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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently introduced a groundbreaking initiative that significantly alters the landscape of residency options for Indian nationals. The new nomination-based Golden Visa program offers a pathway to lifetime residency in the UAE without the previously mandatory requirement of substantial investments in property or business. This policy shift reflects the deepening strategic and economic ties between the UAE and India, particularly in the wake of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. The program targets individuals with significant professional accomplishments, societal contributions, or demonstrated potential to add value to the UAE's cultural, trade, scientific, financial, or startup sectors. This represents a departure from the traditional investment-linked visa programs, opening doors for a broader range of talented individuals to establish a permanent presence in the UAE.
The core benefit of the UAE Golden Visa lies in the long-term residency it provides. Unlike conventional visas with limited durations, the Golden Visa is valid for either five or ten years and is renewable. A significant advantage is the absence of a requirement for a local sponsor, granting visa holders greater autonomy and flexibility in their professional and personal lives. Furthermore, Golden Visa holders enjoy the freedom to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without jeopardizing their residency status, a constraint often associated with other visa types. The program also extends benefits to family members, allowing visa holders to sponsor spouses, children of any age, and even domestic staff. A particularly noteworthy feature is the provision that family members can remain in the UAE even after the death of the primary visa holder, providing a sense of security and stability for those who choose to make the UAE their permanent home.
The new nomination-based model presents a distinct pathway to Golden Visa eligibility. While the traditional routes involving investments in property or business remain available, this new approach eliminates the financial barriers that may have previously prevented many talented individuals from obtaining long-term residency. Eligibility is now primarily assessed based on an applicant's professional background, societal contributions, or the potential value they can bring to key sectors of the UAE economy. The application process involves a one-time fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately Rs 23.3 lakh), which grants lifetime residency. This contrasts sharply with the substantial investments required under the traditional Golden Visa routes, such as the AED 2 million investment in a UAE-accredited fund or a minimum property value of AED 2 million. The nomination-based model is currently being piloted with applicants from India and Bangladesh, with plans to expand it to other CEPA countries like China in the future. The introduction of this model signifies a strategic shift towards attracting and retaining skilled professionals who can contribute to the UAE's long-term economic growth and diversification.
The application process for the nomination-based Golden Visa involves several channels. Applicants can file their applications through the ICP (Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) website or the ICP mobile app. In Dubai, applications can also be submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The Rayad Group, in partnership with VFS and One Vasco centres across India and Bangladesh, is also facilitating applications. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, has described the program as a 'golden opportunity for Indians.' It is important to note that while the application process is streamlined, it includes thorough vetting procedures. Applicants undergo checks for anti-money laundering activities, criminal history, and social media activity. The final decision on visa approval rests with the UAE authorities, ensuring that only individuals who meet the highest standards of integrity are granted residency. The 'One Touch' Golden Visa service further simplifies the process by bundling visa application, identity documentation, renewals, and status changes into a single, convenient step.
Alongside the nomination-based model, the traditional investment and merit-based routes for obtaining a Golden Visa remain active. These routes cater to various categories of individuals, including investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, outstanding students, humanitarian workers, and frontline heroes. Investors can obtain a 10-year visa by investing AED 2 million in a UAE-accredited fund or making an annual tax payment of AED 250,000 to the UAE government. Real estate investors can secure a 5-year visa with a minimum property value of AED 2 million. Entrepreneurs with a technical or innovation-based business worth at least AED 500,000 can also obtain a 5-year visa. Specialised talents, such as doctors, scientists, artists, executives, athletes, and engineers, can qualify by presenting approvals or degrees and meeting specific salary or experience criteria. Outstanding students who are high school toppers (minimum 95%) receive a 5-year visa, while university students with high GPAs from top-rated institutions are eligible for a 10-year visa. Humanitarian workers with five years of experience or awards in humanitarian service, or who fund aid worth AED 2 million, can also apply. Finally, frontline heroes, such as nurses, lab technicians, and healthcare staff who served during crises like COVID-19, can obtain a Golden Visa with a recommendation from a competent authority.
The introduction of the nomination-based Golden Visa program is expected to have a significant impact on the UAE's economy and society. By attracting talented professionals from India and other countries, the UAE aims to enhance its competitiveness in various sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and culture. The program is also likely to boost the real estate market, as Golden Visa holders may choose to purchase properties in the UAE. Furthermore, the influx of skilled workers and entrepreneurs can contribute to the creation of new jobs and the development of innovative businesses. The program aligns with the UAE's long-term vision of becoming a global hub for innovation, talent, and investment. By offering a stable and attractive environment for individuals and families, the UAE aims to attract the best and brightest minds from around the world, fostering economic growth and diversification. The deepening ties between the UAE and India, exemplified by the CEPA and the Golden Visa program, are poised to create mutually beneficial opportunities for both countries.
Source: UAE Golden Visa: How Indians can now get lifetime residency without investment - key details