If you’ve ever dreamed of living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), your golden chance is here—literally! The UAE has just launched a new Golden Visa scheme for Indian citizens, and the best part? You don’t need to buy property or start a business to qualify. This exciting offer is part of a pilot project that also includes Bangladesh and is seen as a major step in strengthening India-UAE relations.
Let’s break it down in simple words so you know exactly what’s going on—and how you can apply!
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that lets you live, work, or study in the UAE with complete freedom. Until now, you had to invest at least AED 2 million (about ₹4.66 crore) in property or business to get this visa. But that’s changing now.
Thanks to a new nomination-based system, you can now get lifetime residency in the UAE for just AED 1,00,000 (about ₹23.3 lakh)—no property or trade license required.
What’s New in This Golden Visa?
Here’s what makes the new visa system different and attractive:
No Property Purchase Needed
No Business Investment Required
Lifetime Residency
Right to Sponsor Family Members, Domestic Workers & Drivers
Freely in Any Profession or Run a Business
Permanent Status – Not Linked to Assets
Unlike the earlier system, where your visa could be cancelled if you sold your property, this new version stays valid forever, no matter what.
Why India?
India is one of the first two countries to be included in this pilot program (along with Bangladesh). This decision reflects the growing friendship and business ties between India and the UAE—especially after the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in May 2022.
How to Apply?
Applications can be submitted through:
One Vasco Centres in India and Bangladesh
Rayad Group’s Online Portal
Dedicated Call Centres
Registered Offices
The Rayad Group, led by MD Rayad Kamal Ayub, is in charge of handling the nomination process. He called this initiative a “golden opportunity for Indians.”
What Checks Are Involved?
Don’t worry—it’s not too complicated, but background verification is important. Your application will be reviewed for:
Criminal Records
Anti-Money Laundering Databases
Social Media Activity
Your Potential Contribution to UAE (like in culture, science, startups, finance, trade, or services)
Once everything checks out, the Rayad Group will forward your case to the UAE government. And guess what? You don’t even need to visit the UAE while applying.
Who Is Expected to Benefit?
Over 5,000 Indians are expected to apply within the first 3 months of the launch. Many professionals, freelancers, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs are eyeing this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What Does This Mean for India-UAE Ties?
This visa scheme is more than just paperwork—it’s a symbol of closer cooperation between India and the UAE. The program is expected to expand soon to other countries like China, especially those with CEPA agreements.
Hence
Whether you’re a working professional, a startup founder, or just someone who dreams of living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s new Golden Visa is now within reach. No crores of rupees needed. Just a clear record, a good profile, and a one-time fee.
So why wait? This is your golden chance to secure a lifetime in the land of opportunities.