Are you dreaming of settling abroad? Here’s the big update: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially launched a special nomination-based Golden Visa program, offering lifetime residency without requiring any property purchase or business investment.
With this announcement, the UAE has made a major departure from its traditional investment-based residency system, opening the door for skilled individuals, professionals, and contributors across various sectors.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE. It offers 5 to 10 years of renewable residency, with recent options including lifetime validity through nomination.
Unlike the earlier versions of the UAE Golden Visa that demanded high-value investments, like AED 2 million in real estate, this new visa route is based on merit and nomination.
So, instead of buying a luxury apartment or starting a UAE-based company, eligible applicants can now qualify based on their professional achievements, contributions, or future potential.
The pilot phase is currently open to citizens of India and Bangladesh. The UAE expects over 5,000 Indian applications in the initial three months, reflecting the strong demand for long-term residency options among Indian professionals and entrepreneurs.
The program is in its pilot phase, and is currently open to:
This isn’t a visa that requires ongoing financial commitments. Here’s the breakdown:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| One-time Fee | AED 100,000 (approx. ₹23.3 lakh) |
| Recurring Cost | None |
| Property Purchase | Not required |
That’s it. No need to invest millions or maintain an asset in the UAE. Once granted, the residency is permanent, even if your professional circumstances change.
Applicants aren’t just filling out a form and hoping for the best. They’re vetted carefully before a nomination is sent to the UAE authorities. The evaluation includes:
This isn’t a random lottery; it’s a targeted recruitment of talent and value-adders.
The Rayad Group is leading the nomination process as the official consultant.
Here’s how it works:
They’re also working with VFS and One Vasco centres across India and Bangladesh to streamline the process.
Deeper India-UAE economic ties, especially following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, have prompted the UAE to introduce the nomination-based Golden Visa.
This visa is more than just a new immigration policy; it’s a sign of strategic alignment, and India is the first to get the offer. The UAE plans to expand this model to other CEPA countries like China in the near future.
If you’re an Indian or Bangladeshi national with a solid professional track record—or a vision to contribute meaningfully in fields like science, culture, or startups—this is a rare and valuable opportunity.
You’re no longer tied to real estate or investment requirements. You just need credibility, potential, and purpose.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google News for the latest travel news and updates!
