The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a ground-breaking nomination-led Golden Visa scheme, granting eligible candidates from India and Bangladesh lifetime residency for a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (~₹23.3 lakh). Unlike previous models, this pathway does not require any investment in real estate or business ventures.
What’s New in This Residency Route?
Who Can Apply?
This visa route is designed for individuals with exceptional professional achievements, social impact, or demonstrated potential across key areas like science, innovation, business, culture, finance, and entrepreneurship. Nominations are the gateway to eligibility.
Application Process
The application is facilitated by Rayad Group, working in collaboration with VFS Global and One Vasco service centers across India and Bangladesh. These agencies conduct extensive due diligence, including checks for financial compliance, criminal background, and online presence, before forwarding profiles to UAE immigration authorities for final review and approval.
Pilot Rollout Highlights:
- Initially open to applicants from India and Bangladesh
- Anticipated to receive 5,000+ Indian applications within the first 90 days
Advantages of This Golden Visa Pathway:
- No need for real estate or business investments
- Lifetime residency granted with a single payment of AED 100,000
- Status remains intact even after selling any UAE-based assets
- Family sponsorship included, regardless of age
- Full rights to live, work, study, and launch a business in the UAE
- Freedom to hire domestic workers without restrictions
Why This Matters
This visa initiative signals a major policy shift in the UAE’s residency framework-from wealth-based qualifications to merit-based and impact-driven selection. It’s part of a larger strategic roadmap following the UAE–India CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), aimed at drawing global talent and strengthening international ties. The program may expand to include other CEPA countries, including China, in the near future.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered for this Golden Visa, applicants must:
- Be nominated for their contributions or accomplishments
- Successfully pass background verification (financial, legal, social media)
- Show potential to contribute to priority sectors like technology, academia, cultural advancement, or finance
Applications can be submitted online through Rayad Group’s official platform, or at designated VFS and One Vasco centers-with no initial requirement to travel to the UAE.
Final Word:
This new Golden Visa route offers a unique, non-investment-based opportunity for high-performing professionals from India and Bangladesh to secure permanent residency in the UAE. It reflects the country’s commitment to attracting individuals with talent, vision, and value, rather than capital alone.
If you’re an accomplished professional in fields such as education, research, innovation, culture, or digital technologies-this could be your gateway to a lifelong future in the Emirates.
Content Source –timesofindia.indiatimes.com
