The United Arab Emirates passport is quickly becoming one of the best passports to have.
From the thriving tourism sector and investment opportunities to the growing economy, obtaining a UAE passport puts investors in line for the 29th best passport in the world.
In this guide you will learn about:
UAE Passport Overview
The UAE passport — officially known in Arabic as Jawāz As-Safar Al-ʾImārātī (جواز السفر الإماراتي) — is the official travel document issued to citizens of the United Arab Emirates. It confirms the holder’s Emirati citizenship and enables them to travel internationally under the visa regulations of each destination.
Renowned for its exceptional global mobility, the Emirati passport ranks 29th based on the GCS Global Passport Index, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 150 destinations. This includes 23 countries granting visa on arrival and 4 destinations accessible through electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Beyond travel freedom, the UAE passport also ensures its holders receive full consular protection and assistance from UAE embassies and diplomatic missions across the globe. This reinforces the country’s growing international influence and prestige.
| Passport ranking | 29th |
| Enhanced Mobility Index | 22nd |
| Visa free countries | 123 |
| eTA countries | 4 |
| Visa on arrival countries | 23 |
| Population | 10.48 million |
UAE passport rank
The strength of the Emirati passport is quickly increasing as more foreign investors want access to the range of investment opportunities. As of 2025, the UAE passport ranks 31st out of 198 counties on the GCS Global Passport Index. The score is based on the following:
- Enhanced mobility index: 25th
- Investment index: 6th
- Quality of living index: 121st
UAE Passport Types
Most Emirati citizens have a regular passport that is issued to UAE nationals for travel and identification purposes. However, there are some other UAE passport types, including:
- Diplomatic passport: The UAE diplomatic passport is issued to UAE government officials, diplomats, and their families.
- Service passport: A service passport is a special passport provided to UAE officials and government employees travelling on official government business.
- Temporary passport: A temporary passport is provided to UAE citizens that urgently need to travel but their passport has expired or if their passport is lost or stollen.
UAE Passport Benefits
There are a range of UAE passport benefits that come along with having an Emirati passport, some of which are outlined below.
01/ Global mobility
If you’re a fan of international travel, you’ll be happy to learn about the travel-related benefits of holding a United Arab Emirates passport. A UAE passport allows you to travel visa-free to 123 countries. This opens a world of opportunity for travel and global investment.
02/ Dual citizenship
While dual citizenship in the UAE was once not permitted, since 2021, certain foreign individuals may obtain dual citizenship, including investors, professionals, scientists, and those with exceptional talents.
03/ Simple UAE bank account setup and company establishment
Those with an Emirati passport face much less bureaucracy than foreigners when opening a bank account in the UAE or establishing a company. You also face fewer restrictions when registering your assets.
For those that can’t obtain UAE citizenship, the UAE Residency through Company Formation program is an excellent option to propel a new company in the United Arab Emirates.
04/ Tax benefits
Another benefit relates to taxes in UAE. The UAE does not impose an income tax, meaning employees do not pay income tax, and there is no system for capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
As such, there is no need for an income tax return. This rule also applies to residents who are self-employed or independent contractors.
There are also over 100 countries that have double tax treaties with the UAE, such as Canada, Finland, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the and United Kingdom.
05/ Access to consular services
Those with UAE citizenship have access to consular assistance from global UAE embassies and consulates. This is important if you find yourself in need of emergency assistance for lost documents or more serious situations needing crisis response. UAE passport holders receive strong UAE government support across the globe.
The same goes for those with the UAE Golden Visa, as the UAE Government announced worldwide consular support to all Golden Visa holders and their families as of 2025.
06/ Investment opportunities
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UAE is increasing dramatically thanks to the various investment opportunities. Between 2022 and 2023, FDI increased by nearly 35% in the UAE.
Programs like the UAE Golden Visa are paving the way for foreign investors to invest in the country in exchange for a residence permit while benefitting from the fantastic range of incentives, including tax benefits, government assistance, full foreign ownership, a high quality of life, and travel opportunities.
