UAE launches nomination-based Golden Visa for Indians; Property, business investment not required

In a significant policy shift, the United Arab Emirates has introduced a new nomination-based Golden Visa program, offering Indian citizens lifetime residency in the country without the previous mandatory requirements of large property purchases or substantial business investments. This initiative marks a major change from the existing framework and is being rolled out as a pilot project, starting with India and Bangladesh, reflecting the deepening bilateral ties, especially following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which came into effect in May 2022.

Under the traditional Golden Visa framework, Indian citizens typically needed to invest a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately ₹4.66 crore) in property or make significant business investments to qualify. The new nomination-based system, however, allows eligible applicants to obtain lifetime residency by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (around ₹23.3 lakh). The selection process involves thorough background checks conducted by Rayad Group, a consultancy appointed for the nomination process, which will assess applicants' potential contributions to the UAE across various sectors like culture, science, finance, startups, and professional services.

Over 5,000 Indians are expected to apply within the first three months of the program's launch. The new visa provides lifetime residency, allowing holders to sponsor family members, domestic workers, and drivers, and engage in any business or professional work. A key advantage of this nomination-based visa is its permanence, unlike property-based visas that become invalid if the property is sold. Applications can be submitted through One Vasco centers in India, Rayad Group's online portal, or a dedicated call center, and approved applicants can receive the Golden Visa without needing to visit the UAE during the application phase. This strategic move highlights the UAE's commitment to attracting global talent and strengthening its economic and cultural ties with India, with plans to extend the program to other CEPA partner countries like China in the near future.