In a big breaking change with an aim to boost tourism and population inflow, the Government of UAE has introduced a landmark judgement in their visa and immigration policy, as released by the External Affairs Ministry of the Middle Eastern Region’s hub spot.
The United Arab Emirates government has rolled out a new program concept of ‘Golden Visa’, which will be based on nomination, albeit with some conditions, unlike the current practice of investing large amounts in either property or business here. Under the new policy, Indians can get the Golden Visa by paying a fee, around AED 100,000 (INR 23 Lakhs approx.)
The nomination programme offers Indian citizens lifetime residency without the need for large property or business investments. This move marks a shift from the existing visa framework and is part of a pilot project that begins with India and Bangladesh. Under the existing system until now, Indian citizens typically secured the UAE’s Golden Visa by investing a minimum of AED 2 million (around INR 4.66 crore) in property or making substantial business investments.
However, the new nomination-based system allows eligible applicants to obtain a lifetime residency by paying a fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately INR 23.3 lakhs), subject to background checks and approval by UAE authorities.
According to the agency and officials involved in the rollout process, over 5000 Indians are expected to apply within the first three months of the launch. India and Bangladesh are the first countries that have been selected for this amended programme, reflecting closer bilateral ties between the two nations, following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in May 2022.
Rayad Group, an independent consultancy firm appointed to handle the nomination process, is leading the initial rollout in India. All the nominated applicants will undergo strict background checks that include verification against anti-money laundering databases, criminal records, and review of their social media activity. The assessment will also consider the applicant’s potential contribution to the UAE in key sectors such as culture, science, finance, startups, trade, or professional services.
Once the checks are complete, Rayad Group will forward the application to UAE government authorities for a final decision. Approved applicants will receive the Golden Visa without needing to visit the UAE during the application phase.
How to Apply for Golden Visa?
Applications can be submitted through One Vasco centres in India and Bangladesh, their registered offices, the Rayad Group’s online portal, or via a dedicated call centre.
The new Golden Visa provides lifetime residency and includes the right to sponsor family members, domestic workers, and drivers. With the visa, an individual can carry out any business or professional work too.
In a stark contrast to the property-based visa, which becomes invalid if the property is sold or divided, the nomination-based Golden Visa remains permanent regardless of property ownership status. The UAE government’s decision to partner with India in this initiative highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries, especially in matters of trade and mobility.
The nomination-based Golden Visa is part of a broader strategy to extend the programme to other CEPA partner countries, including China, in the near future. VFS and Rayad Group will continue to handle applicant vetting as the programme expands.
- Until now, one of the most common ways for Indians to get the Golden Visa from UAE’s authorities involved heavy business and property investments. Launched in 2019, this program originally catered to HNIs (High-Net Worth Individuals). In 2022, its threshold for a 10-year renewable residency visa was reduced to AED 2 million, to widen its reach.
- The UAE’s government scheme expanded the Golden Visa category to now include:
- Investors and entrepreneurs
- Scientists, executives and teachers
- YouTubers, podcasters and digital creators
- Accredited E-sports professionals above 25
- Luxury yacht owners and maritime executives
- University faculty and nurses with 15+ years of experience