The Emirati passport, with its distinctive navy blue cover, has transformed into one of the world's most powerful travel documents. Offering visa-free access to over 180 countries and representing a gateway to a dynamic, tax-free economy, it's a highly sought-after asset for global citizens . For decades, obtaining UAE citizenship was an exclusive prospect, but recent legal reforms have created new, albeit selective, pathways. This guide for 2026 details everything you need to know about the eligibility, process, and benefits of acquiring an Emirati passport.
Who is Eligible for an Emirati Passport?
You must be a recognized citizen of the United Arab Emirates to hold an Emirati passport. Citizenship is the prerequisite, and it is established through several distinct pathways, primarily by descent or through special merit-based nominations.
Citizenship by Descent
This is the most traditional and straightforward path, governed by the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood).
- Emirati Father: A child born to an Emirati father automatically receives citizenship at birth, regardless of the country of birth .
- Emirati Mother: A child born to an Emirati mother and a foreign father may acquire citizenship, but the process is not automatic and is subject to specific conditions and government discretion .
- Historical Connection: Individuals from Arab families who resided in the territory that became the UAE before 1925 and continued their residence until 1972 may also be eligible .
Citizenship by Exceptional Merit and Nomination
In a landmark shift in 2021, the UAE government approved amendments to allow specific categories of exceptionally talented foreigners to acquire Emirati citizenship, and crucially, to retain their existing nationalities . This is a nomination-based process, not a standard application open to the public.
The following table outlines the categories of individuals who may be nominated and their specific eligibility criteria :
Other Pathways to Citizenship
- Citizenship by Marriage: A foreign woman married to an Emirati man may apply for citizenship after 7 years of marriage if they have children, or after 10 years if they do not . It's important to note that foreign men married to Emirati women are not eligible for citizenship through marriage .
- Citizenship by Naturalization: This path exists in law but is exceptionally demanding and rare in practice. It generally requires an astonishing 30 years of continuous legal residency, fluency in Arabic, a clean criminal record, and a legal source of income . Meeting these criteria does not guarantee citizenship, as approval remains highly discretionary.
The UAE Passport Application Process
The process for obtaining a passport begins only after your citizenship has been formally confirmed. For those applying through the exceptional merit pathway, the process is unique.
For Nominated Individuals (Exceptional Merit)
The process does not start with you, but with the state. It is an invitation, not a standard application .
- Nomination and Review: Potential candidates are identified and nominated by federal entities or the Courts of the Rulers and Crown Princes .
- Vetting and Approval: The nominee's file undergoes an extensive and discreet vetting process by federal authorities. Final approval is granted by the highest levels of UAE government .
- Oath of Allegiance: Once approved, eligible candidates must take a formal oath of allegiance and loyalty to the UAE and commit to abide by the country's laws .
Required Documents for Passport Issuance
Once citizenship is confirmed, you can apply for your physical passport. You will need:
- Proof of Citizenship: The official documentation confirming your status as a UAE citizen.
- Valid Emirates ID .
- Previous Passport (if renewing) .
- Passport Photos: Recent photos that meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) has specific criteria for photos used in the new biometric passport .
The New Generation Emirati Passport
The UAE has introduced a new generation of the Emirati passport, which features unprecedented technical and security characteristics to prevent forgery .
Key features include:
- Polycarbonate Data Page: The identification page is made of durable polycarbonate instead of paper, making it difficult to damage .
- Advanced Laser Engraving: Data is printed using high-quality laser technology with three-dimensional elements and security marks invisible to the naked eye .
- Enhanced Visual Elements: The passport includes a hologram, a transparent window with the state emblem, and highly complicated decorative engravings .
You can apply for this new passport upon renewal. The ICP has extended the renewal window, allowing citizens to renew their passports up to 12 months before expiry .
Benefits of Holding an Emirati Passport
The advantages of an Emirati passport extend far beyond global mobility.
- Visa-Free Global Access: Emirati citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184-185 destinations worldwide, ranking the passport 8th-9th strongest globally . This includes access to the UK, Schengen Area, China, and many other major economies.
- Favorable Tax Environment: The UAE imposes no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax, making it a fiscal fortress for wealth preservation .
- Dual Citizenship: The 2021 amendments allow nominated individuals to hold Emirati citizenship alongside their original nationality, a significant change from previous policy .
- Economic and Social Benefits: Citizens have the right to own property (including in zones designated for nationals), access to free education and healthcare, and streamlined processes for opening businesses and bank accounts .
Important Considerations for 2026 and Beyond
The ETIAS Authorization for European Travel
Starting in the last quarter of 2026, Emirati citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before traveling to most European countries in the Schengen Area .
- What it is: ETIAS is a pre-travel security screening, not a visa. It is a simple online application .
- Cost and Validity: The fee is €7 and is waived for applicants under 18 or over 70. Once approved, it is valid for three years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period .
- Application: The process is entirely online and most approvals are granted within minutes .
Maintaining Your Status
Emirati citizenship, particularly for naturalized citizens, comes with conditions. Citizens must inform the government if they acquire or lose any other citizenship, and the citizenship can be withdrawn upon breach of the conditions under which it was granted .
Conclusion: Your Gateway to the UAE and the World
Obtaining an Emirati passport remains one of the most exclusive citizenship processes in the world. While the path is not open to everyone, the 2021 reforms have created a clear, albeit highly selective, route for investors, scientists, artists, and other exceptional individuals who can contribute to the UAE's future. By understanding the eligibility requirements, the nomination-based process, and the immense benefits, you can accurately assess your prospects. For 2026, remember to factor in the new ETIAS requirement for travel to Europe, ensuring your journey with an Emirati passport is smooth and successful.
This article is designed for informational purposes based on current UAE government guidelines. Always refer to the official Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website or your nearest UAE consulate for the most up-to-date information and requirements.