Indians Can Now Get UAE Golden Visa Without Investment in Property: New Nominations-Based Route Introduced
NEW DELHI, India – July 7, 2025: In yet another dramatic policy move, the UAE has launched a new, nomination-based Golden Visa program, with which eligible Indian citizens can now get long-term residency without investing a huge amount in property investment earlier. This new initiative, currently in pilot mode for India and Bangladesh, represents an enlarged dimension into which one of the most sought-after visas extends its ambit and complements the strategic focus of the UAE to attract talent from different countries globally.
New Way to Residency
Earlier, Indian nationals qualified mostly for the 10-year Golden Visa of the UAE through a minimum AED 2 million investment in real estate or any other investment. But now this new nomination-based system has done away with that investment requirement and allows for lifetime residency against a one-time fee of AED 100,000. This makes it very attractive for professionals and individuals who can contribute to the key sectors in the UAE through their skills.
Eligibility and Process of Selection
Under the policy, potential nominees will be approved on the basis of their perquisites by their professional background, societal contributions, or likely contributions to sectors such as culture, trade, science, startups, and finance. This pilot program is being run by the consulting firm Rayad Group, which is sharing its efforts with VFS and One Vasco centers across India and Bangladesh. Validating the name—the final decision—rests with UAE government authorities after rigorous checks for anti-money laundering, criminal record, and social media screening, including heavy background checking on probable nominees.
Wider Categories Open for Professionals
The new expanded Greater Golden Visa now also adds a wider spectrum of professionals than just investors alone. For example, it now accommodates trained nurses with over 15 years’ practice, teachers (school teachers, principals, and university faculty), creators of content (YouTubers, podcasters, and filmmakers), accredited e-sports professionals aged over 25 years, and luxury yacht owners/executives in maritime business. This diversification in scope intends to capture specialized talent in the emerging and critical sector spaces.
Advantages and Stability in the Long Run
Holders of Golden Visas under this new category approved by the scheme are allowed to bring along family members (spouses, children—unmarried daughters with no age limit, and sons up to 25—and elderly parents and domestics). Property-based visas generally lapse if the property is sold, but the nomination-based Golden Visa is indefinite, providing long-term stability without the need for employer sponsorship. Holders of the visa may also engage in business or professional activity in the UAE.
Strengthening Links Between India and UAE
Indeed, this initiative is a symbol of deepening economic and strategic ties with India, in addition to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022 between the nation and the UAE. India and Bangladesh are the first two countries selected under this pilot program, with further expansion in the last phases to the other CEPA partner countries, including China. The first three months of the program alone are expected to bring in over 5,000 applications from India.
