UAE opens Golden Visa to Indians without property or business investment: All you need to know

Indians and Bangladeshi passport holders can now apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE without any hassle of a trade license or holding property.

The UAE has launched a new nomination-based Golden Visa programme for Indians and Bangladeshis, allowing applicants to obtain lifetime residency in the UAE without the requirement of owning property or starting a business.

Eligible individuals may apply for a Golden Visa solely based on a fee of AED 1,00,000 (about Rs 23.3 lakh) and no criminal history.

This is the first time the UAE has allowed a nomination based Golden Visa and the pilot programme for the nomination scheme has designated only India, along with Bangladesh. This programme is viewed as a direct outcome of meaningful diplomatic and trade relations developed between the civilian governments of India and the UAE, enhanced by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which went into effect in May 2022.

What are the requirements?

Until now, Indians seeking a UAE Golden Visa had to invest at least AED 2 million (around Rs 4.66 crore) in property or business. The new route eliminates this barrier, making the prestigious visa more accessible to a broader base of Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and HNIs.

Instead, nominations will be vetted by authorised agencies like Rayad Group and One VASCO centres in India and Bangladesh. The vetting process includes checks on criminal records, anti-money laundering compliance, and social media presence, alongside an evaluation of how the applicant can contribute to the UAE’s economy, culture, science, trade, or startups.

Freedom to work, live and settle in UAE for life

Once approved, the Golden Visa allows holders to:

• Live, work, or do business in the UAE for life

• Bring family members, including parents, children, and spouse

• Employ domestic help and drivers

• Enjoy unrestricted professional activity, unlike the older property-linked visa that was voided upon property sale

Huge response expected from Indian applicants

Rayad Kamal Ayub, MD of Rayad Group, said over 5,000 applications from India are expected within the first three months. "The property-based Golden Visa ends if the asset is sold, but this nomination-based visa will be valid for life," Ayub said.

Applications can be submitted via:

• One VASCO visa concierge centres

• Rayad Group’s registered offices

• Online portal or call centre

India-UAE connect strengthens further

This strategic move reflects growing UAE-India ties and mutual recognition of each other’s human capital. The nomination model is expected to extend to other CEPA countries like China soon, after successful implementation in India and Bangladesh.

For aspiring Indian professionals, this is a golden opportunity to gain UAE residency without tying up large sums in real estate or trade.

Key highlights of the new UAE Golden Visa for Indians