UAE Citizenship by Investment

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February 22, 2025

The terms United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizenship by investment and UAE Golden Visa are often confused, though they serve different purposes. Citizenship by investment grants full citizenship, including a passport, in return for a qualifying investment. On the other hand, a golden visa provides long-term residency rather than citizenship, allowing individuals to live and work in the host country. This blog delves into whether there is a direct route to UAE citizenship through investment and explores the UAE Golden Visa as a potential pathway to residency and eventual naturalisation.

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Obtaining citizenship by investment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not possible in the manner that it is in some countries, such as under the Caribbean CBI programmes; instead, the applicant is granted citizenship after a long period of residency. The UAE is progressive in attracting investment and talent to the country, and the UAE golden visa programme reflects this. The UAE golden visa benefits the holder short of full citizenship and allows the holder to maintain the long period of residency (thirty years) required to obtain citizenship by naturalisation while being able to live, work, study, and conduct business in the country. The UAE golden visa has been popular, with 158,000 issued in 2023 (up from around 80,000 in 2022 and around 47,000 in 2021) as the UAE looks to fulfil the programme’s aims to attract and retain top talent, promote economic growth and provide a secure and prosperous future for residents. The highly favourable tax regime in the UAE is also a significant factor for many applicants. However, tax residency does not come automatically with UAE residency and requires spending a considerable amount of time in the country (and avoiding being a tax resident anywhere else).

UAE Citizenship by Investment

Does the UAE Offer Citizenship by Investment?

It does not in the traditional sense. Citizenship is generally reserved for those with blood ties to the UAE or obtained after a very long period of residency (typically thirty years). However, since 2021, it has been possible to achieve citizenship by ‘exceptional merit’, which can be met, among other things, by investment, although this is a truly exceptional category and is decided on a case-by-case basis rather than by meeting fixed criteria. The UAE currently offers a golden visa programme that seeks to attract foreign talent and investment and allows for residency in the UAE. Still, it is not in itself a path to citizenship.

Residence through the golden visa scheme comes with the following main benefits.

Ability to live, work and study in the UAE
Ability to register assets in the UAE without the usual restrictions on non-visa holders
No requirement for a sponsor
Highly favourable tax regime
Access to high-quality healthcare and education
Ability to sponsor family members and domestic workers for applications for residency

What is the level of investment required?

For a five-year golden residence visa (also known as the green visa), an investment of AED 750,000 (c. USD 204,000) in real estate.

For a ten-year golden residence visa, an investment of AED 2,000,000 (c. USD 545,000) in real estate.

Applicants investing at least AED 10,000,000 (c. USD 2,720,000) in a UAE business or investment fund or depositing such amount in a UAE bank account can also obtain a golden visa.

However, as the UAE is seeking to attract individuals with unique characteristics, golden visas can also be obtained by:

Persons of exceptional talent in arts, science, or technology
Exceptional scientists and professionals (e.g. healthcare, education, engineering)
Outstanding students
Humanitarian pioneers
Frontline heroes that show extraordinary efforts in crises such as pandemics

The UAE authorities must approve all applications, and as the alternative categories are subjective by nature, these are less certain to be approved than the investment routes.

How long does the process take?

Processing times are very quick, at around five business days. However, taking into account the gathering of information required, the process typically takes around two months.

How much does it cost?

The fees involved in obtaining a UAE golden visa range from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 (c. USD 2,720 to USD 4,085) depending on the basis for the application and the length of golden visa applied for.

Can family members also obtain a golden visa?

Yes, golden visa holders may sponsor spouses and children regardless of age and may also sponsor colleagues and domestic staff.

How long is the golden visa issued for?

The UAE golden visa has an initial period of validity of five or ten years, depending on the type of application, and may be extended provided the initial criteria for granting the visa continue to be met.

Do I need to spend time in the UAE?

No, there are no time requirements. In particular, the requirement for the validity of a non-golden visa that a holder may not stay outside of the UAE for more than six months does not apply to golden visa holders.

How is the citizenship in the UAE obtained?

Obtaining citizenship in the UAE is not related to the golden visa programme other than as part of compliance with the required residency periods. Applicants can get citizenship in the UAE through what can be considered standard paths such as birth, descent, marriage, and naturalisation. As naturalisation requires residency of at least thirty years, this is not a viable option for most. However, the UAE may also grant citizenship based on ‘exceptional merit’ case-by-case basis to doctors, scientists, inventors, creative talents, and investors. This is a highly discretionary category and, thus, is not a route that can be relied upon.

Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in the UAE?

