UAE Golden Visa Scheme

  • 10 Jul 2025

Tags:

In News:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a nomination-based pilot Golden Visa programme targeting skilled individuals from India and Bangladesh. However, recent rumours around a ?23 lakh “lifetime visa” triggered misinformation, later debunked by UAE authorities.

What is a Golden Visa?

  • A long-term residency visa allowing foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the UAE without a local sponsor.
  • Designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and skilled professionals.
  • Offers 5 to 10 years of renewable residency, and in some cases, lifetime validity under specific frameworks.

Key Features of the UAE Golden Visa Scheme

Feature

Details

Residency

Long-term (5–10 years); in some cases lifetime under nomination

Sponsorship

Not required (self-sponsored)

Eligibility Categories

Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, artists, athletes, PhD holders, exceptional students

Benefits

Sponsor family and domestic staff; multiple entry; no need to stay in UAE continuously

New Nomination-Based Model

Pilot phase launched for India and Bangladesh — selection based on professional merit and contributions

Application Process

Managed through UAE’s official channels; some remote application facilities (e.g., OneVASCO centres) available

No Minimum Investment Requirement (in new model)

Unlike earlier versions requiring AED 2 million+ in assets or business

Controversy: ?23 Lakh ‘Lifetime Golden Visa’ Rumour

  • A viral rumour claimed that Indians could buy a lifetime UAE Golden Visa for ?23.3 lakh (AED 1,00,000).
  • Debunked by UAE Government within 48 hours as false and misleading.
  • Originated from a press release by Rayad Group, later withdrawn and discredited.
  • UAE authorities clarified: No consultancy is authorised to process Golden Visas outside official channels.
  • Golden Visas are not available for simple purchase; eligibility is merit-based, not transactional.

Eligibility vs. Misconception

  • Golden Visas are for High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and exceptional talent — not for general migration or middle-class aspirations.
  • Traditional routes still require investments of AED 2 million (~?4.67 crore) or equivalent in real estate or business.

Comparison with Other Countries’ Golden Visa Models

Country

Investment Requirement

Portugal

€500,000 real estate / job creation / capital transfer

Greece

€250,000 property (rising in urban areas)

Italy

Startups, bonds, or public projects

Singapore

SGD 2.5 million under Global Investor Programme

Grenada

$235,000 donation or $270,000 property for citizenship

UAE (Traditional)

AED 2 million in real estate or business assets

Significance for India-UAE Relations

  • Enhances people-to-people links under the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
  • Offers Indian professionals access to UAE’s innovation, business, and academic ecosystem.
  • Promotes economic diversification of UAE beyond oil — with India as a strategic partner.