UAE Unveils New Golden Visa For Indians: Eligibility, Benefits And Key Details

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a significant update to its residency program, making it more accessible for professionals across various sectors. In a move expected to benefit thousands of Indian nationals, the Gulf nation has rolled out a new nomination-based Golden Visa, which comes with specific conditions but eliminates the previous requirement of making large investments in property or business.

This initiative is a major development for the Indian community, one of the largest expatriate groups in the UAE, and is likely to attract professionals from diverse fields.

A Broader Golden Visa Program

Previously, the Golden Visa—launched in 2019—was primarily designed for high-net-worth individuals investing in UAE real estate. By 2022, the minimum property investment threshold for a 10-year visa was reduced to AED 2 million, allowing a wider pool of investors and entrepreneurs to qualify. Applicants could also secure Dubai’s Golden Visa through significant business investments in the country.

In May, however, the UAE government expanded the scope of the program. Apart from entrepreneurs, investors, and outstanding students, the visa now includes scientists, executives, frontline workers, school teachers, principals, university faculty members, nurses with over 15 years of experience, YouTubers, podcasters, digital creators, accredited e-sports professionals above 25, luxury yacht owners, and maritime executives.

India Among First To Pilot New Policy

Under this new nomination-based visa scheme, Indians can now enjoy UAE residency for life by paying a fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh), according to information provided to PTI by beneficiaries and officials involved in the process.

India and Bangladesh have been selected for the first phase of this pilot project, with over 5,000 Indians expected to apply within the next three months. Rayad Group, a consultancy firm, has been entrusted with testing the initial nomination-based visa application process in India.

“This is a golden opportunity for Indians to secure the UAE’s Golden Visa,” said Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group.

How The Nomination Process Works

Applicants will first undergo comprehensive background verification, including anti-money laundering checks, criminal record screening, and even social media assessments to evaluate their potential contribution to UAE’s market and business sectors like culture, finance, trade, science, start-ups, and professional services.

“After the initial screening, Rayad Group will forward the applications to the UAE government, which will make the final decision on the nomination-based Golden Visa,” Ayub explained.

Notably, individuals applying under this scheme can obtain pre-approval from their home country without visiting Dubai. Applications can be submitted via One VASCO centres (a visa concierge service), Rayad Group’s registered offices, its online portal, or dedicated call centres in India and Bangladesh.

Key Benefits Of The New Golden Visa

• The new Golden Visa offers several privileges:
• The right to bring family members, including spouses and children, to Dubai.
• Permission to hire domestic staff and drivers.
• Freedom to engage in business and professional activities across the UAE.

While property-based Golden Visas become void if the property is sold or divided, the nomination-based visa offers permanent residency, ensuring long-term stability for recipients.

Strengthening India-UAE Ties

This initiative reflects the growing business, cultural, and geopolitical ties between India and the UAE, bolstered further by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that came into effect in May 2022.

The Golden Visa nomination system is part of an agreement between the UAE and its CEPA partner countries. Following India and Bangladesh, the program is expected to extend to China and other CEPA signatory nations.

Both Rayad Group and VFS have been chosen to evaluate applicants before forwarding their cases to UAE authorities for final approval.