In a transformative move to attract global talent and strengthen ties with key partner nations, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a groundbreaking update to its Golden Visa program, specifically targeting Indian nationals. The new nomination-based Golden Visa scheme, launched in July 2025, reduces the cost of securing lifetime residency in the UAE from a staggering ₹4.66 crore (AED 2 million) to a more accessible ₹23.3 lakh (AED 100,000). This seismic shift eliminates the need for hefty property or business investments, opening doors for a broader range of Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators to live, work, and thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
A Game-Changing Policy Shift
The UAE’s Golden Visa, introduced in 2019, was initially designed to attract high-net-worth individuals, investors, and exceptional talent by offering long-term residency of 5 or 10 years. Historically, one of the primary pathways for Indians to secure this coveted visa was through significant financial commitments, such as purchasing property worth at least AED 2 million or making substantial business investments. These requirements placed the Golden Visa out of reach for many, limiting its appeal to affluent investors.
The new nomination-based scheme, rolled out as a pilot program for India and Bangladesh, marks a departure from this investment-heavy model. For a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh), eligible Indians can now obtain lifetime residency without the need to purchase property or establish a business. This dramatic cost reduction—nearly 20 times lower than the previous threshold—has sparked widespread excitement among Indian professionals and netizens, with many hailing it as a “game-changer” for those seeking global mobility and a tax-free lifestyle.
Who Can Apply?
The nomination-based Golden Visa is not a free-for-all. The UAE has implemented a rigorous vetting process to ensure that applicants bring value to its economy and society. Eligible candidates include:
- Skilled Professionals: Senior professionals in fields like education, healthcare, and corporate sectors, including experienced nurses, university lecturers, and school teachers.
- Digital Creators: YouTubers, podcasters, authors, filmmakers, and e-sports players who have made significant contributions to their fields.
- Innovators and Entrepreneurs: Individuals with a proven track record in startups, science, finance, trade, or maritime industries, including yacht owners.
- High-Achieving Students: Those with outstanding academic records, such as high school toppers with a minimum of 95% or university students with high GPAs from top-rated institutions.
Applicants must be nominated by a UAE-based partner organization, such as a professional body or institution, and undergo thorough background checks. These include criminal record screenings, anti-money laundering compliance, and even reviews of social media presence to assess an individual’s reputation and potential contributions to the UAE’s cultural, economic, or technological landscape.
Simplified Application Process
One of the standout features of the new scheme is its accessibility. Applicants can obtain pre-approval from India without needing to visit Dubai, streamlining the process significantly. Applications can be submitted through:
- One VASCO centers (visa concierge services) in India.
- Registered offices of Rayad Group, the UAE-based consultancy tasked with overseeing the pilot program.
- An online portal or dedicated call center managed by Rayad Group.
Once an applicant clears the vetting process, Rayad Group forwards the application to the UAE government for final approval. The process is designed to be efficient, with approvals typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks, according to DU Digital Global. Successful applicants receive their visas electronically, marking the beginning of their UAE journey.
Benefits of the Nomination-Based Golden Visa
The nomination-based Golden Visa offers a host of advantages that make it an attractive option for Indians seeking a new home or career opportunities abroad:
- Lifetime Residency: Unlike the property-based Golden Visa, which lapses if the property is sold or divided, the nomination-based visa grants permanent residency, offering long-term stability.
- Family Sponsorship: Holders can sponsor their spouse, dependent children, and even domestic staff, such as drivers and servants, to join them in the UAE.
- Business and Professional Freedom: The visa allows holders to engage in any business or professional activity without requiring a separate work permit, fostering entrepreneurial and career flexibility.
- Tax-Free Environment: The UAE’s zero-income-tax policy is a significant draw for professionals and entrepreneurs looking to maximize their earnings.
- Global Mobility: The Golden Visa enhances access to a business-friendly environment with world-class infrastructure, making it easier to connect with global markets.
Strategic Alignment with UAE-India Relations
The inclusion of India in the pilot phase of this program reflects the deepening economic, cultural, and geopolitical ties between the UAE and India, solidified by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in May 2022. The CEPA has facilitated smoother trade, migration, and business cooperation, and the nomination-based Golden Visa is a natural extension of this partnership. The UAE plans to expand the program to other CEPA countries, such as China, in future phases, but India’s selection as a pioneer underscores its strategic importance.
Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, described the initiative as a “golden opportunity” for Indians, emphasizing its potential to attract high-caliber professionals who can contribute to the UAE’s knowledge-based economy. With over 5,000 Indian applicants expected in the first three months, the program is poised to significantly boost Indian migration to the UAE.
Impact on Indian Migration and Real Estate
The reduced cost of the Golden Visa has sparked lively discussions on social media platforms like X, where Indian users have compared the AED 100,000 fee to the cost of a mid-range SUV or luxury car in India. Some have even pointed out that for ₹1 crore, one could either buy a Mercedes E-Class in India or secure a Golden Visa and purchase the same car in Dubai for AED 321,900 (₹75 lakh), highlighting the financial and lifestyle benefits of relocating.
Real estate experts predict that the new policy could reshape Dubai’s property market. Previously, the Golden Visa’s property investment requirement drove demand for mid-to-high-tier real estate among Indian investors. With the nomination-based scheme removing this barrier, experts like Akash Puri of India Sotheby’s International Realty suggest that speculative buying in Dubai’s real estate market may cool, while rental demand could surge as younger professionals and mid-level investors opt to rent rather than buy.
In India, the policy is unlikely to dent the ultra-luxury housing market, which remains driven by domestic business interests and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. However, it may accelerate the migration of upper-middle-class professionals and entrepreneurs, a trend already evident in the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024, which estimates that 4,300 Indian millionaires will relocate abroad in 2025, following 5,100 in 2023.
Challenges and Considerations
While the nomination-based Golden Visa is a significant step forward, it’s not without challenges. The vetting process, while thorough, may pose hurdles for some applicants, particularly those without formal nominations or extensive professional credentials. Additional costs, such as health insurance, documentation, or legal fees, may also apply, potentially increasing the overall expense beyond the AED 100,000 fee.
Moreover, the program has prompted introspection in India about its ability to retain talent. Posts on X have highlighted the UAE’s business-friendly policies, zero income tax, and high quality of life as pull factors, contrasting them with India’s high tax rates (up to 42% for top earners) and bureaucratic hurdles. Some users have called for reforms in India’s tax and business environment to compete with opportunities like the Golden Visa.
A New Era for Indian Talent
The UAE’s nomination-based Golden Visa represents a bold step toward inclusivity, making long-term residency accessible to a wider range of Indian professionals and creators. By lowering the financial barrier from ₹4.66 crore to ₹23.3 lakh, the UAE is not only attracting talent but also redefining its residency landscape to prioritize skills, innovation, and cultural contributions over wealth alone. For Indian professionals dreaming of a vibrant, tax-free, and globally connected lifestyle, this program offers an unprecedented opportunity to turn that dream into reality.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 11:27 am by Shashivardhan Reddy | Published by: Shashivardhan Reddy on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 11:27 am | News Categories: News