Last Updated:July 07, 2025, 12:10 IST
UAE introduces a nomination-based Golden Visa, offering Indians lifetime residency without investment requirements.
No investments, no property—just opportunity. UAE’s new Golden Visa gives Indians a chance at lifetime residency through nomination.
In a landmark policy change, the United Arab Emirates has rolled out a new nomination-driven Golden Visa program that offers permanent residency to eligible Indian nationals without requiring any investment in real estate or businesses. Instead, applicants can now secure lifelong residency by paying a one-time fee of AED 1,00,000 (around ₹23.3 lakh), breaking away from the earlier investment-linked visa model.
Previously, Indians could apply for the UAE’s prestigious Golden Visa only if they invested a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately ₹4.66 crore) in real estate or other qualifying sectors. However, the updated framework now allows individuals to be nominated based on their career achievements, contributions to society, or potential to support key sectors like science, arts, finance, trade, startups, and culture within the UAE.
The UAE has launched the pilot version of this new residency model specifically for citizens of India and Bangladesh, with officials projecting over 5,000 applications from India in the first quarter alone.
In India, the process is being managed by Rayad Group, the official consulting partner for the initiative. They are working in collaboration with VFS Global and One Vasco centres across both India and Bangladesh to handle in-person applications. Candidates can also submit their requests through Rayad Group’s digital portal or customer support hotline.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for Indian professionals and talent,” said Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group. He highlighted that the selection process includes rigorous checks such as financial due diligence, criminal history verification, and digital footprint analysis, including social media behavior.
While nominations are facilitated by the consultancy, the final decision rests solely with the UAE’s immigration authorities. Successful applicants can sponsor family members, employ domestic or professional staff, and participate in economic and business activities. Unlike previous property-linked visas that could be revoked upon the sale of assets, this nomination-based Golden Visa offers lifelong validity.
The new scheme underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and the UAE, especially after the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force in 2022. According to officials, the program is likely to be extended to other CEPA partner nations, such as China, in subsequent phases.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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