The reality: citizenship is by nomination, not application
The UAE does not offer citizenship by investment or a public application form. Under the 2021 reform, Emirati nationality is granted only when a foreigner is nominated by an official body in recognition of exceptional value. The practical route for almost all Turkish nationals is the Golden Visa — a renewable long-term residence which, unlike citizenship, you can actively apply for.
Legal basis
Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2021 amended the 1972 Nationality and Passports Law to let investors, professionals and their families acquire Emirati citizenship by nomination — and, importantly, to keep their existing nationality.
Eligible categories (nomination)
· Investors who own property in the UAE
· Doctors and specialists in a rare/needed discipline with recognised contributions and 10+ years' experience, plus membership of a reputable body
· Scientists with 10+ years of active research, awards and institutional membership
· Inventors holding one or more patents approved by the Ministry of Economy
· Creative talents and intellectuals — pioneers in culture and art with awards
· The spouse and children of a person granted citizenship
Conditions attached to the grant
A nominated person must take an oath of allegiance, commit to abiding by UAE law, and notify the authorities if they acquire or lose another nationality. Citizenship can be withdrawn if these conditions are breached. Dual nationality is permitted, so a Turkish citizen need not renounce their Turkish passport.
Required documents (for a nomination file)
· Authenticated copies of degrees and professional credentials
· Letters from recognised UAE institutions verifying the applicant's role or contribution
· Evidence of awards, patents, research or investments
· At least three recommendation letters from UAE-based entities (universities, research centres or government bodies)
Where it happens, fees and timeline
There is no public portal. Nominations originate from Rulers' Courts, Crown Princes' Courts, Executive Councils or the Federal Cabinet and are approved at the highest level. There is no advertised nomination fee; standard Emirates ID and passport issuance fees apply after a grant. The timeline is entirely discretionary and cannot be guaranteed.
The practical route: the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a renewable 5- or 10-year residence that lets you live, work and study in the UAE, sponsor your family, and stay abroad for long periods without losing status. The most common route for Turks is property investment: one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000 (mortgaged or off-plan units qualify if the Dubai Land Department valuation reaches AED 2 million). Other routes cover entrepreneurs, specialised talents and outstanding students.
Golden Visa fees and how to apply
Government fees are modest: roughly AED 2,800 for the application, about AED 570 for the Emirates ID, AED 300–500 for the medical test and around AED 500 for stamping — about AED 4,170–4,370 in total, plus the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee on any property purchase. You apply through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) or GDRFA portals, or via the Dubai Land Department's investor service; processing typically takes around 30 days.
Note for Turkish citizens
Both Emirati citizenship (under the 2021 law) and the Golden Visa let you keep your Turkish nationality, since Turkey permits dual citizenship with notification. This makes the UAE one of the more flexible Gulf options for Turkish nationals.
