UAE Golden Visa: lifetime residency for AED 100,000, no investment needed. Learn eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Table Of Contents
UAE Golden Visa
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a magnet for expatriates, offering a vibrant economy, world-class infrastructure, and a tax-free environment.
Since its launch in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa has been a game-changer for those seeking long-term residency.
Initially designed for high-net-worth individuals and exceptional talents, the program has evolved significantly.
In July 2025, the UAE introduced a groundbreaking nomination-based Golden Visa, offering lifetime residency for a modest fee, particularly for Indians and Bangladeshis.
This blog post, brought to you by THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, explores the UAE Golden Visa.
It covers both the traditional and new nomination-based options, their benefits, and how you can secure your place in this dynamic nation.
Understanding The UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE without a local sponsor.
Introduced to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, it offers exclusive benefits like family sponsorship, access to government services, and the freedom to conduct business.
The program has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy to position itself as a global hub for talent and innovation.
Until recently, the Golden Visa required significant financial investments or exceptional achievements.
However, the new nomination-based option, launched in July 2025, has made it more accessible, particularly for professionals from India and Bangladesh, by offering lifetime residency without the need for property or business investments.
The Traditional Golden Visa: A Proven Path To Residency
The traditional Golden Visa, established in 2019, caters to a range of categories, each with specific eligibility criteria.
Below, we outline the key categories, requirements, and benefits.
Categories And Eligibility
| Category | Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Investors | Invest AED 2 million in real estate (wholly owned, possibly mortgaged with bank approval) or AED 1 million in a bank deposit. Requires proof of housing and medical insurance. | 10 years, renewable |
| Entrepreneurs | Own a project valued at AED 500,000, with approvals from an auditor, emirate authorities, and an accredited business incubator. | 5 years, renewable |
| Outstanding Talents | Includes doctors (approval from the Ministry of Health), scientists (recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists), athletes, and artists (nominations from relevant bodies). Requires a valid passport and health insurance. | 10 years, renewable |
| Students | High school students with outstanding grades (5 years, extendable for medical studies) or university graduates with a GPA ≥3.8 (10 years). Family sponsorship is possible. | 5 or 10 years, renewable |
Benefits Of The Traditional Golden Visa
- Long-Term Residency: Offers 5 or 10 years of residency, renewable upon meeting ongoing requirements.
- Family Sponsorship: Holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and, in some cases, parents, subject to conditions.
- Business Freedom: No need for a local sponsor to start or operate a business.
- Access to Services: Enjoy government services like healthcare and education, similar to UAE nationals.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: Includes a 6-month multiple-entry visa to facilitate residence issuance.
Application Process
Applications for the traditional Golden Visa are typically submitted through government portals, such as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) or emirate-specific authorities like the Dubai Land Department for property investors.
Applicants must provide documentation proving eligibility, such as investment records, recommendation letters, or academic certificates.
The New Nomination-Based Golden Visa: A Game-Changer
In July 2025, the UAE introduced a nomination-based Golden Visa, marking a significant shift in its residency policies.
This pilot program, initially targeting Indians and Bangladeshis, offers lifetime residency for a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately INR 23.3 lakh), eliminating the need for substantial investments.
This initiative aligns with the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, reflecting stronger economic ties.
Eligibility Criteria
Unlike the traditional Golden Visa, which focuses on financial investments or exceptional achievements, the nomination-based visa targets professionals who can contribute to key UAE sectors, including:
- Culture: Artists, writers, and media professionals enhancing the UAE’s cultural landscape.
- Trade and Finance: Business professionals driving economic growth.
- Science and Technology: Innovators in fields like AI, biotechnology, and startups.
- Societal Contributions: Individuals with a track record of impactful community work.
Applicants are evaluated based on their professional background, societal contributions, and potential to benefit the UAE’s economy and society.
A rigorous vetting process includes:
- Anti-money laundering checks
- Criminal record verification
- Social media screening to assess influence and behavior
Application Process
Applications are managed through authorized consultancies like Rayad Group and OneVasco in partnership with VFS Global.
Applicants can apply from their home countries without visiting the UAE initially.
The process involves:
- Contact Consultancies: You can contact Rayad Group or OneVasco through their online portals, call centers, or physical centers in India and Bangladesh.
- Submit Documents:
- Comprehensive personal and professional profile
- Bank statements for the last six months
- Copy of passport
- Highest academic qualification
- Valid proof of address
- Police clearance certificate
- Background Checks: Consultancies conduct thorough screenings, including financial and criminal records.
- Government Approval: The final decision rests with UAE government authorities, with processing times ranging from a few weeks to months.
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Portal | Submit applications through Rayad Group or OneVasco’s dedicated websites. |
| Call Center | Contact +91 22 62018483 (India) or +880 1739 861116 (Bangladesh) for assistance. |
| Physical Centers | Visit OneVasco or Rayad Group offices in India or Bangladesh. |
Benefits Of The Nomination-Based Golden Visa
The nomination-based Golden Visa offers unparalleled advantages, making it a compelling option for professionals:
- Lifetime Residency: Unlike the traditional visa, which requires renewal, this visa is permanent and provides long-term stability.
