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Indians can now get the UAE Golden Visa by paying AED 100,000 (about Rs 23.3 lakh) — provided they clear a few conditions.
Dubai opens new doors for Indian professionals with its updated Golden Visa. (Image: Getty)
UAE Golden Visa: In a major shift from its earlier rules, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new nomination-based Golden Visa scheme, which allows eligible Indians to get UAE’s prestigious long-term visa for life, and that too without investing crores in property or business.
What Is UAE’s Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa introduced in 2019 to attract investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and professionals. Valid for 10 years, it allowed holders to live, work, or study in the UAE independently — without a local sponsor.
Until now, eligibility mostly depended on property investments, business or startup ownership, and special talents (in science, sports, arts, etc.).
The new nomination-based model adds a simpler route — especially for those who may not want to tie up funds in property but still want permanent residency in a global hub like Dubai.
What’s New in the Golden Visa Policy?
Until now, one of the main ways Indians could get a UAE Golden Visa, especially in Dubai, was by investing at least AED 2 million (around Rs 4.66 crore) in real estate or pumping in huge sums into a local business.
But, the new nomination-based model is breaking that pattern. Indians can now get the UAE Golden Visa by paying AED 100,000 (about Rs 23.3 lakh) — provided they clear a few conditions.
This new visa policy is still a pilot initiative and currently being tested only in India and Bangladesh, according to a report by PTI.
UAE Golden Visa: What’s The Process Now?
Applicants do not need to buy property or start a business in the UAE anymore. Instead, they will go through a background screening conducted by Rayad Group, a consultancy chosen by the UAE government for the pilot phase in India.
“Whenever an applicant applies for this Golden Visa, we will first check their background, which will include anti-money laundering and criminal record checks, as well as their social media,” said Rayad Kamal Ayub, managing director of Rayad Group, told PTI.
The review also checks if the applicant can benefit UAE’s economy or society — in culture, trade, start-ups, science, finance, or professional services.
Once approved, the application is sent to the UAE government, which then makes the final decision on issuing the Golden Visa.
What Does This Visa Offer?
A life-long UAE Golden Visa allows the holder to live and work in the UAE without needing a sponsor, bring family (spouse, children, etc.), hire staff like servants or drivers, engage in any business or profession, and stay permanently, even without ongoing investments or property.
Rayad Kamal told PTI, “The property-based Golden Visa ends in case of property sale or division, but the nomination-based visa will remain forever.”
UAE Golden Visa: How Can You Apply?
You don’t need to visit Dubai to apply. Applications can be submitted through:
- One Vasco centres in India (a visa concierge company)
- Rayad Group’s offices or online portal
- Call centres managed by the group
Over 5,000 Indians are expected to apply for this Golden Visa over the next three months alone, according to PTI.
Why India Was Chosen First
India’s selection for the pilot phase reflects strong business and diplomatic ties with the UAE. The two countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2022, strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and mobility.
“This is a golden opportunity for Indians to get the UAE’s Golden Visa,” said Rayad Kamal.
China and other CEPA partner nations are expected to be included in future phases of this project.
Can You Get UAE Golden Visa Just By Paying Rs 23 Lakh?
You can now get a UAE Golden Visa for life by paying Rs 23 lakh, but only if you meet certain background and merit-based conditions. The move is designed to attract credible, high-potential individuals from India, and offers a huge opportunity for professionals, entrepreneurs, and even cultural contributors looking to build a life in the UAE.
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso…Read More
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso… Read More
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