In a major shift from its traditional residency pathway, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new nomination-based golden visa programme that allows Indians to secure lifetime residency without investing crores in property or business ventures. The initiative, currently being rolled out as a pilot, enables eligible applicants to obtain the prestigious visa by paying a one-time fee of UAE dirham (AED)100,000, which amounts to around Rs23.30 lakh, say media reports.
Until now, one of the primary ways for Indians to qualify for the UAE’s golden visa—especially in Dubai—was through a minimum property investment of AED2mn (million) or about Rs4.7 crore, or significant capital in a business. The newly-introduced scheme eliminates the need for such substantial financial commitments and opens the door to a broader demographic, including professionals, cultural contributors and digital creators.
This nomination-based visa is being tested first in India and Bangladesh, with more than 5,000 Indian applicants expected to submit their requests in the initial three-month phase. The move underscores the growing diplomatic and economic ties between India and the UAE, particularly following the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) that came into effect in May 2022. The new visa model is part of a broader collaboration between the UAE and its CEPA partner countries, with China and others expected to join the list soon.
The application process does not require the applicant to travel to Dubai beforehand. Indians can apply through One Vasco visa concierge centres, Rayad group’s registered offices, an online portal, or a dedicated call centre. Once the application is received, a background check is carried out to assess anti-money laundering compliance, criminal records and even social media activity. The evaluation also looks at whether the applicant could contribute to the UAE in sectors such as culture, finance, trade, science, startups, or professional services. Only after this scrutiny does the application proceed to the UAE government for a final decision.
Rayad group, the consultancy chosen to lead the programme in India, is working in partnership with VFS Global to manage and verify the documentation and applications. Rayad Kamal Ayub, managing director (MD) of Rayad Group, described the initiative as a 'golden opportunity' for Indians, adding that successful applicants would be able to move to the UAE with their families and even employ domestic staff, including drivers and house help. He highlighted the fact that while the traditional property-linked golden visa becomes invalid if the property is sold or divided, the nomination-based visa remains valid for life.
The golden visa programme was first introduced by the UAE in 2019, initially aimed at high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). In 2022, the investment threshold was reduced to make the visa more accessible. With this latest move, the UAE is significantly expanding the scope of its long-term residency offering.
Categories recently added to the golden visa eligibility list include entrepreneurs, top students, scientists, university faculty, nurses with over 15 years of experience, content creators like YouTubers and podcasters, accredited e-sports professionals aged above 25, as well as luxury yacht-owners and maritime executives.
Unlike the earlier visa options that required considerable documentation, bank loans or property purchase agreements, the nomination-based visa streamlines the process. The fee of AED100,000 is expected to be a one-time cost, making it substantially more affordable for a wide range of applicants compared to the older model.
The new policy also makes the UAE an even more attractive relocation destination. With no personal income-tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, the country already appeals to HNIs seeking tax-efficient alternatives.
According to data from Henley & Partners, the UAE remains the top destination for wealthy migrants, with an estimated 6,700 millionaires expected to relocate there by the end of 2024.
Once granted, the visa offers the right to engage in professional work or business activity within the UAE, in addition to freedom of travel and residence. It also provides stability with its long-term, renewable structure—typically offered in five- or 10-year increments—and in the case of the nomination model, lifetime validity.
While the UAE golden visa remains strictly a residency permit and does not lead to citizenship, this nomination-based model reflects a more inclusive and strategic approach, aimed at building a long-term, skilled and culturally diverse resident base in the Emirates.
Last month, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — the vibrant bloc of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait — officially approved a GCC Grand Tours visa, modelled on Europe’s popular Schengen visa. The new GCC Grand Tours visa will finally eliminate the biggest hurdle travellers faced when planning a Gulf itinerary — the need for separate visas for each country, despite excellent regional air and road connectivity. (
Read: GCC Unified Tourist Visa: The Gulf’s New Schengen-style Travel Revolution)
