New Visa Option Bypasses Property or Business Investment
A fresh wave of interest is building around the UAE’s new nomination-based Golden Visa, now being offered to select Indian applicants without the need for property or business investment. While the standard routes typically require an investment of AED 2 million (~₹4.66 crore), this alternative pathway has been priced at AED 100,000 (~₹23.3 lakh) and aims to broaden access to long-term residency.
What Is the Nomination-Based Golden Visa?
Unlike traditional investment-based residency visas, this new category is nomination-driven, meaning applicants can be recommended for a 10-year renewable visa if they are deemed to offer potential value to the UAE’s society, economy, or innovation landscape. This category is designed for:
- Professionals and business owners
- Scientists and researchers
- Creatives and social media influencers
- Students, humanitarian workers, and frontline professionals
Not “Buy-and-Get”—Still Involves Screening
Despite the lack of a property investment requirement, the Golden Visa under this new policy is not automatically granted upon paying ₹23 lakh. Applicants must undergo strict background checks including:
- Criminal record vetting
- Anti-money laundering compliance
- Social media activity review
- Assessment of potential contributions to UAE sectors like finance, technology, culture, or trade
The Rayad Group, in collaboration with VFS ETM, is responsible for vetting and nominating candidates for the UAE government to make the final decision.
Nomination Visa vs. Property-Based Visa
- Property Visa: Ends if the real estate asset is sold
- Nomination-Based Visa: Valid for life, provided the holder continues to meet background and eligibility standards
This difference makes the nomination route more permanent and stable, according to Rayad Group founder Rayad Kamal.
How to Apply From India
Applicants from India and Bangladesh are currently eligible under the pilot phase, with VFS Global’s Centres of Excellence accepting applications in major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune.
No travel to Dubai is required for initial processing. The entire application can be pre-approved locally, though final issuance remains in the UAE’s hands.
Growing Interest
Reports indicate that over 5,000 Indian applicants are expected within just three months. The UAE hopes this scheme will attract high-caliber individuals who can contribute to its growing knowledge economy.
