Insights · AXD Real Estate Dubai
Dual Citizenship UAE-Germany — what Dubai owners need to know
AXD Insights · Residence and citizenship questions · May 2026
Dual citizenship UAE-Germany?
Practically no. Since 27.06.2024 (StAG reform), Germany permits multiple nationality without a retention permit — the German passport is therefore retained. The UAE, however, grant their citizenship to foreigners exclusively by naturalization decree. There is no regular application route for property owners. Residence is governed by the Golden Visa (10 years).
What the 2024 StAG reform changed
With the Act to Modernize the Nationality Law (BGBl. 2024 I No. 104), § 25 StAG (Nationality Act) entered into force in its new version on 27.06.2024: the retention permit is eliminated. Germans who acquire another citizenship no longer automatically lose the German one. For Dubai residents this means: a hypothetical UAE naturalization would be possible without endangering the German passport.
How the UAE grant citizenship
UAE Federal Decree-Law 16/2017 in the version expanded by Cabinet Resolution 2021 distinguishes:
- Birth principle: automatically for children of Emirati fathers — foreigners excluded.
- Marriage to an Emirati woman: 7-year waiting period plus renunciation of the previous citizenship.
- Naturalization decree (since 2021): by recommendation of the Royal Court, Federal Authority for Identity or Executive Council. Target group: investors, doctors, scientists, artists, inventors. No application by the citizen himself — nomination required.
Quantitatively: by 2024, according to the UAE government, a few hundred such decrees had been issued — with a population of 10 million, of which 88 % expats.
What the Golden Visa achieves instead of citizenship
| Right | Golden Visa | UAE citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Residence | 10 years renewable | Unlimited |
| Family reunification | Yes (spouse, children) | Yes |
| Business formation | 100 % | Yes |
| Voting rights | No | FNC electoral-college mandates (restricted) |
| UAE passport | No | Yes |
| Income tax | 0 % on private capital | 0 % |
What DACH owners practically do
- Apply for the Golden Visa from AED 2 million property investment (via GDRFA Dubai).
- Retain German citizenship — § 25 StAG (Nationality Act) protects it.
- Regulate tax residence separately via Tax Residency Certificate (TRC).
- Do not calculate the UAE passport as an investment goal — no credit-rating plan B.
Related topics
- Golden Visa Dubai via property
- Golden Visa — processing time
- Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) Dubai
Sources
- Act to Modernize the Nationality Law (BGBl. 2024 I No. 104, in force 27.06.2024)
- UAE Federal Decree-Law 16/2017 (Citizenship and Passports)
- UAE Cabinet Resolution 2021 — naturalization expansion
- GDRFA Dubai — Golden Visa Eligibility
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