UAE Golden Visa for Indians: Everything You Need to Know!

Q: Can Indians apply for the UAE Golden Visa without investing in property?

Yes Indian citizens can now apply without any investment through the nomination route.

Q: What is the cost of a UAE Golden Visa for Indian applicants?

The total cost is AED 100000 which is approximately ₹23.3 lakh.

Q: Can family members move to the UAE under this visa?

Yes you can sponsor your spouse children of any age and dependents.

Q: What checks are done during the application process?

Background checks include anti-money laundering criminal record and social media activity.

Q: Where can Indians apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

Applications can be submitted via Rayad Group offices One Vasco Centres, or their online portal.

Q: What professions are eligible for the nomination-based visa?

Professionals in science finance education healthcare digital media and innovation sectors qualify.

Table of Contents

Are you an Indian professional dreaming of long-term residency in the UAE? You’re not alone. With the UAE’s new Golden Visa policy, Indians can now live, work, and thrive in the Emirates without the hefty burden of property or business investment.

This game-changing opportunity is part of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its economic and cultural ties with India, offering lifetime residency to qualified applicants for a one-time fee.

The process has been simplified and widened to accommodate skilled individuals across sectors like healthcare, science, education, and digital media.

The Golden Visa isn’t just about residency; it’s about unlocking limitless potential in one of the most dynamic regions of the world. If you’re wondering how it works, what it costs, or whether you’re eligible, this guide walks you through everything in simple, direct terms.

What Is the UAE Golden Visa for Indians?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program introduced by the United Arab Emirates, offering foreign nationals the ability to live, work, and study in the country without the need for a national sponsor.

For Indian nationals, this program is now more accessible than ever through a new nomination-based system. Unlike the earlier property or business-based models, this updated scheme allows Indians to acquire residency for life by paying a one-time fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately ₹23.30 lakh). No investment in real estate or commercial ventures is required.

Key highlights include:

Lifetime residency rights
No local sponsor required
Family and domestic staff sponsorship
Freedom to start any business or professional activity

This policy is part of the UAE’s pilot initiative with India and Bangladesh under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). It aims to attract individuals who can contribute to areas like culture, science, finance, trade, and innovation. The program offers both flexibility and security for Indian expats looking to make the UAE their permanent home.

The initiative reflects the UAE’s strategy to build a more inclusive and talent-driven economy by opening doors to professionals beyond traditional investor classes.

Who Is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

If you’re wondering whether you qualify for the UAE Golden Visa as an Indian national, the good news is that eligibility is broader than ever before. The UAE government has outlined specific categories that can apply under the new nomination-based system, eliminating the need for heavy investments.

Eligibility includes:

Professionals and Executives: Individuals in science, finance, healthcare, education, and trade sectors.
Entrepreneurs: Owners of innovation-based or technical businesses.
Students and Graduates: With top academic records from globally ranked institutions.
Content Creators and Influencers: Including YouTubers, podcasters, and esports professionals.
Healthcare Workers and Educators: Especially those with over 15 years of experience.
Digital Talent and Start-up Leaders: Demonstrating innovation or value to UAE society.

Applicants must also clear background checks, including:

Anti-money laundering verification
Criminal record assessment
Social media screening

This wide eligibility shows the UAE’s focus on attracting global talent. Whether you’re an artist or an academic, your value to the UAE economy and culture could earn you a place for life. In short, if your career or skills align with national development priorities, this is your opportunity.

How Can You Apply for the UAE Golden Visa as an Indian?

Applying for the UAE Golden Visa as an Indian has never been more straightforward, thanks to the streamlined process introduced under the nomination-based model. This new system is designed for efficiency and clarity.

Here’s how the process works:

Application Process Step-by-step

Get pre-approved in India without visiting UAE.
Submit an application through One Vasco Centres, Rayad Group offices, or their online portal.
Undergo background checks (anti-money laundering, criminal history, and social media).
Rayad Group forwards your file to UAE government authorities.
Upon approval, receive your lifetime residency permit.

Required Documents and Proof

Valid passport
Recent photographs
Professional credentials or degrees
Proof of societal contributions (where applicable)
Clean criminal record certificate
Proof of fee payment (AED 1,00,000)

Mention Online Portals and Channels

Rayad Group official website
One Vasco Centres in India
ICP (Identity and Citizenship Authority) App
Dedicated call centre for inquiries and submissions

The UAE’s “One Touch” Golden Visa service also helps bundle applications, identity documentation, and renewals into a single-step process.

This new system prioritizes ease and accessibility for eligible Indians. No need to invest or relocate before applying, just demonstrate your professional value and pass the required checks.

What Is the Cost of the UAE Golden Visa for Indians?

