UAE Golden Visa Requirement: Why Paying Rs 23 Lakh Won't Guarantee Approval, Check Eligibility Criteria

The UAE Golden Visa has garnered significant interest, especially among Indians, for offering long-term residency without the need for a traditional employer or sponsor. While the nomination-based model is now available to Indian applicants may appear straightforward — with a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (around Rs 23.3 lakh) — the process involves stringent eligibility verification than just financial capability.

Let's find out what the UAE Golden Visa entails and why not everyone with the funds qualifies.

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work and study in the Emirates. It comes with a range of benefits, including five- or 10-year renewable visas, no local sponsor requirement, multiple-entry options, freedom to stay outside the UAE for extended periods and the ability to sponsor family members and domestic staff.

Though Indian nationals can apply through a nomination-based model with a Rs 23 lakh fee, this isn't an automatic ticket to approval. The process still involves vetting by UAE authorities, and applicants must meet specific criteria depending on their professional background, financial conditions and social status.

According to the UAE government websites, eligibility under all categories like investment, talent, entrepreneurship and academics, requires stringent documentation and clearances. Just having the funds is not enough.

• Investors: They must place AED 2 million (around Rs 4.68 crore) in the UAE-accredited properties or funds, prove capital is unborrowed, hold medical insurance and show a minimum annual UAE tax payment of AED 250,000 (around Rs 58.39 lakh).

• Entrepreneurs: They need to own a tech or innovation-driven business valued over AED 500,000 (around Rs 1.16 crore) and must secure approvals from auditors, incubators and local authorities.

• Specialised talents: These include doctors, scientists, athletes and artists. They require endorsements from UAE bodies. Executives must additionally submit a salary certificate of AED 50,000 (around Rs 11.7 lakh) and five years’ experience.

• Outstanding students: Those with 95% marks in high school or high GPAs from top global institutions may be granted five to 10-year visas.

• Humanitarian workers and frontline heroes: They are eligible based on documented service and contribution.

Recently opened to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, this model is being offered through authorised partners like Rayad Group, VFS and One Vasco. While it waives the real estate or business investment criteria, applicants must pass background checks covering criminal history, financial records and even social media activity.

Rayad Kamal Ayub, managing director of Rayad Group, called it a "golden opportunity" for Indians, but emphasised that "final approval lies solely with UAE authorities."

• Select the right category: Investor, entrepreneur, talent, student or humanitarian.

• Gather documents: Includes financial records, endorsements, identity proof and relevant certifications.

• Apply online or via agency: Use the ICP website or app for traditional routes, or apply through authorised centres like VFS or Rayad Group.

• Consider the ‘One Touch’ service: A streamlined facility that manages application, ID and visa issuance.

• Undergo background checks: Authorities will screen applicants for compliance, criminal history and public behaviour.

• Receive your visa (if approved): Successful applicants receive long-term residency and may bring family or hire staff.

Applicants can contact the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or, in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) for guidance.

While the nomination-based model, now available to Indian applicants, may appear straightforward with a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (around Rs 23.3 lakh), the process involves stringent eligibility verification than just financial capability.