You can keep your second passport valid as a UAE resident: Here's how

All you need to know about dual citizenship rules, risks, rights while living in the UAE

Last updated:
Justin Varghese, Your Money Editor
2 MIN READ
If you’ve gained UAE citizenship or hold a Golden Visa, keeping a second passport legally means staying compliant with both UAE laws and your home country's rules.
If you’ve gained UAE citizenship or hold a Golden Visa, keeping a second passport legally means staying compliant with both UAE laws and your home country's rules.
Shutterstock

Dubai: Holding a second passport while living in the UAE is legal — but there are important rules and responsibilities you need to understand to avoid future legal or financial trouble.

Whether you’ve recently gained UAE citizenship or you're a Golden Visa holder considering second citizenship elsewhere, the key to retaining both passports legally is compliance — with both UAE regulations and those of your country of origin.

Here's everything you need to know to navigate dual citizenship the right way:

1. Check UAE’s stance on dual citizenship

The UAE has evolved its citizenship policies in recent years. Today, it allows select individuals — including investors, professionals, and talents — to hold UAE citizenship without giving up their original nationality.

This is a major shift from the country’s earlier single-citizenship policy.
However, being legally allowed to keep your other passport doesn’t mean you can ignore the rules that come with it.

2. Check laws of your country of origin

Before assuming dual citizenship is risk-free, check the rules in your home country.

Some nations (like India and China) don’t allow dual citizenship at all — acquiring another nationality can mean automatic loss of your original citizenship. Others may require you to declare your second passport or register it with authorities.

Pro tip? Countries like the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and most EU states allow dual or multiple citizenships.

3. Stay compliant with residency, visa rules

Make sure you're meeting all ongoing residency requirements in both countries. This could mean:

  • Keeping your UAE residency active if you're not a citizen

  • Meeting physical presence requirements for your second country (some revoke citizenship if you live abroad for too long)

4. Don’t overlook tax implications

Dual citizenship can trigger tax reporting requirements in both countries.
For instance, US citizens must file tax returns regardless of where they live or earn.

Other countries may tax your global income, including rental income, investments, or pensions. Consult an international tax advisor to avoid double taxation or hidden liabilities.

5. Keep records of travel, transactions

Maintain clear, organized records of:

  • When and where you’ve traveled using either passport

  • Any financial transactions linked to your citizenship or residency status

  • Government correspondence related to visas, citizenship renewals, or tax filings
    This paperwork can protect you in case of audits or future legal questions.

6. Beware of "too good to be true" passport offers

Always go through legitimate citizenship-by-investment or naturalization programs — vetted by authorities and supported by legal documentation.

Final word?

Keeping a second passport while living in the UAE is increasingly common — but it’s not something to take lightly. From tax compliance to immigration rules, a little legal advice can go a long way in securing your dual-national lifestyle.

By following these expert-backed tips and staying informed, you can enjoy the privileges of holding more than one passport without jeopardizing your legal standing in the UAE or abroad.

Justin Varghese
Justin VargheseYour Money Editor
Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
Related Topics:

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next