In a landmark immigration policy reform, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a nomination-based Golden Visa scheme that enables Indian and Bangladeshi nationals to obtain lifetime residency without the traditional requirements of property purchases or trade licenses. This development marks a significant shift in the UAE’s approach to long-term visa eligibility, making the process more inclusive and accessible for middle and upper-middle-class professionals and investors.

Announced on July 7, 2025, the new model enables eligible applicants to secure the coveted UAE Golden Visa by paying a one-time fee of approximately ₹23.30 lakh (US$ 27,183). This is a sharp contrast to the earlier investment threshold of ₹4.66 crore (US$ 543,630) required through real estate or business routes.

Key Highlights of the New UAE Golden Visa Scheme for Indians

• No Property or Business Investment Needed: Unlike the traditional UAE Golden Visa which required significant capital deployment, the new nomination model removes the compulsion of investing in real estate or commercial ventures.

• One-Time Fee-Based Model: The visa can now be obtained by paying a one-time application fee of approximately ₹23.30 lakh, making it far more accessible for qualified professionals and other deserving individuals.

• Nomination-Based Eligibility: Instead of asset-based qualification, applicants are assessed and nominated based on potential contributions to UAE’s economy, society, or cultural fabric.

Who is Eligible?

The visa targets high-potential individuals from India and Bangladesh, particularly those who are:

• Working in finance, culture, science, trade, or professional services,

• Considered low-risk after background checks,

• Able to demonstrate a meaningful potential contribution to the UAE economy or social framework.

Eligibility under this new UAE Golden Visa model will be determined through nominations vetted by Rayad Group, in collaboration with VFS and One VASCO visa concierge centres. The system is designed to identify talent and reward contribution, moving away from purely capital-linked pathways.

Rigorous Background Checks Ensure Trust & Transparency

To maintain the integrity of the immigration process, applicants will undergo comprehensive background checks, including:

• Criminal history

• Anti-money laundering (AML) screenings

• Social media behavior and digital footprint analysis

These checks are intended to ensure that candidates not only meet ethical and legal standards, but also align with UAE’s future-forward vision of a secure, stable, and innovation-driven society.

What Does the Lifetime Golden Visa Offer?

Once approved, the UAE Golden Visa under the nomination model grants lifetime residency and several benefits:

• Sponsorship rights for family members, including parents, spouse, and children.

• Permission to employ domestic staff, such as household help or drivers.

• Right to start or join a business, work in the UAE, or even switch professions.

• No requirement to retain assets in the UAE post-visa approval—unlike previous models where property retention was mandatory.

The visa remains valid even after the sale or disposal of UAE-based assets, making it a flexible and permanent solution for those wishing to live or work in the Emirates.

Strategic Alignment with CEPA

This policy move is widely seen as a direct outcome of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, which came into force in May 2022. The CEPA agreement seeks to bolster economic ties, labor mobility, and investment collaboration between the two nations.

The new Golden Visa framework is thus part of a larger UAE vision to:

• Attract diverse talent from South Asia,

• Position itself as a global hub for commerce and innovation,

• Diversify its residency pool beyond high net-worth individuals,

• Strengthen bilateral ties through inclusive immigration reforms.

Anticipated Uptake from Indian Nationals

According to officials involved in the rollout, more than 5,000 Indians are expected to apply for this visa in the first three months alone. This high level of interest stems from the new affordability, flexible eligibility, and lifetime validity offered by the scheme.

It is particularly attractive to:

• Working professionals in India looking for global exposure,

• Entrepreneurs and consultants who need a base in the Middle East,

• Families looking for long-term education or career prospects in the UAE.

The removal of complex property and licensing barriers is seen as a democratization of access to the Emirates' long-term residency benefits.

Visa Process and Application Support

The process will be handled by Rayad Group, a prominent consultancy engaged in global mobility services. Applications will be processed via VFS Global and One VASCO centres, which have established expertise in managing high-volume, high-trust visa applications across various jurisdictions.

These service providers are expected to offer:

• Concierge-style visa application support,

• Documentation assistance,

• End-to-end guidance on compliance, verification, and submission.

This makes the visa journey smoother, especially for those unfamiliar with cross-border immigration protocols.

Impact on the Indian Diaspora and UAE Economy

With the launch of this Golden Visa model, the UAE opens doors to a broader spectrum of Indian nationals, not just ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The policy:

• Encourages professional migration,

• Boosts UAE’s human capital index,

• Helps Indian families find permanent and stable overseas options,

• Fuels cultural exchange and business collaboration between the two nations.

By eliminating property purchase requirements, this initiative removes a significant barrier for skilled individuals who previously could not afford large real estate investments. It also ensures that value creation, talent, and trustworthiness become the new currency of global mobility.

Conclusion

The UAE’s decision to launch a nomination-based Golden Visa scheme for Indians and Bangladeshis, without the need for trade licenses or property investments, marks a progressive shift in the global immigration landscape. With affordable entry, lifetime validity, and comprehensive benefits, this new visa policy is set to become a game-changer for thousands of Indians seeking global opportunities.

The model is not just about residency—it’s about enabling long-term partnerships, economic integration, and shared progress between India and the UAE. As the pilot rolls out and interest surges, this initiative could set the benchmark for future visa frameworks across the Gulf region and beyond.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are NSDL, Spunweb Nonwoven, Smartworks Coworking, Asston Pharmaceuticals, CFF Fluid Control, Glen Industries,  Anthem Biosciences.

The Current active IPO are Smarten Power Systems, Travel Food Services, Chemkart India, Meta Infotech, Happy Square Outsourcing Services, Cryogenic OGS.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.