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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering its strategic and economic relationship with India: a new nomination-based Golden Visa program. This program represents a significant departure from previous iterations, as it allows eligible Indian citizens to secure lifetime residency without the traditionally required substantial investments in property or business ventures. Instead, applicants can qualify based on their professional background, societal contributions, or the potential value they bring to various sectors within the UAE, including culture, trade, science, startups, and finance. This shift marks a pivotal moment in the UAE's immigration policies, reflecting its commitment to attracting and retaining global talent while fostering closer ties with key economic partners like India. The introduction of this nomination-based system not only streamlines the application process but also broadens the scope of eligibility, making permanent residency accessible to a wider range of individuals who can contribute to the UAE's growth and development. The strategic implications of this move are far-reaching, as it positions the UAE as an increasingly attractive destination for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators seeking long-term stability and opportunities in a dynamic and thriving economy. The program is currently in a pilot phase, targeting applicants from India and Bangladesh, with projections indicating a substantial influx of Indian applications within the initial three months. This initiative is expected to further strengthen the already robust economic ties between the two nations, particularly following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. The Rayad Group, in partnership with VFS and One Vasco centers across India and Bangladesh, is facilitating the application process, providing applicants with multiple channels, including online portals and call centers, to submit their applications. This streamlined approach underscores the UAE's commitment to efficiency and accessibility, making the Golden Visa program more appealing to prospective applicants. The nomination-based model is anticipated to expand to other CEPA countries, such as China, in subsequent phases, further solidifying the UAE's position as a global hub for commerce, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The key features of this new nomination model are designed to provide a seamless and attractive pathway to permanent residency for eligible individuals. Firstly, the elimination of the property or business investment requirement removes a significant barrier to entry, opening up the Golden Visa program to a broader spectrum of talent. Secondly, eligibility is based on a holistic assessment of an applicant's professional background, societal contributions, and potential value to the UAE's diverse sectors. This criteria acknowledges the multifaceted contributions individuals can make beyond financial investments. Thirdly, a one-time fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately Rs 23.3 lakh) is required, which, while substantial, is significantly lower than the investment thresholds associated with previous Golden Visa pathways. Fourthly, approved applicants receive lifetime residency, providing them with long-term stability and the opportunity to build a future in the UAE. Fifthly, visa holders are granted the privilege of sponsoring family members, employing domestic staff, and operating businesses within the UAE, further enhancing the attractiveness of the program. Finally, the nomination vetting process includes thorough checks for money laundering, criminal history, and social media activity, ensuring the integrity of the program and safeguarding the interests of the UAE. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, has characterized this initiative as a "golden opportunity for Indians," emphasizing the benefits of permanent residency and the ease of the application process. However, he also cautioned that the final decision on visa approval rests with the UAE authorities, underscoring the importance of meeting all eligibility criteria and adhering to the vetting process. The 'One Touch' Golden Visa service further streamlines the process, consolidating visa application, identity documentation, renewals, and status changes into a single, convenient step. This user-friendly approach reflects the UAE's commitment to providing a positive and efficient experience for applicants.
Alongside the new nomination-based model, the traditional investment and merit-based routes for obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE remain active. These pathways cater to a diverse range of individuals and businesses, each with its own set of eligibility criteria and benefits. Investors, for instance, can secure a 10-year visa by making a minimum AED 2 million investment in a UAE-accredited fund or by paying AED 250,000 in annual taxes to the UAE government. Real estate investors can obtain a 5-year visa by owning property with a minimum value of AED 2 million, provided that loans are secured only from approved banks. Entrepreneurs who own a technical or innovation-based business worth at least AED 500,000 can also qualify for a 5-year visa, subject to providing letters from an auditor, local authority, and incubator. Specialised talents, including doctors, scientists, artists, executives, athletes, and engineers, can obtain a Golden Visa by presenting approvals or degrees and meeting specific salary or experience criteria. Outstanding students who achieve high academic results, such as high school toppers with a minimum score of 95% or university students with high GPAs from top-rated institutions, are also eligible for Golden Visas, with durations ranging from 5 to 10 years. Humanitarian workers with five years of experience or awards in humanitarian service, or those who fund aid worth AED 2 million, can also qualify for a Golden Visa. Frontline heroes, such as nurses, lab technicians, and healthcare staff who served during crises like COVID-19, are also eligible for consideration, subject to receiving a recommendation from a competent authority. These diverse pathways to obtaining a Golden Visa demonstrate the UAE's commitment to attracting and retaining a wide range of talent and investment, contributing to its continued economic growth and development. The co-existence of the nomination-based model and the traditional routes provides applicants with multiple options, allowing them to choose the pathway that best suits their individual circumstances and aspirations.
The UAE Golden Visa program, in its various forms, offers a multitude of key benefits that make it an attractive option for individuals seeking long-term residency and opportunities in the UAE. Firstly, the program provides a multiple-entry entry visa for six months, allowing applicants to initiate the process and explore the UAE before committing to residency. Secondly, the program offers a renewable residency visa valid for either 5 or 10 years, depending on the specific pathway chosen. Thirdly, the program waives the requirement for a local sponsor, providing visa holders with greater autonomy and flexibility. Fourthly, visa holders are granted the freedom to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing their residency status, accommodating individuals who may need to travel frequently for business or personal reasons. Fifthly, the program allows visa holders to sponsor family members of any age, enabling them to bring their loved ones to the UAE and build a family life. Sixthly, visa holders can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic staff, providing them with the support they need to manage their households and lifestyles. Finally, family members can remain in the UAE even after the visa holder's death, ensuring their long-term stability and security. These benefits, coupled with the UAE's thriving economy, world-class infrastructure, and high quality of life, make the Golden Visa program a highly desirable option for individuals seeking a long-term future in the region. The introduction of the nomination-based model further enhances the attractiveness of the program by making it accessible to a wider range of individuals who can contribute to the UAE's growth and development, regardless of their financial resources. The UAE's strategic vision and commitment to innovation continue to drive the evolution of its immigration policies, solidifying its position as a global hub for talent and investment.
The new nomination model's eligibility criteria focus on identifying individuals who possess exceptional skills, experience, or contributions that align with the UAE's strategic priorities. While the specific criteria may vary depending on the sector, the underlying principles remain consistent: to attract individuals who can drive innovation, foster economic growth, and contribute to the UAE's cultural enrichment. Professional background is a key consideration, with emphasis placed on individuals who have demonstrated expertise and leadership in their respective fields. This includes professionals in sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, and education, among others. Societal contributions are also highly valued, with recognition given to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, whether through philanthropic endeavors, volunteer work, or other forms of civic engagement. The potential value to the UAE's cultural, trade, scientific, finance, or startup sectors is another crucial factor. This encompasses individuals who possess unique skills, knowledge, or networks that can benefit these sectors and contribute to the UAE's overall competitiveness. The vetting process for nominations is rigorous, involving thorough checks for money laundering, criminal history, and social media activity. This is to ensure that only individuals of the highest integrity are granted permanent residency in the UAE. The UAE authorities are committed to maintaining the integrity of the Golden Visa program and safeguarding the interests of the nation. The overall aim of the nomination model is to create a diverse and dynamic community of talented individuals who can contribute to the UAE's ongoing success and development. By attracting and retaining top talent from around the world, the UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. The nomination model represents a strategic investment in the UAE's future, ensuring its continued prosperity and competitiveness in the global arena.
Source: UAE Golden Visa: How Indians can now get lifetime residency without investment - key details