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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.
In a public statement issued on July 8, 2025, the Federal Authority for ICP categorically denied the existence of any such “lifetime visa” scheme. (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, as per reports.
However, in a clarification issued on July 8, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has denied the accuracy of rumours circulated by some local and international media outlets and websites regarding the United Arab Emirates granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities.
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 start-up 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.
Update: The UAE’s ICP denied this and said all Golden Visa applications are handled exclusively through official government channels within the UAE, and that no internal or external consultancy entity is recognised as an authorised party in the application process.
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.
UAE Govt’s Clarification
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has denied the accuracy of rumours circulated by some local and international media outlets and websites regarding the United Arab Emirates granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities.
ICP clarified that the categories, conditions, and regulations of the Golden Visa are clearly defined in accordance with official laws, legislations, and ministerial decisions. Interested individuals can find the official information on the Authority’s website or smart application.
It emphasised that all Golden Visa applications are handled exclusively through official government channels within the UAE, and that no internal or external consultancy entity is recognised as an authorised party in the application process.
The Authority had recently observed news articles from a consultancy office based in another country, suggesting that lifetime Golden Visas could be obtained for all categories from outside the UAE via consulting or commercial entities under simplified conditions. These claims have no legal basis and were made without coordination with the relevant authorities in the UAE.
It reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe and transparent environment for applicants, and to continuously enhancing its services exclusively through official digital platforms.
(The article has been updated after the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security’s clarification over Golden Visa reports)
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h…Read More
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h… Read More
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