best International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Kosovo – October 17, 2025
- How to Get UAE Citizenship in Dubai – October 17, 2025
