UAE Golden Visa How to get Golden Visa for lifetime residence in UAE
Key information about the UAE Golden Visa: How Indians can now get permanent residency without making an investment
Ankush Pandey
The UAE has removed the requirement for real estate or business investment by introducing a nomination-based Golden Visa for Indians, which grants lifetime residency for a one-time payment of AED 1,00,000. This new model focusses on people who have made significant contributions to society or have valuable professional backgrounds. Traditional investment and merit-based pathways are still accessible, and applications are handled by Rayad Group.
A new nomination-based Golden Visa for Indians has been introduced by the United Arab Emirates in a significant policy change. It grants lifetime residency without requiring property or business investments.
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What is the Golden Visa?
A long-term residence visa that permits foreigners to live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates is known as the UAE Golden Visa.
Key benefits include:
- To start the process, a six-month multiple-entry entry visa
- A residency visa that is renewable for five or ten years
- No need to have a local sponsor
- The ability to remain outside the United Arab Emirates for longer than six months without losing residency
- Possession of family members of any age
- Unrestricted domestic staff sponsorship
- Family members may stay in the United Arab Emirates even after the visa holder passes away.
What’s new for Indians?
Previously, AED 2 million (₹4.66 crore) in real estate or significant business investments were the main ways for Indian nationals to obtain the Golden Visa. Applicants can now be accepted without investing under the new nomination-based system based on:
- Background in the workplace
- Contributions from societ
- Potential benefits to the UAE's startup, scientific, cultural, commercial, and financial sectors
Applicants from Bangladesh and India can now apply for this pilot phase; in the first three months, more than 5,000 Indian applications are anticipated.
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Key features of the new nomination model:
- There is no need to invest in real estate or a business.
- Professional experience, contributions to society, or significance to the UAE's trade, culture, science, startups, or finance sectors are factors that determine eligibility.
- AED 1,000,000 as a one-time cost
- Long-term residence
- Those with visas are allowed to create businesses, hire employees, and bring family.
- Checks for criminal histories, money laundering, and social media activity are all part of the nomination vetting process.
How to apply?
The Rayad Group, in collaboration with VFS and One Vasco centres in Bangladesh and India, is handling applications. Applications can also be submitted via the group's call centre or web portal.
Managing Director Rayad Kamal Ayub of the Rayad Group described it as a "golden opportunity for Indians." Candidates will be subject to social media, criminal background, and anti-money laundering checks, he continued, but UAE authorities have the last say.
Those who are approved are granted permanent residence, are permitted to bring family, hire employees, and pursue careers or businesses. Even in the event that assets are sold, the nomination-based Golden Visa remains valid, in contrast to previous investment-linked visas.
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Applications can be filed through:
- ICP mobile app or website
- For Dubai: General Directorate of Foreigners Affairs and Residency
Conveniently combined into a single step, the "One Touch" Golden Visa service streamlines the entire visa application, identity documentation, renewal, and status change process.
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The UAE's expanding strategic and economic ties with India, especially in the wake of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, are reflected in this new initiative. In later stages, it is anticipated that the nomination-based model will be extended to other CEPA nations, such as China.
Traditional Golden Visa options still apply
Golden Visas can still be obtained through the conventional investment and merit-based pathways in addition to the nomination model. Among them are:
Investors
- Investing AED 2 million in a fund accredited by the UAE
- The UAE government receives an annual tax payment of AED 250,000.
- 10-year visa
- Capital must be fully owned, and proof of health insurance must be presented.
Real Estate Investors
- The minimum property value is AED 2 million.
- Only authorised banks are permitted to offer loans.
- Five-year visa
Entrepreneurs
- Must be the owner of a technological or innovative company with a minimum value of AED 500,000.
- Five-year visa
- Letters from the incubator, local government, and auditor are needed.
Specialised Talents
Eligible applicants (10-year visa) include:
- Physicians, scientists, engineers, athletes, executives, and artists
- Must meet experience or pay requirements and provide certifications or degrees
Outstanding Students
- Top high school students (at least 95%) are granted a five-year visa.
- Students from prestigious universities with high GPAs are granted a 10-year visa.
Humanitarian Workers
- Five years of experience or humanitarian service awards are required.
- or provide AED 2 million in aid.
Frontline Heroes
- Healthcare personnel who worked during emergencies like COVID-19, including nurses and lab technicians
- Need a recommendation from a qualified authority
