The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a groundbreaking nomination-based Golden Visa programme, offering lifetime residency to Indians for a one-time fee of ₹23 lakh. This new model eliminates the earlier requirement of property investment and is aimed at professionals and contributors to key sectors in the UAE.
The latest Golden Visa initiative marks a strategic shift in the UAE’s residency policies. Indian nationals, who previously needed to invest a minimum of AED 2 million (around ₹4.66 crore) in property, can now secure permanent residency by paying AED 1,00,000 (₹23.3 lakh approx).
The scheme is open to individuals selected through a nomination process, based on professional achievements, contributions, or relevance to UAE’s economic and cultural sectors.
The UAE’s new offering signals its intent to attract high-calibre professionals instead of just high-value investors. The sectors prioritised include science, finance, arts, startups, trade, and innovation. Applicants from India and Bangladesh are at the forefront in this pilot phase, with over 5,000 Indian applicants anticipated in the initial 3 months, according to reports. This aligns with expanding UAE-India cooperation since the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022.
The programme is managed by Rayad Group in collaboration with VFS and One Vasco centres across India and Bangladesh. Applications can be submitted online or via call centres. The selection process involves anti-money laundering compliance, background verification, and social media assessment. Final decisions are made by UAE authorities, ensuring only suitable residents are chosen for lifetime residency rights.
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Approved visa holders can sponsor family members, hire workers, and operate businesses or practice professions without renewal constraints. Unlike property-related visas, this visa is not linked to asset holding, ensuring uninterrupted residency even if assets are liquidated. This makes it a more secure and practical residency solution for long-term prospects in the UAE.
After the initial India and Bangladesh launch, the nomination-based visa is expected to extend to other CEPA partner nations, including China. The UAE aims to use this scheme to fuel talent inflow and reinforce global partnerships in multiple high-impact domains.
The UAE’s nomination-based Golden Visa programme opens up lifetime residency opportunities for skilled Indian professionals without demanding major financial investments. With a transparent selection process and a focus on knowledge-based sectors, it reflects evolving immigration policies favouring talent over capital.
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Published on: Jul 7, 2025, 2:32 PM IST
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