UAE Rolls Out New Golden Visa: Lifetime Residency at Rs 23 Lakh, India Among First to Benefit
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a groundbreaking nomination-based Golden Visa program aimed at professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled individuals, offering lifetime residency without the requirement of property or business investment. This marks a major departure from the country’s traditional investment-linked residency framework.
For eligible Indians, this new Golden Visa is now accessible with a one-time payment of AED 100,000 (approximately Rs 23.3 lakh). Unlike the older requirement of investing a minimum AED 2 million (around Rs 4.66 crore) in property, the updated model emphasizes contributions to key sectors such as culture, science, trade, finance, and startups.
What is the New Nomination-Based Golden Visa?
Launched as a pilot initiative in India and Bangladesh, this nomination-based program allows candidates to be selected based on their professional profile and societal contributions. Over 5,000 Indian applicants are expected in the first three months, according to officials associated with the program.
Emaar, Damac, and Azizi are just a few of the developers benefiting from increased global interest in Dubai due to this forward-thinking policy.
Who is Managing the Process?
Rayad Group has been selected to lead the nomination process in India, in partnership with VFS and One Vasco centers across India and Bangladesh. Applications can be submitted through their online portal, registered centers, or dedicated helplines. Applicants must also visit Dubai for biometric verification and final processing.
Application Vetting and Approval
The process includes:
- Anti-money laundering screening
- Criminal background checks
- Social media footprint review
- Professional contributions to UAE’s target industries
The UAE government makes the final nomination decision, and only candidates who meet stringent vetting criteria will be approved.
Professionals who qualify are increasingly looking at dynamic communities like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay as ideal neighborhoods to live and work. For families, locations such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Furjan, and Palm Jumeirah are especially attractive.
Benefits of the New Golden Visa
- Lifetime residency without real estate or business investment
- Family sponsorship, including children and spouse
- Freedom to operate businesses or work in professional fields
- Employ domestic help, including drivers and housekeepers
- No renewal hassles as the visa remains valid permanently
This new framework removes the risk associated with property-based visas, which would otherwise expire upon sale or division of assets. With the nomination-based Golden Visa, holders retain their residency indefinitely, offering stability and security for long-term settlement.
Why This Matters for India-UAE Relations
India and the UAE share robust trade and cultural ties. This pilot initiative reflects the UAE’s intention to deepen this relationship by welcoming Indian professionals and entrepreneurs. The policy is expected to boost skilled migration and long-term investments in Dubai’s core sectors.
As the program progresses, it is expected to expand to other CEPA countries. For now, this is a golden opportunity for Indian nationals seeking lifestyle upgrades in Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills Estate, Al Barsha, and Downtown Dubai.
Other notable developers actively supporting new residents include DAMAC, Nakheel, Ellington, and Deyaar. These firms offer world-class developments in high-demand communities that pair well with the lifetime flexibility of the nomination-based Golden Visa.
Conclusion
By eliminating the investment barrier and focusing on human capital, the UAE’s nomination-based Golden Visa program opens a new chapter in residency solutions. It offers Indian professionals a practical, affordable, and sustainable path to call Dubai home for a lifetime. With full rights to live, work, employ staff, and grow businesses, this new residency model is a compelling alternative for those seeking to live in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
To learn more, visit the official UAE ICP website or consult verified application centers managed by Rayad Group.