In general, no, although persons obtaining citizenship by exceptional merit may retain their original citizenship.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment as the Best Alternative

As you can see from the above, obtaining citizenship in the UAE is a long process requiring an exceptionally long period of residency. In comparison, the Caribbean citizenship by investment countries offer a faster and more certain alternative with a far lower level of commitment from the applicant and provides visa free access for travel. For details of these CBI programmes, such as Grenada Citizenship by Investment, check the home page.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining citizenship by investment in the UAE alone is not an option as it is under other CBI programmes such as those in the Caribbean. Rather, citizenship is obtained by a (very) long period of residency. The UAE golden visa programme is worth considering if you do not require full citizenship (at least for a very long time) and are genuinely looking to work, live and/or do business in the UAE. Obtaining the UAE golden visa will also allow an investor to spend the requisite time in the UAE to take advantage of its favourable tax regime, including zero inheritance tax. For investors looking for full citizenship, it is unlikely that the UAE is the right option for you as it would generally take thirty years of residency unless the investor is a very special case.

What types of investments qualify for the UAE golden visa programme?

Investments in UAE funds, deposits in UAE banks and the purchase of real estate in the UAE.

How much do I have to invest to obtain a UAE golden visa?

The required amount ranges from AED 750,000 to AED 10,000,000 for the various investment categories.

How long does it take to process an application for a UAE golden visa?

Typically, the process takes around two months.

How long does it take to obtain citizenship of the UAE?

A citizenship application may only be made after thirty years of residency in the UAE unless the application is made on a discretionary ‘exceptional merit’ basis.

What documents are required to apply for a UAE golden visa?

Documents required include passport, medical certification, proof of health insurance, and evidence of meeting the criteria on which the application is based (e.g. proof of investment or evidence that the exception merit criteria have been met).

Can family members be included in the application for a UAE golden visa?

A UAE golden visa holder may sponsor any spouse and all children, regardless of age as well as colleagues and domestic staff. Although this is a slightly different process to other golden visa programmes, the effect is similar.

Are there any residency requirements for applicants for a UAE golden visa?

No. A golden visa holder is not required to spend any time in the UAE to maintain the golden visa. However, given that many holders wish to take advantage of the favourable tax regime in the UAE, they may need to spend a considerable part of their time in the country to obtain tax residency.

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Antigua and Barbuda enjoys a tropical maritime climate, characterised by warm temperatures year-round, with an average of 27°C (81°F). The islands have a relatively dry season from January to April, with a wetter season from May to November. The islands have robust infrastructure and emergency systems in place to manage such events.

Originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples, the islands were colonised by the British in the 17th century. The cultural landscape is a blend of African, British, and indigenous influences. This rich history is reflected in local music, dance, and festivals, with calypso, reggae, and steelpan music being particularly popular. Cricket, a legacy of British rule, is the most popular sport, and sailing is also popular, reflecting the islands' strong maritime culture.

Antigua and Barbuda boasts 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, along with coral reefs, lagoons, and lush vegetation. The country’s landscape is primarily flat, with rolling hills and volcanic rock formations. The islands are also home to rich biodiversity, making them a haven for nature lovers.

Antigua and Barbuda have a stable democratic government based on the British parliamentary system. The country is generally regarded as having a manageable level of bureaucracy, with a reasonably straightforward process for interacting with government agencies. Retirees will find that essential services like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining necessary permits are relatively simple, although some processes can be slow due to limited resources. The government has been making strides in digitising services to reduce in-person visits and streamline processes.

Antigua and Barbuda is known for its lively events and festivals, particularly Carnival, one of the year's most anticipated events. Antigua Sailing Week is another major event, attracting sailors and spectators from around the world. These festivals are deeply rooted in the local culture and provide a vibrant social scene for retirees.

Dominica has a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and heavy rainfall, particularly on the windward side of the island. Temperatures are warm year-round, averaging 26°C (79°F), with cooler conditions in themountainous interior. The island’s lush greenery is a result of its abundantrainfall.

Dominica's culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous Kalinago heritage, African traditions, and European colonial influences, particularly French and British. The island was originally settled by the Kalinago people, and their influence is still present today, especially in the Kalinago Territory. African traditions have also left a profound mark, particularly in the island’s music, dance, and festivals. Dominica’s outdoor sports are heavily influenced by its rugged terrain, with hiking and diving being popular among locals and expatriates alike, although there is of course cricket for those with more sedentary dispositions.

Known as the "NatureIsland," Dominica is characterised by its rugged terrain, rainforests ,waterfalls, and geothermal activity. The island is home to the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, as well as numerous rivers and lakes. Dominica’s unspoiled natural beauty is a major draw for retirees who appreciate ecotourism and outdoor adventures.

Dominica’s government operates under a parliamentary democracy, with a legal system rooted in English common law. While the country’s bureaucracy is smaller and more accessible, some processes can be slow, particularly in rural areas. However, the government is generally cooperative and accommodating, particularly for expatriates. It’s advisable to have local assistance or a legal advisor to navigate more complex processes, such as property transactions or dealing with land registries.

Dominica hosts several unique cultural events, including the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. The island’s festivals are deeply connected to its Creole heritage, offering retirees a chance to immerse themselves in local traditions and music. Dominica’s Independence celebrations also feature traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

Grenada has a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year, averaging around 28°C (82°F). The dry season runs from January to May, while the wet season is from June to December. Although Grenada is located on the southern edge of the hurricane belt and is less impacted the another Caribbean islands, it is not immune to these storms as has been seen recently with Hurricane Beryl. The island has since improved its hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience and the value of these improvements has led to greater preparedness for such events.

