Indians Can Now Get UAE's Golden Visa Without Property Purchase: Check Eligibility, Fees And More

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new 'Golden Visa' programme to extend its lifetime residency to professionals from several countries, including India. Under this nomination-based process, professionals like nurses, educators and content creators will be able to seek the visa, aimed at attracting skilled talent in the UAE.

Earlier, this visa was limited to high-net-worth individuals under certain conditions. Rolled out in 2019, the visa originally required significant real estate investment, though the threshold was lowered to AED 2 million (Rs 4.66 crore) in 2022. Now, with the revised rules, more people can secure a visa after fulfilling certain conditions.

The new Golden Visa is aimed at attracting some of the high-demand talent to the UAE. These include YouTubers, podcasters, school teachers, principals, frontline workers, university faculty, nurses with over 15 years of experience, digital creators, accredited e-sports professionals above the age of 25, and Luxury yacht owners and maritime executives.

This initiative is particularly encouraging for Indian nationals, who represent one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE.

The lifetime Golden Visa is being offered by the UAE for a fee of AED 100,000 (around Rs 23.3 lakh), according to sources cited by PTI. It is estimated that about 5,000 Indians will apply for this new visa in the next three months.

India and Bangladesh have been chosen for the initial rollout of the UAE’s new nomination-based Golden Visa. In India, the process is being tested by the consultancy firm Rayad Group. Its Managing Director, Rayad Kamal Ayub, described it as a “golden opportunity” for Indians to secure long-term residency in the UAE.

Once granted the Golden Visa, individuals can bring their family members to Dubai. They can also employ domestic staff such as house help. People under this lifelong validity visa can engage in any type of business or professional activity.

The authorities will conduct a background check before approval of the Golden Visa applications.

"Whenever an applicant applies for this Golden Visa, we will first check their background, which will include anti-money laundering and criminal record checks, as well as their social media," Rayad Kamal told PTI.

The background check will also assess how the applicant can contribute to the UAE’s economy, including areas like culture, finance, trade, science, startups and various professional services.

After this, the company will send the application to the UAE government, which will make the final decision regarding the approval of the visa.

According to Kamal, applicants can submit their Golden Visa applications through One VASCO (a visa concierge service company) centres in India and Bangladesh. Moreover, interested applicants can also approach Rayad Group’s registered offices, their online portal, or through a dedicated call centre.

(With PTI inputs)