Golden Visa UAE Eligibility: What Indians Must Know
The UAE Golden Visa has become increasingly popular among wealthy Indians who are looking to establish residency abroad. Recent reports have stated that the new nomination-based system allows for lifetime residency in the UAE at a cost somewhere in the region of ₹23 lakh (AED 100,000), however, the reality is considerably more complicated. The visa is not simply “up for sale,” and while the payment threshold exists, once paid it does not guarantee acceptance.
Let’s examine the reasons why not every Indian with ₹23 lakh can qualify for this desirable long-term residency.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa aimed at attracting talent, investors, and professionals from around the world, in order to allow foreign nationals the ability to live, work, study and do business in the UAE, without a local sponsor. The advantages include:
- A 5 or 10 year extendable stay
- Multiple entries, no minimum stay requirement
- Full sponsor of family and staff
- The ability to own assets, and start company.
So, while the visa has been marketed as more accessible than ever, specifically with the nomination-based system recently introduced, the eligibility requirements remain narrow.
Understanding Classes and Eligibility Assignments
The Government of the UAE segregates Gold Visa applicants into various distinct classes.
Each has stringent requirements, well beyond just the funding.
Backers
To qualify through investment, an applicant will need to:
- Invest a minimum of AED 2 million (~₹4.67 crore) into real estate or investment funds recognized in the UAE.
- Have full ownership of the funds (no loans are allowed).
- Have valid health insurance.
- Be up to date on paying AED 250,000 in taxes, within the UAE every year.
Business owners
To qualify, an entrepreneur will need:
- To own a tech or innovation company, registered in the UAE and valued over AED 500,000 (~₹1.17 crore).
- Support from registered auditors, incubators and municipalities.
Skilled Professionals
This includes doctors, scientists, creators, innovators, leaders, and athletes. It includes the following requirements:
- Approval from UAE governments.
- Proof of minimum monthly salary of AED 50,000 (~₹11.7 lakh) for corporate leaders.
- A minimum of five years of professional experience.
Students
Full-time outstanding students could qualify if they:
- Achieve over 95% high school marks.
- Continue with an outstanding GPA at an internationally recognized university.
Humanitarian Aid Workers & Frontline Heroes
This category requires verification from proven humanitarian service and concrete social contributions.
What is the nomination ₹23 Lakh option?
The nomination-based Golden Visa is a new option now available to the citizens of India and Bangladesh. It allows applicants to bypass the real estate or business investment pathway and apply via approved agents like Rayad Group, VFS Global, and One Vasco.
Even when going through this route, candidates nevertheless have to undergo a thorough assessment which includes:
- Criminal history checks
- Anti-money laundering checks
- Social media review
- Assessment on academic background and contributions
Rayad Group Managing Director, Rayad Kamal Ayub explained, “This is a great opportunity for Indians” but cautioned that no approval is guaranteed; ultimate decisions rest with the UAE immigration authorities.
Golden Visa Application Process: Step by Step
Regardless of whether applying via investment or via nomination, the process is structured and monitored:
- Select the Right Category
You would have to establish yourself as an investor, business owner, student, or expert.
- Gather Required Documents
Documents include financial records, title for properties, letters from an auditor, salary statements, passports, and letters of support.
- Submit Application
Traditional route: Use the UAE ICP website or application.
Nomination route: You will receive approval through an approved agent, like Rayad Group, VFS, or One Vasco.
Use ‘One Touch’ Visa Services (Optional)
An amalgamated service to handle all documentation, Emirates ID and renewals.
Submit to Background Investigations
The authorities will investigate the applicants background, and financial status, and will confirm the integrity of the applicants online presence.
Obtain Golden Visa
Applicants who qualify will receive long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates with sponsorship privileges for full family.
Closing Statement: Its More than Just Financial
It is noteworthy that while recent news updates states, The attractive one time only fee of ₹23 lakh, has a tendency to draw attention away from the fact that the UAE Golden Visa is still an incredibly elite program. It is not directed at wealthy applicants but rather, high-value individuals.
From background checks to professional assessments, every process confirmed only qualified and credible individuals would receive long-term residency. And, while it is relatively more accessible now to residency in the UAE, the cost is only one contributing factor to access having residency.
