The UAE has launched a new nomination-based Golden Visa program that greatly simplifies the journey to permanent residence for Indian citizens.
This new strategy circumvents the earlier conditions, which were an investment of at least AED 2 million (about Rs 4.66 crore) in property or having considerable business stakes.
Now, deserving individuals can obtain lifetime residency at a much lower threshold—beginning with Rs 23 lakh.
In its pilot stage now, the programme has gone live in India and Bangladesh and is in the process of taking it to China and other countries which have signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.
Visa recipients under this programme can pursue business opportunities or careers as professionals in any part of the UAE. With the Emirates already having a large Indian expatriate population, this news promises to provide significant impetus to those seeking long-term settlement. Rayad Kamal Ayub of the Rayad Group, which has been approved to handle the visa process, called it a great opportunity for Indian applicants.
But the access to this visa is capped at present. Only some 5,000 Indian nationals will be able to submit within a three-month period, said individuals aware of the process who spoke to news agency PTI. The first phase is being pilot-tested in India and Bangladesh, with two consultancies—Rayad Group and VFS—having been tasked with processing application receipt and sending the cases to the UAE government for evaluation.
Rayad Group Managing Director Rayad Kamal Ayub added that every application would be vetted carefully. "The consultancy will initially verify the background of the applicant, including criminal and anti-money laundering checks and social media," he explained.
Applications may be made via a number of channels such as One VASCO centres in India and Bangladesh, Rayad Group's registered offices, its website, or over a dedicated call centre.
Significantly, applicants can get pre-approval from within India, precluding the need to visit the UAE for the process to begin. The individuals who receive the Golden Visa also have the right to take family members to reside in Dubai with them.
"You can also keep servants and drivers based on this visa. You can do any business or professional work here," PTI quoted Rayad Kamal as saying.
He further explained that whereas original property-based Golden Visas are invalidated when the property is sold or divided, the nomination-based alternative offers permanent residency irrespective of ownership of property.
This step by the UAE in bringing in this visa option and beginning with India is a testament to the growing depth of bilateral relations, both economic and cultural. The step also follows the momentum built by the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
