The UAE stands out as one of the most dynamic and appealing destinations globally. For Indian citizens, obtaining a single-entry visitor visa is affordable at INR 7,500, and those with a valid US visa can benefit from a visa-on-arrival option. However, if you’ve always dreamed of seeing the iconic Burj Khalifa or experiencing the exhilarating rides at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, there’s some exciting news for you. The UAE has recently updated its Golden Visa policy, launching a nomination-based program that offers lifetime residency to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals.
This new approach eliminates the previous prerequisites for significant business investments or costly property acquisitions. Qualified applicants can secure this visa for around AED 100,000 (approximately INR 23,37,839.34), pending background checks and official authorization. A significant advantage of this visa is the ability to sponsor your family members, drivers, and domestic workers for residency in the UAE.
What Is This Updated Golden Visa Policy For Indians
If you’re excited about the opportunity, you’ll be happy to know that applications for the Golden Visa are now open for citizens of India and Bangladesh as part of a new trial initiative. Over the next three months, more than 5,000 applications from Indians are expected to be submitted.
Rayad Group, a consultancy firm, is overseeing the initial phase in India, making it easy for applicants to submit their applications through the One VASCO centers, the online platform, or their registered offices, or by contacting their dedicated call center.
The Golden Visa initiative is currently being tested as part of a pilot program targeting applicants from India and Bangladesh, which represents a shift from the UAE’s earlier visa regulations. Under the previous guidelines, securing a UAE Golden Visa required a minimum investment of AED 2 million (approximately INR 4.67 crore) in real estate or a substantial business venture. The selection of India and Bangladesh for this pilot initiative signals a strengthening of ties between the nations, particularly after the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that was established in May 2022. There are plans to potentially broaden this initiative to include China and other countries linked to the CEPA in the future.
How Will This Work
As part of the application journey, candidates will need to pass thorough background checks, which may encompass evaluations of their social media activity and any criminal history, along with verification against anti-money laundering databases. Once these checks are satisfactorily completed, Rayad Group will forward the applications to the appropriate UAE governmental bodies for final endorsement. Importantly, applicants who receive the Golden Visa will not be required to travel to the UAE during this application phase.
