The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new nomination-based Golden Visa that’s trending across India, offering lifetime residency for a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (about ₹23.3 lakh). Promising Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and students a chance to live tax-free in cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, this visa has sparked excitement. But is the ₹23 lakh Golden Visa really a golden opportunity, or does it have drawbacks? Here’s a clear, straightforward breakdown of what it offers, who can apply, and what to watch out for, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
What Is the ₹23 Lakh Golden Visa?
The UAE introduced this nomination-based Golden Visa in July 2025 as a pilot program for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals. Unlike earlier Golden Visas, which required big investments like AED 2 million (₹4.66 crore) in real estate or businesses, this one costs just ₹23.3 lakh. It’s a simpler way to get long-term residency, but you need to pass a strict approval process. The program, run by Rayad Group with VFS Global and One Vasco centres, is part of the UAE-India trade agreement (CEPA) from 2022. It’s expected to attract over 5,000 Indian applicants in the first three months.
What Benefits Does the Golden Visa Offer?
This visa is popular because it comes with several perks. Here’s what you get:
- Permanent Residency: You can stay in the UAE for life, unlike property-based visas that end if you sell your property.
- No Need for a Sponsor: You can live, work, or study without needing a local employer or sponsor, giving you freedom to pursue any job or business.
- Bring Your Family: You can sponsor your spouse, children (unmarried daughters of any age, sons up to 25), elderly parents, and even domestic workers like drivers or maids without extra costs.
- No Income Tax: The UAE doesn’t tax your income, which is a big draw for Indians facing high taxes at home.
- Top-Notch Lifestyle: The UAE offers excellent healthcare, schools, and business opportunities, making it a great place to live.
- Apply from India: You can start the process through VFS centres in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai, or online via Rayad Group, without traveling to the UAE.
Who Can Apply for the Golden Visa?
The ₹23.3 lakh fee sounds affordable, but not everyone qualifies. The UAE wants people who can add value to its economy, culture, or innovation. Here’s who can apply:
- Professionals: Teachers, nurses with 15+ years of experience, scientists, university professors, or executives earning AED 50,000 (₹11.69 lakh) monthly with five years of experience.
- Creatives: YouTubers, podcasters, or digital creators with a strong portfolio.
- Entrepreneurs: Startup founders or business owners in tech or innovation, backed by UAE-approved incubators.
- Students: High school graduates with 95%+ marks or university students with high grades from top global schools.
- Special Talents: Maritime workers, e-sports players (25+ years), artists, or athletes endorsed by the UAE government.
- Humanitarians: Frontline workers or people with proven contributions to society.
You’ll need to pass strict background checks, including reviews of your finances, criminal record, and even social media posts, to ensure you fit the UAE’s standards. The UAE government has the final say on approvals, not the agencies helping with applications.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to apply for the Golden Visa:
- Check Your Category: Figure out if you qualify as a professional, entrepreneur, student, or humanitarian.
- Collect Documents: Prepare proof like salary slips, academic records, or endorsement letters, plus your passport copies.
- Submit Application: Apply online through Rayad Group’s portal or at VFS Global or One Vasco centres in India.
- Pass Background Checks: The UAE will review your financial history, criminal record, and social media activity.
- Pay the Fee: If approved, pay the ₹23.3 lakh fee.
- Get Your Visa: Once approved, you’ll receive your long-term residency permit and can move to the UAE with your family.
For Dubai-specific questions, contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD). Nationwide, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) oversees the program.
What’s the Catch? Things to Watch Out For
The Golden Visa sounds amazing, but it’s not perfect. Here are the challenges:
- Tough Approval Process: Even if you can pay ₹23.3 lakh, approval isn’t guaranteed. The UAE’s background checks, especially on social media, are strict, and controversial posts could disqualify you.
- No Path to Citizenship: The visa gives you residency, not citizenship, so you won’t get a UAE passport or voting rights, even after years of living there.
- Expensive Lifestyle: The visa fee is just the start. Living in the UAE is costly—rent in Dubai can be over ₹20 lakh per year, and monthly family expenses might reach ₹2 lakh. Buying a home starts at ₹1.5 crore.
- High Standards: The UAE wants top talent, so mid-level professionals without major achievements may not qualify.
- Pilot Program Risks: Since this is a new program, it might change or face issues, and its expansion to other countries (like China) isn’t confirmed.
What Are Indians Saying About It?
The Golden Visa is a hot topic on Indian social media, especially on X. Many call it a “life-changer” for wealthy professionals tired of India’s taxes and infrastructure issues. One X user wrote, “₹23 lakh for a UAE visa and a fancy car there vs. just a car in India? Easy choice!” Fans of the visa praise the UAE’s no-tax policy, safe streets, and business-friendly environment.
But not everyone’s sold. Some worry about India losing talent, with one X post saying, “First the US, now the UAE—India needs to fix taxes to keep our best minds!” Others point out the high cost of living and lack of citizenship as reasons to think twice.
Is the ₹23 Lakh Golden Visa Worth It?
If you’re a skilled professional, entrepreneur, or creative with the money and qualifications, the Golden Visa could be a fantastic opportunity. The UAE’s tax-free life, modern facilities, and global location are hard to beat. But the strict approval process, high living costs, and no citizenship mean it’s not for everyone. Before applying, make sure you have the finances, career plan, and goals to make it work in the UAE.
How to Learn More
To check if you qualify or start applying, visit the UAE’s ICP website or reach out to Rayad Group’s call centres. For the latest Golden Visa news and UAE residency updates, keep checking our website and follow us on social media. Let us know in the comments—would you take this chance to move to the UAE, or would you stay in India?
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and not immigration or financial advice. Always consult official agencies for personalized guidance.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 3:09 pm by K Nikhil | Published by: K Nikhil on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 3:08 pm | News Categories: Events
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