The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a revamped Golden Visa program that significantly broadens access to long-term residency. Unlike the earlier investment-focused scheme, the new initiative—launched as a pilot with India and Bangladesh—offers lifetime residency through a one-time payment of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh), without requiring any real estate or business investment.
The nomination-based Golden Visa is now open to a wide range of professionals, beyond just investors and entrepreneurs. Eligible applicants include:
Healthcare workers (e.g., nurses)
Educators
Digital content creators
Scientists and researchers
Corporate executives
Maritime and logistics professionals
Applicants must pass strict background checks, including anti-money laundering (AML) and criminal record screenings. Their contributions to key UAE sectors—such as culture, science, finance, and trade—are also evaluated during the vetting process.
In India and Bangladesh, the application and verification process is handled by Rayad Group in collaboration with VFS Global and One Vasco. Applications can be submitted via physical centers, online platforms, or dedicated call centers. Importantly, candidates can receive pre-approval without needing to travel to the UAE.
The new program offers several advantages over the previous Golden Visa model, which required a minimum real estate investment of AED 2 million (approx. ₹4.66 crore):
Lifetime residency regardless of property ownership
Freedom to work, reside, or invest in any professional or business sector
Sponsorship of family members and domestic staff
No requirement to maintain a minimum asset threshold
Tax advantages, including zero personal income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax
This initiative reflects growing UAE-India ties, building on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. Over 5,000 Indian nationals are expected to apply in the first three months alone.
The UAE plans to gradually extend the nomination-based Golden Visa to other CEPA partner countries, including China, positioning the program as a key pillar of its global talent and investment attraction strategy.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)