What is UAE's new nomination-based Golden Visa model? How can Indians apply?

Hyderabad: United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new nomination-based Golden Visa model for Indian citizens. Unlike earlier pathways that required large investments in property or businesses, this new system allows eligible individuals to secure lifetime residency through a one-time fee—without needing to invest.

What Is the UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the UAE. First introduced in 2019, the visa was largely available to investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals in selected fields.

Key features of the Golden Visa include:

• Multiple-entry visa to start the application process

• Renewable residency for 5 or 10 years, depending on the category

• No local sponsor required

• Freedom to stay outside the UAE for over 6 months without losing visa status

• Ability to sponsor family members of any age

• Unlimited domestic staff sponsorship

• Family can remain in the UAE even after the visa holder’s death

What’s New for Indians?

The new model removes the investment requirement and introduces a nomination-based system. Applicants are selected based on their professional background, societal impact, or potential contribution to the UAE’s economy, culture, or innovation sectors.

Instead of investing in real estate or businesses, eligible individuals can now pay a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approx. ₹23.3 lakh) to receive permanent residency.

According to Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group (the firm handling applications), the policy is “a golden opportunity for Indians.” He noted that candidates will undergo anti-money laundering, criminal history, and social media checks, with final approvals granted by UAE authorities.

Who Can Be Nominated?

The nomination model is currently being offered to individuals from India and Bangladesh, with eligibility based on:

• Professional expertise in areas like science, business, technology, art, or finance

• Contributions to society, such as humanitarian work or cultural impact

• Future potential to add value to the UAE economy or creative ecosystem

More than 5,000 Indian applications are expected within the first three months of the program.

How to Apply?

Applications can be submitted through:

• Rayad Group, in partnership with VFS and One Vasco centers across India and Bangladesh

• The ICP website or mobile app

• For Dubai-based applications: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

The process includes identity verification, documentation, and security checks. The UAE has also introduced the ‘One Touch’ Golden Visa service, streamlining everything from application to visa status updates in a single step.

What Does the AED 1 Lakh Fee Include?

The one-time fee of AED 100,000 covers:

• Lifetime residency (does not expire)

• Right to bring immediate family

• Ability to employ domestic staff

• Freedom to start or manage a business or work professionally in the UAE

• No obligation to maintain investment or property in the country

Importantly, selling assets or businesses later does not affect the residency status under this model.

Traditional Routes Still Open

The new nomination system exists alongside the existing Golden Visa categories, which include:

1. Investors: AED 2 million in funds + AED 250,000 annual UAE taxes

2. Real Estate Investors: AED 2 million property purchase (loan from approved banks)

3. Entrepreneurs: Tech/innovation business worth AED 500,000

4. Skilled Professionals: Doctors, scientists, engineers, and artists with valid credentials

5. Students: High school and university toppers

6. Humanitarian Workers: Service or donations worth AED 2 million

7. Frontline Heroes: Healthcare and lab workers with official recommendations

What Comes Next?

The nomination-based Golden Visa is currently in its pilot phase for India and Bangladesh and is expected to expand to other countries, particularly those with strong trade ties under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)—like China.

The new model reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to attract talent, innovation, and economic partnerships, making it easier for skilled and impactful individuals to make the UAE their long-term home.