The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a groundbreaking nomination-based Golden Visa program, offering Indian citizens the opportunity to obtain lifetime residency without the requirement of investing in property or business ventures.
This initiative represents a significant shift from the traditional investment-linked visa model and is being introduced as part of a pilot project, with India and Bangladesh selected as the first participating countries.
Under the previous visa rules, Indian nationals were typically required to invest a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately ₹4.66 crore) in real estate or commit substantial funds to business projects to qualify for the UAE’s prestigious Golden Visa, according to news reports.
The new model, however, allows eligible applicants to secure permanent residency by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (about ₹23.3 lakh), contingent upon a series of rigorous background checks and final approval by UAE authorities.
According to sources involved in the rollout, the program is expected to attract significant interest, with over 5,000 Indian applicants projected within the first three months. The inclusion of India and Bangladesh in the pilot reflects the UAE’s deepening bilateral ties with both nations, particularly in the wake of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed with India, which came into force in May 2022.
The Rayad Group, a consultancy firm appointed to manage the nomination process, is leading the initiative in India. Its Managing Director, Rayad Kamal Ayub, described the program as “a golden opportunity for Indians to get the UAE’s Golden Visa,” emphasizing its accessibility compared to traditional pathways.
Applicants will undergo comprehensive vetting, which includes screening for criminal records, checks against anti-money laundering databases, and reviews of social media activity. In addition to verifying background details, the assessment will consider an applicant’s potential contribution to the UAE across key sectors such as culture, science, finance, trade, startups, and professional services.
Once this evaluation is completed, the Rayad Group will forward the application to UAE government authorities for a final decision. Notably, applicants do not need to travel to the UAE during the processing phase.
Applications may be submitted through One Vasco centers in India and Bangladesh, registered local offices, the Rayad Group’s official portal, or a dedicated call center established to assist prospective residents.
The new Golden Visa offers a host of benefits, including lifetime residency, the right to sponsor family members, and the ability to employ domestic workers and drivers. Importantly, it permits holders to engage in any business or professional activity in the UAE.
Unlike the property-based visa, which becomes invalid if the property is sold or divided, the nomination-based visa is not dependent on asset ownership and remains valid indefinitely.
This initiative underscores the UAE government’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, particularly in areas related to trade, human mobility, and economic collaboration. It also forms part of a broader vision to extend the nomination-based Golden Visa program to other CEPA partner countries, including China, in the near future.
Both VFS Global and Rayad Group will continue to handle applicant screening and vetting as the program scales up internationally.
