In a landmark policy shift aimed at strengthening strategic and economic ties with India, the United Arab Emirates has launched a nomination-based Golden Visa program that allows Indian nationals to secure lifetime residency without any property or business investment.
The new initiative, announced this week, offers eligible applicants a permanent residency visa in exchange for a one-time fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh). Under this model, professionals can be nominated based on their achievements, societal contributions, or potential to boost the UAE’s cultural, scientific, financial, and startup sectors.
Previously, Indian citizens could primarily access the Golden Visa through significant investments-most commonly, real estate purchases valued at a minimum AED 2 million (₹4.66 crore) or substantial stakes in businesses. The new system dramatically lowers entry barriers, opening the doors for thousands of skilled individuals.
Officials expect over 5,000 applications from India in the initial three months of the pilot phase, which also includes Bangladesh.
Key features and benefits
The UAE Golden Visa grants foreign nationals the right to live, work, and study in the Emirates, with a host of privileges:
1. Lifetime residency without expiration, even if assets are sold
2. No local sponsor required
3. Freedom to stay outside the UAE for over six months without losing residency
4. Ability to sponsor family members of any age and employ unlimited domestic staff
5. Family members can remain in the UAE after the primary visa holder’s death
Applicants will undergo comprehensive checks for criminal records, money laundering risks, and social media activity. Final approval rests solely with UAE authorities.
How to apply?
Applications are being processed by the Rayad Group in partnership with VFS Global and One Vasco centres across India and Bangladesh. Interested candidates can also submit applications via:
1. The Rayad Group online portal or call centre
2. The UAE government’s ICP website or ICP mobile app
3. For Dubai residents, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
The UAE’s ‘One Touch’ Golden Visa service has been integrated to simplify documentation, status changes, and renewals.
Speaking about the launch, Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, called the program a “golden opportunity for Indian professionals and entrepreneurs looking to build their future in the UAE.
Other golden visa routes still open
While the nomination-based scheme is the most accessible to date, traditional investment-linked pathways remain active. These include:
Investor Visas: AED 2 million in an accredited investment fund and annual tax contributions
Real Estate Investor Visas: Property investments worth at least AED 2 million
Entrepreneur Visas: Ownership of innovation-led businesses valued at a minimum AED 500,000
Specialised Talent Visas: For doctors, scientists, executives, athletes, and creatives
Outstanding Students Visas: For high-achieving secondary and university students
Humanitarian Workers Visas: For those with proven records in humanitarian service
Frontline Heroes Visas: For healthcare professionals who served during crises
Strategic move
The rollout of the nomination-based Golden Visa comes amid deepening relations between India and the UAE, underscored by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. The program is expected to expand to other CEPA partner countries, including China, in future phases.
For Indian professionals, innovators, and business leaders, the policy represents an unprecedented chance to secure permanent residency in one of the world’s most dynamic economies-without locking up large capital investments.
