The United Arab Emirates has revolutionized its Golden Visa program for Indians, introducing a groundbreaking nomination-based pathway that eliminates the need for massive property investments or trade licenses. This new policy represents a dramatic shift from traditional requirements, making the coveted lifetime residency visa accessible to thousands more Indian nationals.
Under the "new nomination-based visa policy," Indians can now enjoy the UAE's Golden Visa for life by paying a fee of AED 1,00,000 (INR around 23.30 lakh), a significant reduction from previous investment thresholds. Unlike the traditional route that required a minimum property investment of Rs. 4.66 crore (US$ 543,630) or significant business investments, the new model allows eligible individuals to secure lifetime residency by paying a one-time fee of around Rs. 23.30 lakh (US$ 27,183).
The impact of this policy change is expected to be substantial. Over 5,000 Indians will apply for this nomination-based visa in three months, according to beneficiaries and industry insiders involved in the process. This represents a massive surge in applications compared to the previous system's restrictive requirements.
Previously, Indians seeking the UAE Golden Visa faced significant financial barriers. Until now, one of the ways to get Dubai's Golden Visa from India was to invest in property whose value should be at least AED Two Million (Rs 4.66 crore), or invest a large amount in business in the country. These requirements effectively limited the visa to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and major business investors.
The new nomination-based system operates differently from the investment-driven model. While specific eligibility criteria and nomination procedures haven't been fully disclosed, the policy appears designed to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals who can contribute to the UAE's economic development without necessarily having massive capital investments.
This development comes at a time when the UAE is actively diversifying its economy and attracting global talent. The Golden Visa program has been a cornerstone of the country's strategy to build a knowledge-based economy and establish itself as a global hub for business and innovation.
For Indian nationals, this represents an unprecedented opportunity to access long-term residency in one of the world's most business-friendly environments. The UAE offers numerous advantages including zero personal income tax, strategic location connecting East and West, world-class infrastructure, and a multicultural business environment.
The timing of this announcement is particularly significant given the strong bilateral ties between India and the UAE. Indians constitute the largest expatriate community in the UAE, with over 3.5 million residents contributing significantly to the country's economy across various sectors.
Industry experts suggest this move could accelerate the UAE's position as a preferred destination for Indian professionals and entrepreneurs. The reduced financial barrier removes a major obstacle that prevented many qualified individuals from pursuing UAE residency.
The nomination-based Golden Visa maintains the same benefits as traditional Golden Visas, including the ability to sponsor family members, work without a local sponsor, and enjoy long-term stability in the region. Recipients can also serve as sponsors for their immediate family members, making it an attractive option for families looking to establish roots in the UAE.
This policy shift reflects the UAE's adaptive approach to immigration and its commitment to attracting diverse talent pools. As global competition for skilled workers intensifies, the UAE's willingness to innovate its visa programs positions it advantageously in the international talent acquisition landscape.