- Cost-Effective: A one-time fee of AED 100,000 is significantly lower than the AED 2 million required for property-based visas.
- Family Sponsorship: Holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and support staff, such as domestic workers.
- Business and Employment Freedom: No local sponsor is needed to start a business or work in the UAE.
- Access to Government Services: Enjoy healthcare, education, and other services on par with UAE nationals.
- Travel Freedom: Easier travel within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and beyond.
- Premium Health Insurance: Access to high-quality health insurance plans.
- No Personal Income Tax: Benefit from the UAE’s tax-free environment, though applicants should consult tax advisors for home country obligations.
Expected Impact
The pilot phase is expected to attract over 5,000 Indian applicants in the first three months, reflecting strong interest.
The program’s success could lead to its expansion to other CEPA partner countries, such as China, in future phases.
Comparing Traditional And Nomination-Based Golden Visas
To help you choose the right path, here’s a detailed comparison of the two Golden Visa options:
| Aspect | Traditional | Nomination |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 or 10 years, renewable | Lifetime residency |
| Cost | AED 2 million (property/business) or merit-based | AED 100,000 one-time fee |
| Eligibility | Investors, entrepreneurs, talents, and students | Professionals with contributions to the UAE sectors |
| Investment Required | Yes (e.g., real estate, bank deposit) | No, nomination-based |
| Application Process | Direct through government portals | Through Rayad Group, OneVasco, online/call centers |
| Family Sponsorship | Yes, subject to conditions | Yes, including support staff |
| Pilot Phase | Not applicable | Yes, for Indians and Bangladeshis |
| Official Documentation | Fully reflected in government sites | Not yet fully updated; pilot phase |
This table highlights the nomination-based visa’s affordability and accessibility, making it ideal for professionals who may not have the capital for large investments but possess valuable skills or contributions.
Applicability To Dubai
The UAE Golden Visa is a federal program, meaning it applies across all seven emirates, including Dubai.
Dubai has specific processes for the traditional Golden Visa, particularly for property investors who apply through the Dubai Land Department for investments of AED 2 million or more.
However, the nomination-based Golden Visa is managed at the federal level through consultancies like Rayad Group and OneVasco, making it equally accessible to those planning to reside in Dubai.
This ensures that Dubai, a global business and tourism hub, remains a prime destination for Golden Visa holders.
Addressing The Uncertainty
There is some uncertainty surrounding the nomination-based Golden Visa, as official UAE government portals, such as the ICP website, still list it as a 5—or 10-year renewable visa, with no mention of the lifetime residency option.
This discrepancy suggests that the program is in its early stages and may not yet be fully integrated into official documentation.
However, multiple reputable sources, including the Times of India, Business Standard, and NDTV, confirm the lifetime residency offer, and consultancies like OneVasco provide detailed application processes.
To ensure accuracy, applicants should verify details with Rayad Group or OneVasco before proceeding.
Why Choose The UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa, whether traditional or nomination-based, offers a unique opportunity to live in a country known for its economic stability, cultural diversity, and modern infrastructure.
The nomination-based visa, in particular, is a cost-effective option for professionals seeking long-term residency without the financial burden of large investments.
With benefits like family sponsorship, business freedom, and access to premium services, it’s an attractive pathway for those looking to build a future in the UAE.
How To Get Started
If you’re interested in the nomination-based Golden Visa, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
- Research Eligibility: Assess whether your professional background aligns with the UAE’s priority sectors (e.g., culture, trade, science).
- Contact Consultancies: Reach out to Rayad Group or OneVasco for personalized guidance.
- Gather Documents: Prepare your profile, bank statements, passport, academic qualifications, proof of address, and police clearance certificate.
- Submit Application: Use online portals, call centers, or physical centers in India or Bangladesh.
- Await Approval: Be patient, as processing times can vary from weeks to months, depending on the thoroughness of your application.
For those considering the traditional Golden Visa, explore investment options or consult with emirate-specific authorities for talent-based applications.
Conclusion
The UAE Golden Visa has transformed the landscape of global residency programs, and the new nomination-based option is a landmark development.
By offering lifetime residency for a modest fee, the UAE is opening its doors to a broader pool of talent, particularly from India and Bangladesh.
Whether you are a professional looking to relocate, an entrepreneur seeking new opportunities, or a family planning a future in the UAE, this program offers unparalleled benefits.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we are committed to keeping you informed about such opportunities.
Visit our website for more insights on immigration, residency, and global mobility, and start your journey to the UAE today!
Trivia
Did you know that the UAE is home to over 3.5 million Indians, making it the largest expatriate community in the country? The nomination-based Golden Visa is poised to strengthen this bond, offering a pathway for thousands more Indian professionals to call the UAE home for life.
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