When compared to traditional visa types that required real estate or business investments worth crores, the UAE Golden Visa’s new model for Indians offers significant cost benefits.

Cost for Different Categories

The nomination-based Golden Visa model sets a one-time fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately ₹23.30 lakh). This fee applies regardless of the applicant’s category, making it far more affordable than past investment-linked options.

Additional Fees (Medical Tests, Emirates Id, Etc.)

Medical Test: AED 500 to AED 800
Emirates ID: AED 370 to AED 500
Typing Centre Fees: AED 50 to AED 100
Processing Fees: Depending on the service provider

While the upfront cost is substantial, it’s a lifetime investment, unlike property-linked visas that may expire upon asset sale. The predictability and clarity of fees make the new model an attractive path for qualified Indians aiming to secure long-term residency in the UAE.

Can You Get the UAE Golden Visa Without Investment?

Yes, the UAE Golden Visa can now be obtained by Indians without any property or business investment. This is a significant departure from previous visa models that demanded a minimum investment of AED 2 million in real estate or startups.

The new model is nomination-based, meaning you can apply by showcasing your professional qualifications, societal contributions, or relevance to UAE’s economic and cultural sectors. No capital proof, asset ownership, or local sponsor is necessary.

Key highlights of this model:

Only a one-time payment of AED 1,00,000 is required.
No need to invest in property or business.
No minimum salary or capital documentation is needed.

Applicants must pass a background check, including evaluations for criminal history, anti-money laundering, and online activity. Rayad Group handles these assessments before forwarding the file to the UAE government for final decision. The visa stays valid for life, even if your business closes or property is sold, providing true long-term stability in the Emirates.

What Are the Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for Indians?

The UAE Golden Visa offers extensive benefits to Indian nationals seeking permanent residency, flexibility, and long-term career growth.

Some of the biggest advantages include:

Lifetime Residency: Unlike previous visas, this one does not expire, even if assets are liquidated.
No Local Sponsor Required: You don’t need an Emirati national to sponsor you.
Family Sponsorship: Bring your spouse, children (of any age), and dependents.
Unlimited Domestic Staff: Employ drivers, maids, or other domestic help legally.
Professional Freedom: Start or join any business, or practice your profession freely.
Travel Flexibility: Stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing visa status.

This visa is designed to promote long-term planning and business development. It’s not just a legal permit but a lifestyle enabler for Indian families, professionals, and innovators in the UAE. With the Golden Visa, you enjoy the benefits of a secure legal status, world-class infrastructure, and a business-friendly ecosystem.

How Long Does the UAE Golden Visa Last and Can It Be Renewed?

The UAE Golden Visa for Indians under the nomination system is designed as a lifetime visa. Unlike traditional visas which may have 5 or 10-year limits, this one remains valid indefinitely.

Key facts about validity:

Permanent Status: Once issued, it does not expire under normal conditions.
No Renewal Needed: The lifetime model eliminates the need for periodic renewals.
Uninterrupted Residency: Even if you live outside the UAE for extended periods, your visa remains active.

Previously, property-linked visas would lapse if the asset was sold or transferred. The new nomination-based system avoids this restriction entirely.

The only reasons your visa could be revoked are serious legal issues, failure to meet residency obligations, or fraud during the application process.

So, as long as you abide by UAE laws, your Golden Visa will remain valid for life, ensuring long-term peace of mind.

Why Is the UAE Golden Visa a Game-Changer for Indian Expats?

The introduction of the nomination-based UAE Golden Visa marks a major shift in immigration policy and holds profound benefits for Indian expats.

Here’s why it’s a true game-changer:

Broader Eligibility: Open to educators, healthcare workers, influencers, and digital creators, not just investors.
No Asset Requirement: No need to buy property or invest millions.
Family-Centric: Enables entire families to relocate under a single application.
Permanent Security: Offers lifetime legal residency in a politically stable country.
Access to Infrastructure: Leverage the UAE’s world-class healthcare, education, and safety.

With over 3.5 million Indians living in the UAE, this visa strengthens the already robust cultural and business ties between both nations.

It also reflects a forward-thinking vision where contribution and merit matter more than capital. If you’re an Indian looking to make a long-term life in the UAE, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Conclusion

The UAE Golden Visa for Indians represents a modern, inclusive pathway to lifetime residency in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

With simplified eligibility, a one-time fee, and no investment requirement, this program opens the door for skilled Indian professionals, students, and entrepreneurs to thrive in the Emirates.

Whether you’re a scientist, educator, creator, or executive, the Golden Visa offers stability, opportunity, and a chance to build a long-term future in a globally connected nation. As India and the UAE continue to deepen their strategic ties, now is the perfect time to explore this golden opportunity.