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 is a federation of seven emirates along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. They include:
- Abu Dhabi
- Ajman
- Dubai
- Fujairah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Sharjah
- Umm Al-Quwain
The Emirati passport is quickly becoming one of the top-rated passports in the world. The recent changes in United Arab Emirates passport regulations have made it possible for foreign investors and those with exceptional abilities to apply for a UAE passport.
Having a United Arab Emirates passport opens a world of opportunity for foreign investors, with visa free travel to 179 countries across the globe. As the UAE passport ranking continues to increase so does the investment opportunities.
Passport ranking | 29th |
Enhanced Mobility Index | 96.41 |
Visa free countries | 179 |
eTA countries | 4 |
Visa on arrival countries | 23 |
Population | 10.48 million |
Percentage of expat population | 88.5% |
UAE passport rank
The UAE passport ranks among the most powerful in the world, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries. It is a biometric (electronic) passport issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
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 29th out of 199 counties on the GCS Global Passport Index. The score is based on the following:
- Enhanced mobility index: 7th
- Investment index: 6th
- Quality of living index: 126th
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.
1. 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. In addition to the fantastic tax benefits mentioned above, a UAE passport allows you to travel visa-free to 179 countries. This opens a world of opportunity for travel and global investment.
2. Dual citizenship
While dual citizenship in the UAE was once not permitted, since 2021, certain foreign individuals may obtain dual citizenship, including:
- Investors
- Professionals (such as doctors and engineers)
- Special talents (including artists and scientists)
3. Simple UAE bank account setup and company establishment
Those with an Emirati passport face much less bureaucracy than foreigners when opening a bank account or establishing a company in the United Arab Emirates. You also face fewer restrictions when registering your assets. For those interested in investing in the UAE, the UAE Golden Visa offers fantastic investment opportunities, along with a range of benefits. The UAE residency through company formation program is another excellent option to propel a new company in the United Arab Emirates.
4. 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.
5. Access to consular services
Emirati passport holders 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.
Read our UAE Golden Visa Guide
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 | ||
How to Get UAE Citizenship
To apply for a United Arab Emirates passport, you must have UAE citizenship. UAE citizenship can be acquired through various routes, including naturalization, marriage to an Emirati, descent, or exceptional merit. Naturalization generally requires at least 30 years of residency, along with good conduct and proficiency in Arabic. Alternatively, individuals with exceptional talents or significant investments may be nominated for citizenship—often through the Golden Visa program, which also grants long-term residency.
There are several UAE citizenship benefits, such as visa-free access to many countries, a tax-friendly environment, and access to world-class education and healthcare. It also opens doors to business opportunities and property ownership. In addition, Emirati citizens may benefit from government support, including utility subsidies and financial assistance for housing, marriage, and childbirth.
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
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Police clearance
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
As a national of the United Arab Emirates, you can apply for a new passport, passport renewal UAE, or obtain a replacement passport if yours has been lost or damaged. You can make your application using the following Emirati passport services channels:
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs/Citizenship Departments (GDRFA)
- The issue a passport eService Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security website using:
- Residency and Citizenship portal
- Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports
- This 24/7 service is available for emergency passport renewals
- UAE Embassies abroad
- Use the UAE mission locator to find a UAE Embassy in whichever country you are in to replace lost, damaged, or expired Emirati passports while abroad.
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 Timeline
Once you qualify for a passport, the process of obtaining an Emirati passport is simple and efficient. Using one of the service channels mentioned above, you will need to make an appointment to obtain your UAE passport.
At your appointment, you must provide the necessary documentation and pay the fees, as well as provide your fingerprint and signature. Following this, your passport will generally be issued within seven working days.
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 AED65 (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 AED65 (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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UAE Passport
How to get UAE passport?
You can apply for a UAE passport through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs/Citizenship Departments (GDRFA). There is an app, website, and physical locations, including the Customer Happiness Center with various locations.
How strong is the UAE passport?
The UAE passport is among the world’s strongest, frequently ranked as the most powerful globally. It grants holders extensive travel freedom with visa-free access to over 170 countries.
How many countries can a UAE passport enter without a visa?
Emirati passport holders enjoy access to 179 visa-free countries. There are 23 countries that allow UAE citizens visa on arrival, and only 15 countries require UAE citizens to have a visa to enter.
How much does UAE passport cost?
The UAE/Dubai passport price for those with UAE citizenship is around AED65 (about $17.70). It is valid for ten years for those over 21, and five years for those under 21.
What are the benefits of holding an Emirati passport?
There are a range of UAE passport benefits, including visa free travel to 179 countries, investment opportunities, easy applications for a UAE bank account, and a range of tax benefits.
Do you need a passport for Dubai?
Yes, most travelers will need a passport to enter Dubai. For some countries you may also need a valid visa to enter Dubai. It all depends on the type of passport you have and whether there are visa requirements for your home country.
Can a US citizen get a UAE passport?
Yes, a USA citizen can obtain a UAE passport, but they need to follow the same pathways as all other nationalities. This means obtaining a UAE passport through descent, marriage, naturalization, or exceptional merit.
What are the requirements for a UAE passport?
The requirements for obtaining a UAE passport depend on the applicant’s eligibility category. The UAE passport is primarily granted to Emirati citizens, but in certain cases, foreign nationals may become eligible.
Can Emirati passport holders get visa-free entry to Europe?
Yes, Emirati passport holders have visa free access or on arrival access to most European countries, including many Schengen Area nations and the UK, Serbia, and Albania.
What is the difference between a UAE passport and a Dubai passport?
There is no difference between a UAE passport and a Dubai passport. There is only a UAE passport, also known as the Emirati passport. Previously, each Emirati had their own passports, but this has changed to one United Arab Emirates passport.
Can foreigners apply for a UAE passport?
Yes, certain foreigners can apply for a UAE passport if they meet the requirements. A UAE passport for foreigners is possible through marriage, naturalization, exceptional merit, and descent.
How to get UAE passport by investment?
There is currently no direct pathway to get a UAE passport by investment. However, residency by investment is available through the Golden Visa UAE.
Is it possible to hold dual citizenship with a UAE passport?
The UAE allows dual citizenship under certain circumstances. For example, dual citizenship is generally granted to professionals, those with special talents, and investors. Always make sure to check with your country of origin regarding its rules on dual citizenship.
Can I enter Dubai with an ID card instead of a passport?
You can enter Dubai with an ID card if you are a UAE resident with an Emirates ID or a GCC national.
What is the process of renewing a UAE passport?
Renewing a UAE passport is a straightforward process. Simply apply online or go into the UAE consulate in person with your current passport, Emirates ID, and recent passport photographs.
How long does it take to get a UAE passport?
The processing time for a UAE passport is around seven working days. You can renew your passport six months before it expires.
What documents are required for a UAE passport application?
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
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Police clearance
What is a UAE passport?
A UAE passport is an official travel document issued by the government of the United Arab Emirates to its citizens, enabling international travel. It is regarded as one of the world’s most powerful passports due to its extensive visa-free access.
Can I apply for a UAE passport online?
Yes, you can apply for a UAE passport online using the ICP Smart Services system. Simply log in to the system, fill in the application data, and pay the service fees.
