The UAE Golden Visa program has undergone its most transformative change since its 2019 launch. In a landmark shift, the UAE government has introduced a nomination-based Golden Visa for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, eliminating traditional investment barriers and opening doors for skilled professionals to secure lifelong residency for just AED 100,000 (≈₹23.3 lakh). This pilot program signals a strategic pivot toward attracting human capital over pure financial investment.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit (typically 10 years or more) allowing foreign nationals to live, work, study, and invest in the UAE without a local sponsor. Key benefits include:
- Sponsor-free residency: No employer or family sponsor required.
- Unlimited stay outside UAE: No 6-month re-entry rule to maintain validity.
- Full family sponsorship: Spouses, children (any age), parents, and domestic staff.
- Business ownership: Work freely or start companies without restrictions.
- Lifetime validity (New!): Nomination-based visas remain valid indefinitely, unlike investment-linked options.
Breaking News: The Nomination-Based Golden Visa (2025 Update)
In a historic policy shift, the UAE has launched a pilot program for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, replacing investment mandates with merit-based nominations:
Eligibility Criteria
- Educators: School principals, university faculty, teachers with proven impact.
- Healthcare Pros: Nurses with 15+ years’ experience, researchers.
- Digital Creators: YouTubers, podcasters, social media influencers.
- Specialized Talent: E-sports pros (25+), yacht owners, maritime executives.
- Business Leaders: Startup founders, executives, finance experts.
Application Process
- Nomination: Submit credentials via authorized agents (Rayad Group/VFS Global)
- Vetting:
- Anti-money laundering & criminal checks
- Social media screening
- Contribution potential assessment
- Payment: AED 100,000 one-time fee (covers processing and residency issuance)
- Approval: UAE government finalizes nominations within 30 days
“This visa allows complete freedom to live and work in the UAE without asset ties. Over 5,000 Indians are expected to apply in the first three months” – Rayad Kamal Ayub, MD of Rayad Group
Traditional Golden Visa Pathways (Still Active)
While the nomination model expands access, four established routes remain:
1. Real Estate Investment
- Requirement: Property valued ≥ AED 2 million (≈₹4.66 crore)
- Visa Duration: 5–10 years
- Caveat: Visa void if property sold
- Fees: ≈AED 9,885 (excluding property cost)
2. Business Investment
- Requirement:
- AED 2M in UAE-accredited fund or
- AED 250K annual tax payment
- Visa Duration: 10 years
3. Entrepreneurship
- Requirement: Innovative business worth ≥AED 500,000
- Visa Duration: 5 years
4. Specialized Talent
- Eligible: Doctors, scientists, engineers, artists, athletes
- Requirement:
- Degrees/recognitions (e.g., PhD, scientific awards)
- Salary ≥AED 50K/month for executives
- Visa Duration: 10 years
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Choose Your Pathway: Determine eligibility (nomination vs. investment vs. talent)
- Gather Documents:
- Passport copies
- Professional certificates/degree
- Bank statements (investment route)
- Property deed (real estate route)
- Submit Application:
- Nomination route: Via Rayad Group’s portal or VFS/One Vasco centers
- Other routes: ICP portal or Dubai Land Department (for real estate)
- Complete Vetting: Background checks take 2–4 weeks
- Pay Fees: Ranging from AED 2,800 (standard) to AED 100,000 (nomination)
- Receive Visa: Digital issuance via email
Impact on Indian Real Estate Investors
The new nomination system disrupts the “invest-for-residency” model:
- Mid-market cooling: Reduced speculative buying of AED 2M–5M properties
- Luxury stability: Ultra-high-net-worth investors continue targeting trophy assets
- Strategic shift: Investors now prioritize rental yields over residency urgency
Why This Matters for India-UAE Relations
This pilot aligns with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), effective since 2022. It reflects deepening ties in:
- Trade: Bilateral trade reached $85B in 2024
- Talent mobility: 3.5M+ Indians already in UAE
- Cultural exchange: Bollywood shoots, tourism surges
The program may soon extend to China and other CEPA partners.
Key Considerations
- Taxes: No income tax, but double-tax treaties apply
- Family Costs: Additional fees for spouse/children sponsorship
- Validity: Nomination visas are “lifetime”; others require renewal