Indians Can Now Get UAE Golden Visa Without Property Investment
No investment needed—Indians can now apply for UAE’s lifetime Golden Visa via nomination, starting at AED 1 lakh.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th July: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a nomination-based Golden Visa scheme, aimed at a broader professional base including nurses, educators, content creators, scientists, executives, and even luxury yacht owners. This new model, which does not require significant financial investment, is expected to benefit thousands of Indian nationals, one of the largest expatriate communities in the Gulf nation.
The move is part of the UAE’s strategic effort to diversify its talent pool and attract skilled professionals who can contribute to its economy beyond capital investment. Under the new initiative, eligible Indians can obtain the prestigious UAE Golden Visa for life by paying a nomination fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh).
The nomination model comes with a strict vetting process, including background checks for anti-money laundering, criminal records, and social media profiling. The Rayad Group, in collaboration with VFS Global, has been entrusted with handling pre-screening and processing of applications in India and Bangladesh—the two countries chosen for the pilot phase.
“Indians now have a golden opportunity to live, work, and do business in the UAE without the investment barrier,” said Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group. He emphasized that this model provides greater flexibility and permanence compared to the property-based visa, which is revoked upon sale or division of assets.
Applicants can apply through OneVASCO centres, Rayad’s registered offices, or the online portal, and do not need to physically travel to Dubai for the initial approval. Once approved, visa holders can bring their families, employ domestic help, and freely engage in business or professional services in the UAE.
Originally launched in 2019, the UAE’s Golden Visa program targeted high-net-worth individuals investing in real estate or businesses. In 2022, the property investment threshold was lowered to AED 2 million, opening doors to a broader pool. However, this new nomination-based format expands eligibility further—covering professionals across sectors like education, healthcare, digital media, sports, and maritime industries.
The initiative comes on the heels of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, which has significantly deepened economic and diplomatic ties. The current rollout is part of a pilot program under CEPA, which will later be extended to China and other signatory countries.
According to officials, over 5,000 Indians are expected to apply within the first three months of the rollout, signaling robust interest in the new offering.
