New UAE Golden Visa for Indians: Full Details on Eligibility, Cost, How To Apply, Benefits & More

Big news for those dreaming of living in the Gulf, as the United Arab Emirates has launched a new nomination based Golden Visa program, which will help Indians and other foreign nationals with long-term residency opportunities in the region.

Earlier, to obtain a UAE Golden Visa, it required a huge investment in property or business in the country worth more than Rs. 4 crore or AED 2 million, which was only possible for high net worth individuals. However, this new UAE golden visa will make it far more accessible for professionals and other individuals as well.

What Is the New UAE Golden Visa?

This is a lifetime residency visa introduced by the UAE government, which is different from the traditional Golden Visa. This one is nomination-based, which means individuals are selected or nominated based on merit and eligibility rather than financial investment.
In this kind of visa, there is no need to purchase property or invest in a business.

Also, it comes with a lifetime validity and a one-time cost of AED 100,000 approximately Rs. 23.3 lac. The best part is there are no recurring investments or annual fees associated with this UAE golden visa.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Details

Currently The new golden visa is in its pilot phase, and citizens of India and Bangladesh are eligible to apply. As per reports, UAE officials expect to receive over 5,000 applications from Indians in the first three months alone because of the high demand for stable residency in the Gulf region.

Applicants are thoroughly scrutinized on several criteria like criminal record checks, anti-money laundering compliance, social media behavior, Potential contributions to the UAE in fields such as culture, trade, science, finance, startups, and professional services

How To Apply for a UAE Golden Visa?

In order to apply for the UAE Golden Visa, you don't need to travel to Dubai initially. Applications can be submitted through the One Vasco Centers in India and Bangladesh. Alternatively, people can go to Rayad Group's registered offices for application. Online portals or dedicated call centers are also available for the applicants.

Rayad Group is the official consultant selected to manage the application and screening process. Once the verification and security checks are completed, applications are forwarded to the UAE authorities for final approval.

Major Benefits of the UAE Nomination-Based Golden Visa

• This new UAE Golden Visa comes with its own set of benefits. Firstly, it offers lifetime residency in the region without property purchase or any recurring investment.

• With the launch of this new VISA type, eligible individuals can bring their family members to the Gulf as well as hire domestic staff for their household.

• It can also be beneficial in starting or running a business and, most importantly, taking up employment in the UAE.

• With all these perks, it is definitely an attractive offer for people who are looking to establish long-term roots in the UAE without large upfront investments.

How Will It Impact Indian Real Estate Investors?

The new UAE Golden Visa rules will change how Indian investors approach the real estate market there.

"Historically, property investment was one of the few avenues to secure long-term residency, prompting a surge of interest from Indian investors seeking both capital preservation and immigration benefits. With the visa now accessible through broader channels, the urgency to invest solely for residency purposes is likely to ease particularly in the mid-market and entry-level segments. This could cool speculative buying and encourage more grounded investment behaviour." said Akash Puri, Director International, India Sotheby's International Realty

"Investors who remain committed to the UAE property market will now place greater emphasis on fundamentals like location, developer credibility, and long-term value. Luxury and trophy assets will continue to appeal to ultra-HNWIs, who are largely unaffected by the new professional-centric criteria. For Indian investors, this is a cue to recalibrate: from residency-led transactions to value-led strategies." Puri Further added