Dubai, July 2025 – In a strategic shift, the United Arab Emirates has launched a pilot nomination-based Golden Visa scheme exclusively for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, offering lifetime residency in exchange for a one-time payment of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh). This new pathway removes the long-standing requirement for a AED 2 million (~₹4.7 crore) property or business investment .
What Makes It Unique?
- No investment in property or business only a nomination and fee are required
- Lifetime residency, unaffected by asset sales or business closure
- Eligibility is merit-based, focusing on professionals, researchers, creatives, and startup leaders.
Eligible categories include scientists, educators, senior nurses, digital creators (e.g. YouTubers, podcasters), e‑sports professionals aged 25+, and maritime specialists.
Key Benefits
- Ability to sponsor spouse, children (no age limit for unmarried daughters), parents, and domestic staff
- Freedom to work, study, or run a business no local sponsor needed
- Unrestricted travel residency is maintained even with extended departures from the UAE
- Protection for families: residency continues even if the primary holder passes away
Application & Nomination Process
- The pilot is currently managed from India and Bangladesh by Rayad Group, with support from VFS Global and One Vasco
- Applications start remotely via advisory centers or online portals; travel to the UAE will be needed only upon final approval
- A strict vetting process involves checks for money-laundering, criminal records, and even social media presence
- Approx. 5,000 Indian nominations are expected during the initial three-month pilot
Why It Matters
This honours the trend toward merit-based residency, focusing on talent and cultural impact rather than wealth alone. It reinforces the UAE’s goal of diversifying its economy away from oil reliance and supports strengthened India–UAE ties under CEPA
Summary Table
| Feature | Traditional Golden Visa | New Nomination-Based Pilot |
| Property/Business Investment | AED 2 million+ (~₹4.7 cr) | None |
| Cost | High investment | AED 100,000 (~₹23.3 lakh) |
| Residency Duration | 5 or 10 years | Lifetime |
| Eligibility Basis | Investment | Merit, nomination, background |
| Family Sponsorship | Yes | Yes |
| Work/Business Restrictions | Employer/sponsor required | Full freedom |
| Applicability | Open globally | Pilot: India & Bangladesh only |
Consider Before Applying
- Nomination and vetting approval are mandatory even with the fee paid
- Not everyone who pays AED 100,000 will receive the visa
- This is a pilot initiative, and eligibility may vary depending on occupation and influence
What To Do Next
- Assess your eligibility – Are you a professional, creator, or executive in a nominated category?
- Prepare documents – Gather credentials, employment history, social media handles, background clearances
- Submit and await vetting – Nomination review followed by UAE government’s final approval
