Unlocking Forever in the UAE: India First to Benefit from New ₹23 Lakh Golden Visa

The United Arab Emirates, a land synonymous with ambition and opportunity, is rewriting the rules of long-term residency. In a significant departure from its traditional, investment-heavy Golden Visa program, the UAE has unveiled a revolutionary nomination-based system, offering eligible Indians the unprecedented chance for lifetime residency with a one-time fee of approximately ₹23.3 lakh (AED 1,00,000). Crucially, this groundbreaking initiative liberates applicants from the prior obligation of investing in property or business.

For years, the coveted UAE Golden Visa was largely accessible to Indian nationals through substantial financial commitments, typically requiring a minimum property investment of AED 2 million (a hefty ₹4.66 crore). The new paradigm, however, pivots towards recognizing individual merit and potential contributions. Under this innovative system, individuals can be nominated and subsequently approved based on their professional background, societal impact, or the anticipated benefits they can bring to key UAE sectors, including culture, trade, science, startups, and finance.

India and Bangladesh have been chosen as the trailblazing nations for the pilot phase of this initiative, a testament to the strong ties and immense talent pool in the region. Officials involved in the program anticipate a robust response, with over 5,000 Indian applicants projected within the first three months alone.

Leading the charge in India for this transformative program is Rayad Group, the consultancy firm meticulously selected to pilot the nomination-based Golden Visa. In a strategic alliance, Rayad Group is collaborating with VFS and One Vasco centers across India and Bangladesh, ensuring widespread accessibility. For those preferring digital convenience, applications can also be seamlessly submitted through the group’s dedicated online portal and call center.

"This is a truly golden opportunity for Indians," affirmed Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, emphasizing the profound impact of this new pathway. He elaborated on the stringent yet necessary vetting process, which encompasses thorough anti-money laundering checks, comprehensive criminal background verification, and meticulous social media screening. The ultimate decision on nominations, he clarified, rests solely with the discerning authorities of the UAE government.

Successful applicants will unlock a wealth of privileges that extend far beyond individual residency. Approved visa holders gain the invaluable ability to bring their family members to the UAE, employ staff, and actively engage in business or professional activities within the Emirates. A pivotal advantage of this nomination-based Golden Visa is its permanence; unlike its property-based predecessors, which would lapse upon the sale of the invested asset, this new visa offers a truly enduring pathway to a life in the UAE.