The UAE has introduced a landmark shift in its long-term residency framework, launching a new nomination-based Golden Visa specifically targeting skilled professionals from India and Bangladesh. Unlike earlier versions of the Golden Visa that focused heavily on real estate or business investments, this initiative welcomes talent from a wide range of sectors, from healthcare and education to digital content creation and maritime leadership.
However, while the new scheme requires a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately Rs 23.3 lakh), that amount alone does not guarantee you a visa. Approval hinges on a merit-based nomination and background screening process. This programme, currently being piloted in India and Bangladesh, marks a new era in the UAE’s talent acquisition policy, one that prioritises professional contribution over financial clout.
Who can apply for the new golden visa?
The nomination-based visa significantly broadens eligibility to include middle-class professionals and creatives, marking a departure from past schemes geared toward wealthy investors. Teachers, principals, university faculty, researchers, scientists, experienced nurses, and executives are eligible, as are YouTubers, podcasters, and e-sports professionals aged 25 and above. Maritime professionals — including yacht owners and port executives — are also on the list. This reflects the UAE’s intent to diversify its talent pool and attract global contributors across multiple industries, not just those with large sums to invest.
How the process works?
Application begins with a nomination through an authorised consultancy, which conducts thorough background checks. These checks include anti-money laundering screenings, criminal record verification, and a review of the applicant’s social media activity. As Rayad Group’s Managing Director, Rayad Kamal Ayub, told PTI, “Whenever an applicant applies for this Golden Visa, we will first check their background, which will include anti-money laundering and criminal record checks, as well as their social media.”
Once the preliminary screening is completed, the consultancy submits the application to UAE authorities, who make the final decision. Unlike traditional visa routes, applicants are not required to travel to the UAE during the process. They can apply from India via approved visa concierge services, online portals, or dedicated call centres.
Why only Rs 23 lakh is not enough
The one-time fee of ₹23 lakh (AED 100,000) only comes into play once an applicant clears the vetting and receives a nomination. It does not guarantee eligibility or approval. As reported by The Times of India and Business Today, UAE authorities are adamant that this is not a "pay-to-stay" scheme. Instead, it's a curated, merit-based programme that gives long-term residency to those who bring value to the Emirati economy or society. A source familiar with the process told Business Today: “It’s not a backdoor to residency—it’s a curated program.”
How is it different from the Real-Estate-Based Golden Visa?
In contrast to earlier Golden Visas, which required applicants to invest at least AED 2 million in property (roughly Rs 4.7 crore), the nomination-based visa removes the asset ownership requirement altogether. That’s a game-changer. Under the old model, if the property was sold, the visa could be revoked. But the new scheme offers permanent residency irrespective of real estate holdings or business ownership. This makes the visa more accessible to skilled professionals who may not have the capital to buy luxury properties but have valuable knowledge and experience to offer the UAE.
What does the visa offer?
The new Golden Visa grants lifetime residency in the UAE, allowing holders to live, work, and study freely. It also permits visa holders to sponsor family members and employ staff, while retaining the flexibility to leave and re-enter the country without restrictions. Perhaps most notably, the visa remains valid regardless of changes in employment status or sale of assets, offering long-term stability for applicants and their families.
Why India is in focus?
India is among the first countries selected for this pilot programme, reflecting the UAE’s strategic emphasis on deepening bilateral ties following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. The Indian diaspora forms one of the largest expat populations in the UAE, and more than 5,000 applications from India are expected in the first 90 days of the pilot rollout. Rayad Kamal Ayub called this a “golden opportunity” for Indian professionals to secure long-term prospects in the Gulf nation.
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