The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples before being colonised by Europeans. Grenadian culture is characterised by a strong sense of community, vibrant music, and dance traditions, such as calypso and soca. French influence on the island is evident in its place names and culinary traditions. Cricket and football are the most popular sports, and sailing and water sports are also widely enjoyed.

Known as the "SpiceIsle," Grenada is famous for its aromatic plantations, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The island’s volcanic origin provides a diverse landscape of mountains, rainforests, and coastal areas. Grenada’s natural beauty is complemented by its extensive marine life, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Grenada also follows a British-style parliamentary democracy. The country’s bureaucracy is relatively user-friendly, with many government processes being straightforward and accessible. Retirees generally find it easy to interact with government departments for routine tasks such as registering a vehicle, renewing licences, or paying taxes.

Grenada’s Spicemas Carnival is the island’s most significant cultural event, celebrated with colourful parades, music, and dance. The island also hosts the Grenada Sailing Festival and the Pure Grenada Music Festival, both of which attract international visitors. These events provide a lively social calendar for retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F) throughout the year. The islands have a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. Located within the hurricane belt, Saint Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to hurricanes, especially between June and November, but the islands have strong building codes and disaster response plans in place to reduce the impact of the senatural events.

The cultural heritage of Saint Kitts and Nevis is shaped by its history of indigenous Carib and Arawak inhabitants and European colonisation. Saint Kitts was the first Caribbean island to be colonised by the British, and Nevis has a rich history as a major sugar producer. The islands' cultural roots are a blend of African, British, and French influences, reflected in the local cuisine, music, and festivals. Cricket and football are deeply ingrained in the local culture and, along with sailing and hiking, are integral to the islands' cultural life.

The twin islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are known for their volcanic mountains, rainforests, and beaches. The islands are home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress and offer stunning views from places like Mount Liamuiga. The islands’ natural beauty is one of their strongest appeals to retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis operates under a stable parliamentary democracy, with governance structures similar to those of other Commonwealth countries. The islands have a relatively low level of bureaucracy, and dealing with the government on a day-to-day basis is generally straightforward. Most routine administrative tasks, such as obtaining permits, paying taxes, or registering property, are manageable, although some processes can take longer than expected due to limited staffing. The government is trying to modernise its operations, including digitising more services, which should help reduce delays and improve overall efficiency.

The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis host several vibrant festivals, including Carnival, the Saint Kitts Music Festival, and Culturama, which is unique to Nevis. These events celebrate local culture, music, and heritage, offering retirees plenty of opportunities to engage with the community and enjoy local traditions.

Saint Lucia enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The dry season extends from December to May, while the wet season is from June to November. Saint Lucia is situated near the edge of the hurricane belt, making it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms but less so than those further north. The government has invested in improving hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience to protect the island from future storms better.

Saint Lucia's culture is a unique blend of African, French, and British influences, reflecting its complex history of colonisation. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and later the Carib people, before being contested by the French and British for centuries. The French influence is particularly strong in the island's Creole language, cuisine, and Catholic traditions, while British colonial rule has left its mark on the legal system and sports, particularly cricket. The island’s dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Pitons, provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor sports like hiking and diving, which are popular among locals and retirees alike.

Saint Lucia is famous for its dramatic Pitons, volcanic peaks that rise sharply from the sea. The island’s landscape includes rainforests, beaches, andSulphur Springs, the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. Saint Lucia’s natural beauty is among the most striking in the Caribbean, attracting retirees who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views.

Saint Lucia’s government is a parliamentary democracy, and the country has a reputation for a relatively efficient bureaucracy compared to other Caribbean nations. For retirees, dealing with the government is typically hassle-free for most day-to-day tasks like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining residency permits. Saint Lucia has been proactive in improving its e-government services, allowing for easier access to information and quicker processing of certain requests online.

Saint Lucia is famous for its Jazz and Arts Festival, which attracts international artists and music lovers. The island’s Carnival is another major event, featuring parades, music, and dancing. Additionally, the La Rose and La Marguerite festivals celebrate the island’s unique cultural heritage, offering retirees a rich cultural experience.

UAE Citizenship by Investment

UAE Citizenship by Investment

Does the UAE Offer Citizenship by Investment?

What is the level of investment required?

How long does the process take?

How much does it cost?

Can family members also obtain a golden visa?

How long is the golden visa issued for?

Do I need to spend time in the UAE?

How is the citizenship in the UAE obtained?

Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in the UAE?

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment as the Best Alternative

Final Thoughts

What types of investments qualify for the UAE golden visa programme?

How much do I have to invest to obtain a UAE golden visa?

How long does it take to process an application for a UAE golden visa?

How long does it take to obtain citizenship of the UAE?

What documents are required to apply for a UAE golden visa?

Can family members be included in the application for a UAE golden visa?

Are there any residency requirements for applicants for a UAE golden visa?

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