 "The UAE has launched a new type of Golden Visa, one that doesn’t require large investments in property or business, but is instead based on nomination. File image/ Reuters")
UPDATE
The United Arab Emirates has officially denied circulating claims that it is offering lifetime golden visas to Indian nationals.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) clarified that no such programme exists. The authority addressed recent reports suggesting that certain nationalities, including Indians, could obtain lifelong residency under relaxed terms, a claim it called “baseless.”
The ICP emphasised that the golden visa system operates strictly under existing laws, regulations, and ministerial directives. All legitimate applications, it said, are handled only through official UAE government channels, and no internal or external consultancy firms are authorised to process or represent applicants.
This clarification comes after misleading promotions from an overseas consultancy claimed that applicants could obtain the visa through a simplified process. The ICP firmly rejected these reports, saying they were made without coordination or approval from UAE authorities.
Urging the public to avoid misinformation, the ICP advised people to refer only to trusted government sources, such as the Authority’s official website or its 24/7 helpline (600522222), for any visa-related updates or details.
It was earlier reported that the country was opening new doors for skilled professionals looking to build a long-term future in the Gulf. The reports said it had launched a new type of golden visa, one that doesn’t require large investments in property or business, but is instead based on nomination.
This was seen as a major shift from the usual route to long-term residency, which has typically favoured wealthy investors. Many Indian nationals, who form one of the largest expat communities in the UAE, saw it as a welcome development.
The Rayad Group, the Dubai-based agency in question, has since issued an apology and taken responsibility for the confusion.
“(We) acknowledge the recent media coverage and public discussions regarding a purported nomination-based UAE Golden Visa initiative, including references to a fixed Dh100,000 fee and a so-called “lifetime visa” arrangement,"
“We concur with the statement issued by the ICP, which affirms that all Golden Visa applications must be processed through official, government-approved channels.
Rayad Group ‘apologised unreservedly for the public confusion caused by recent reports and commentary’, it said.
“We take full responsibility for ensuring future communications are clear, accurate, and consistent with the UAE’s stringent regulatory frameworks,” it added.
What was the rumoured new golden visa programme?
Earlier, reports had emerged that the UAE’s revamped golden visa programme is widening its scope to include a much broader range of skilled professionals. It was now welcoming scientists, executives, school teachers, principals, university faculty, and frontline workers, as well as nurses with over 15 years of experience.
More interestingly was the inclusion of content creators, YouTubers, podcasters, and even accredited e-sports professionals aged 25 and above. Luxury yacht owners and maritime executives were also among those eligible.
This marked a notable shift from the previous golden visa scheme, which was mostly reserved for entrepreneurs, top students, investors, and highly specialised professionals.
Under the policy, Indians could obtain the UAE’s coveted golden visa by paying a fee of AED 100,000 (approximately Rs 23.3 lakh), according to people involved in the process who spoke to PTI.
In the first phase of this rollout, India and Bangladesh have been selected for testing the new visa model. A consultancy firm called Rayad Group has been tasked with piloting the nomination-based application process in India.
Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, said this is a “golden opportunity” for Indians to secure long-term residency in the UAE.
As per the group’s estimates, more than 5,000 Indians are expected to apply for the visa over the next three months.
What was the selection process?
The UAE has a structured process in place to ensure only eligible and credible candidates are considered for the new golden visa programme.
“Whenever an applicant applies for this golden visa, we will first check their background, which will include anti-money laundering and criminal record checks, as well as their social media,” said Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, told PTI.
Beyond basic background screening, the evaluation will also consider how the applicant can contribute to the UAE’s economy or society. This includes areas like culture, finance, trade, science, start-ups, and professional services.
Once these checks are complete, Rayad Group forwards the application to the UAE government, which takes the final call on whether the applicant qualifies for the nomination-based golden visa.
Applicants don’t need to travel to Dubai to initiate the process. Pre-approval can be secured from their home country.
“Applications can be submitted through One Vasco (visa concierge service company) centres in India and Bangladesh, our registered offices, our online portal, or even through our dedicated call centre,” Kamal explained.
Are family members eligible for this visa?
Yes, family members are included.
According to Kamal, those who secure the nomination-based golden visa will be allowed to bring their family members to the UAE. In fact, visa holders will also have the option to employ staff and participate in business or professional activities in the country.
Unlike property-based visas, which lapse upon property sale, the nomination-based golden visa is permanent.
The initiative shows the UAE’s growing efforts to strengthen ties with India, which has been selected as the first country for this pilot project. The move comes after the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations in May 2022.
The visa is part of a broader CEPA-linked strategy aimed at improving collaboration with partner countries. While India and Bangladesh are part of the first phase, other CEPA members, including China, may be brought into the programme in the future.
With input from agencies