UAE Passport Visa Free Countries
There are various UAE passport visa free countries. A UAE passport holder can travel to 179 countries, including:
| Countries | ||
|---|---|---|
 Albania |  Germany |  Palestine, State of |
 Andorra |  Greece |  Panama |
 Angola |  Grenada |  Paraguay |
 Antigua and Barbuda |  Guatemala |  Peru |
 Argentina |  Haiti |  Philippines |
 Armenia |  Honduras |  Poland |
 Austria |  Hong Kong |  Portugal |
 Azerbaijan |  Hungary |  Qatar |
 Bahamas |  Iceland |  Romania |
 Bahrain |  Ireland |  Russian Federation |
 Barbados |  Israel |  Saint Kitts and Nevis |
 Belarus |  Italy |  Saint Lucia |
 Belgium |  Japan |  San Marino |
 Bosnia and Herzegovina |  Jordan |  Sao Tome and Principe |
 Botswana |  Kazakhstan |  Saudi Arabia |
 Brazil |  Kiribati |  Senegal |
 Brunei Darussalam |  Kuwait |  Serbia |
 Bulgaria |  Kyrgyzstan |  Seychelles |
 Burkina Faso |  Latvia |  Singapore |
 Chad |  Lebanon |  Slovakia |
 Chile |  Liechtenstein |  Slovenia |
 China |  Lithuania |  Solomon Islands |
 Colombia |  Luxembourg |  South Africa |
 Costa Rica |  Malaysia |  Korea, Republic of |
 Croatia |  Mali |  Spain |
 Cuba |  Malta |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
 Cyprus |  Mauritius |  Sudan |
 Czechia |  Mexico |  Sweden |
 Denmark |  Micronesia, Federated States of |  Switzerland |
 Dominica |  Moldova, Republic of |  Syrian Arab Republic |
 Dominican Republic |  Monaco |  Tajikistan |
 Ecuador |  Montenegro |  Thailand |
 Egypt |  Morocco |  Tonga |
 El Salvador |  Mozambique |  Tunisia |
 Equatorial Guinea |  Nauru |  Ukraine |
 Estonia |  Netherlands |  Uruguay |
 Fiji |  Nicaragua |  Uzbekistan |
 Finland |  North Macedonia |  Vanuatu |
 France |  Norway |  Holy See (Vatican City State) |
 Gambia |  Oman |  Zambia |
 Georgia | ||
UAE Passport Requirements
To apply for a United Arab Emirates passport, you must be:
- A citizen of the United Arab Emirates
- A newborn baby of a United Arab Emirates citizen
- The non-UAE wife of a UAE citizen (you must have been married for at least seven years)
Required Documents for a UAE Passport
To apply for a UAE passport, you will require the following documents:
- Emirates ID card (original and a copy)
- Family book (original and a copy)
- A recent photograph (sized 5.5cm x 4.5cm against a white background)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
In addition to these documents, you will be required to submit your old passport (UAE travel document) when applying for a new passport with the UAE.
UAE Passport Application Process
Applying for a new UAE passport
Before applying for a new UAE passport, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. These vary depending on your situation—whether applying through naturalization, marriage, or investment. Once you are eligible:
- Step one: Prepare your documents: Gather all required paperwork, such as proof of identity, residence, and any relevant certificates.
- Step two: Submit your application: Apply through the official UAE Smart Services online portal. Ensure all uploaded documents are correct before submission.
- Step three: Attend an interview (if requested): Some applicants may be invited to an interview, especially for cases involving cultural integration or economic contribution.
- Step four: Wait for approval: Processing times differ depending on the type of application.
Passports for UAE newborns are issued as part of the ‘Mabrouk Ma Yak’ service. This service facilitates the issuing of identification documents for Emirati newborns, including a birth certificate, Emirati Identity card, and passport.
UAE Passport renewal
Renewing a UAE passport follows a straightforward process:
- Step one: Submit your application: Apply through the official online platform or visit a Customer Happiness Center in person.
- Step two: Provide or update details: Double-check your form and upload any additional documents or information not automatically linked through government systems.
- Step three: Pay the fees: Complete the process by paying the required service fees online.
- Step four: Receive your passport: Once approved, your new passport will be delivered to your address via an authorized courier service.
UAE Passport Validity
In general, an Emirati passport is valid for five years for those under 21 and ten years for those over 21. This is from the date of issue or until all its pages have been used (whichever instance occurs first). You can renew your UAE passport six months before it expires.
United Arab Emirates Passport Cost
Applying for a UAE passport is not an expensive process. The cost of obtaining a UAE passport amounts to about AED 65 (about $17.70). When applying for an Emirati passport, you will typically incur the following costs:
- Request fee – AED10 (about $2.72)
- Issue fee – AED40 (about $10.89)
- Delivery fee – AED15 (about $4.08)
If you renew your passport through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), it will cost about AED 65 (about $18) and take around 20 working days.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
