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UAE Introduces Lifetime Golden Visa for Indians Without Property Purchase

Indians can now apply for a UAE Golden Visa without having to invest in a business or property under a new policy. This will give them the opportunity to stay in the UAE for life, based on a one-time fee. The UAE government recently launched this nomination-based Golden Visa. It is completely different from the previous investment-based system.

What is the Nomination-Based Golden Visa?

The main way for Indian citizens to get a Golden Visa was to invest at least 2 million dirhams (about ₹4.66 crore) in property in Dubai or another city in the Emirates or to invest a large amount of capital in a business.

That rule has now changed. Under the new system, Indians can apply for a Golden Visa by paying only AED 1,00,000 (about ₹23.3 lakhs), but will have to complete a specific verification process first. The nomination will be approved after assessing the background check of the applicants, social contributions, and their potential contribution to the UAE.

Key Differences from The Traditional Golden Visa

The main feature is that it’s completely investment-based. If someone can qualify without investing in any property or business, they will get the right to live, work, and do business in the Emirates for life. Most importantly, the validity of such a visa does not depend on the ownership of any property. As a result, even if the visa holder sells or divides his property in the future, the validity of the visa will remain intact, which was not possible earlier.

Who is Eligible?

India and Bangladesh have been included in this first phase of the pilot project. It is a reflection of the recently strengthened economic and diplomatic relations between India and the UAE. Since the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) came into effect in May 2022, there has been increased closeness in trade and labor markets between the two countries.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Given below are the steps that you can follow-
1. Initial Eligibility Verification: The applicant’s eligibility is verified by Enterslice through the One Vasco Center, web portal, or call.

2. Document Submission: National Identity Card, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Police Clearance Certificate, Social Media Links, and Professional Profile are required.

3. Background Screening: The applicant is checked for money laundering, criminal records, and online activities.

4. Nomination Review: The verified application is submitted to the relevant department of the UAE government.

5. Approval and Visa Issuance: After approval, the applicant receives a visa. There is no need to visit the Emirates for the entire process.

6. Benefits after approval: After receiving the visa, the applicant can migrate to the Emirates, start a business, and sponsor family and domestic workers.

Top 5 Benefits of Nomination-Based Visa

Lifetime Residency: This visa does not need to be renewed—once obtained, it is valid forever.

Right to live, work, and do business: Visa holders can work or run their businesses in the UAE.

Family and employee sponsorship opportunities: Spouses, children, domestic workers, and drivers can be sponsored.

Banking, health, and school benefits: Easy access to schooling for children, banking, and healthcare.

No job or property dependency: No job or property ownership is required to hold the visa.

This visa is particularly suitable for remote professionals, digital nomads, retired NRIs, and content creators. It opens up long-term planning and safe resettlement.

Why were India and Bangladesh Chosen for the Pilot Project?

India has the largest expatriate population (around 3.5 million), indicating deep social and economic ties between the two countries.  Therefore, this new Golden Visa route for Indian citizens can be called a historic turning point in immigration policy.

Increased closeness after CEPA agreement: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022 has further strengthened the UAE-India trade relationship.

Bangladesh has strong labor and remittance ties, which play a significant role in the UAE’s immigration policy.

The UAE is now seeking to balance the global talent pool and reduce its reliance on Western countries. It wants to build a diverse immigration structure, prioritizing South Asia, especially countries like India and Bangladesh.

Although this nomination-based scheme is currently in a pilot phase, there are plans to launch it on a wider scale in the future. The UAE government has said that this visa scheme will be expanded to some other CEPA signatory countries, including China, shortly.

This new version of the Golden Visa brings numerous benefits to applicants. Indian nationals will get the right to reside in the Emirates and be able to bring their families, domestic workers, and drivers there.

UAE’s New Talent Attraction Strategy

This new transformation of the Golden Visa can be seen as part of the UAE’s long-term ‘Vision 2031’, which aims to build a knowledge-based economy. The country’s new goal is to attract not only wealthy investors but also skilled professionals, creative workers, and innovators from various fields. Under this nomination-based visa, professionals from various sectors, including culture, science, health, technology, and education, will now get the opportunity to obtain permanent residency, indicating a more comprehensive and inclusive policy than before.

If you are a new business owner seeking company registration in UAE, getting a golden VISA will be beneficial for you in the long run.

Conclusion

The UAE’s new nomination-based Golden Visa scheme is undoubtedly a game-changer for Indians. This visa has opened a golden door for those who have been dreaming of permanent residence abroad but have not been able to invest. With just a one-time fee, you will have the freedom to live, work, and do business in the Emirates for life – a much more permanent and flexible system than before.

This visa is not only open to the upper class, but also to professionals, creative, and innovative people. It is in line with the UAE’s “Vision 2031”, which aims to build a knowledge-based, diversified economy.

For those who are qualified, have a clean background, and are willing to make a positive contribution to the society and economy of the Emirates, this is undoubtedly a ‘golden opportunity’. Applying with the right preparation can pave the way for a new life.

Let Enterslice experts help you secure a UAE Golden VISA effortlessly and in no time.

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