The United Arab Emiratesin has introduced a new enrollment-based golden visa to Indians, offering a lifetime residence without the need to invest in property or business. Under this system, eligible persons can secure a permanent residence by paying a fee of AED 1,00,000 (about Rs 23.3 lakh).The UAE Golden Visa is a long -term residence visa that allows foreign nationals to live, work or study in the UAE.
Major benefits include:
- A multiple-entry entry visa for six months to start the process
- An Akshay Niwas Visa is valid for 5 or 10 years
- No requirement for local sponsors
- Freedom to stay out of the United Arab Emirates for more than six months without losing residency
- Ability to sponsoring family members of any age
- Unlimited domestic staff sponsorship
- Family members can live in UAE even after the death of the visa holder
What is new for Indians?
Earlier, Indian citizens could mainly use Golden Visa through AED 2 million () 4.66 crore) or property investment of large commercial investments. Under the new enrollment-based system, applicants can now be approved without investment, based on:
- business background
- Social contribution
- Possible Price for Cultural, Business, Scientist, Finance or Startup areas of UAE
This pilot phase is currently available to applicants from India and Bangladesh, with more than 5,000 Indian applications in the first three months.Also Read: UAE rolled New Golden Visa: Lifetime Residency rolled for Rs 23 lakh, India for first profit
Major features of new enrollment model:
- No property or business investment requires
- Professional background, social contribution, or value based on the culture of UAE, business, science, startup or finance fields
- AED 1,00,000 once fee
- Life residence
- Visa holders can bring families, provide employment to employees and run businesses
- Enrollment vet includes money laundering, criminal history and check for social media activity
In partnership with VFS and a Vasco centers across India and Bangladesh, the application is being handled by the RED group. Applicants can also apply through the group’s online portal or call center.Reed Group Managing Director Red Kamal Ayub called it “golden opportunity for Indians”. He said that applicants will go through anti-money laundering, criminal background and social media checks, but the final decision rests with UAE officials.Approved individuals get a permanent residence, bring families, appoint employees and do business or professional work. Unlike earlier investment visas, enrollment-based golden visa does not end, even if the property is sold.Applications can be filed:
- ICP website or ICP mobile app
- For Dubai: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
The ‘One Touch’ Golden Visa Services Services Simply simplifies the entire process of visa visa application, identity documentation, renewal and status changes – continuously bundled in the same step.The new initiative reflects the growing strategic and economic relations of the United Arab Emirates with India, especially after the 2022 Cast Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Enrollment-based models are expected to expand to other CEPA countries like China in future stages.
Traditional golden visa options still apply
Along with enrollment model, traditional investment and merit-based routes remain active for Golden Visa. This includes:
1. Investors
- 2 million investment AED in UAE-recognized fund
- 250,000 annual tax payment to UAE Government
- 10-year visa
- Must be the owner of a lump sum capital and provide proof of medical insurance
2. Real estate investor
- AED 2 million minimum property price
- Loans are allowed only from approved banks
- 5-year visa
3. Entrepreneurs
- At least AED should own technical or innovative business of 500,000 price
- 5-year visa
- Necessary letters from Auditor, Local Authority and Incubator
4. Special talents
Eligible applicants (10-year visas) include:
- Doctor, scientist, artist, officer, athlete, engineer
- Approval or degree should be submitted and salary or experience norms should be met
5. Outstanding student
- High school toppers (minimum 95%) get 5 years visa
- Students from top-rated institutions get 10 years visa to students with high GPA.
6. Humanitarian activist
- Human service should have a five -year experience or award
- Or AED 2 million funded
7. Frontline heroes
- Nurse, lab tech, and healthcare staff, who served during crises like Kovid -19
- Recommendation requires recommendation from competent authority
