Key Takeaways
• UAE authorities deny claims of a Lifetime Golden Visa for ₹23.30 lakhs as of July 10, 2025.
• Golden Visa is merit-based, renewable for 5 or 10 years, and requires official application and investment.
• Applicants must avoid unofficial agents promising shortcuts or lump-sum payments for UAE residency visas.
A recent wave of viral messages and advertisements has caused confusion among people hoping to move to the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. These messages claim that anyone can secure a Lifetime Golden Visa for a one-time payment of ₹23.30 lakhs (about AED 100,000). As of July 10, 2025, UAE authorities have officially denied these claims and clarified the real rules for the Golden Visa program. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what this means for anyone considering a move to the UAE 🇦🇪 under the Golden Visa scheme.
Summary of What Changed
The main change is not in the law itself, but in the public understanding of the Golden Visa. The UAE authorities have stepped in to stop the spread of false information about a so-called “lifetime” Golden Visa available for a fixed payment of ₹23.30 lakhs. According to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), there is no such thing as a lifetime Golden Visa that can be bought outright. The Golden Visa program remains a merit-based, long-term residency scheme with strict eligibility rules and no shortcut through lump-sum payments.
Who Is Affected by This Clarification
This update is important for several groups:
- Foreign professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs in countries like India and Bangladesh, where most of the misleading ads have appeared.
- Businesspeople and skilled workers considering a move to the UAE 🇦🇪.
- Current Golden Visa applicants who may be confused by unofficial offers.
- Families and students hoping to benefit from the Golden Visa program.
- Employers and recruiters who need to advise staff about legal residency options.
If you have seen offers for a Lifetime Golden Visa for ₹23.30 lakhs, or if you are in the process of applying for a Golden Visa, this update directly affects you.
Effective Dates and Official Statement
The official clarification was released on July 10, 2025. From this date, the UAE government has made it clear that:
- There is no provision for a “lifetime” Golden Visa under current UAE immigration laws.
- No one can obtain a Golden Visa by simply paying ₹23.30 lakhs or any similar lump sum.
- All Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels.
A spokesperson from the UAE Government Media Office stated:
“Golden Visas are granted based on merit and eligibility, not through blanket payment schemes. There is no official policy offering lifetime visas in exchange for lump-sum payments.”
What Applicants Need to Do Now
If you are interested in the UAE Golden Visa, here are the immediate steps you should take:
- Ignore and report any advertisements or agents promising a Lifetime Golden Visa for a one-time fee, especially for ₹23.30 lakhs.
- Check your eligibility for the Golden Visa by reviewing the official categories and requirements.
- Gather the required documents for your application, including:
- Valid passport
- Medical fitness test results
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of financial self-sufficiency
- Private health insurance
- Apply only through official UAE government websites or embassies. Do not use unofficial agents or third-party companies promising shortcuts.
- Prepare for the correct fees and investment requirements. The real costs are much higher than the false ₹23.30 lakhs figure.
Key Details About the UAE Golden Visa
To help you understand the real Golden Visa program, here are the main points:
- No Lifetime Golden Visa: The Golden Visa is not a permanent or lifetime residency permit. It is issued for 5 or 10 years, depending on your category, and is renewable if you continue to meet the requirements.
- Strict Eligibility: Only certain groups can apply, including:
- Highly skilled professionals
- Scientists and researchers
- Entrepreneurs and startup owners
- Investors (with a minimum AED 2 million investment in public funds or real estate)
- Doctors and healthcare workers
- Outstanding students and graduates from top universities
- Creative professionals and athletes with official recommendations
- Application Process: All applications must be submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or other official UAE government portals.
- Fees and Investments: The real costs are:
- Application fees: AED 2,800 to AED 10,400 (about $760 to $2,800 USD), depending on your category and where you apply.
- Minimum investment for investors: AED 2 million (about $545,000 USD), which is much higher than ₹23.30 lakhs.
- For startups: AED 500,000 (about $136,000 USD).
- No Shortcuts: There are no official shortcuts, lump-sum payments, or lifetime options. All applicants must meet the criteria and follow the legal process.
Implications for Pending and Future Applications
If you have already started an application based on promises of a Lifetime Golden Visa for ₹23.30 lakhs, you should:
- Stop any payments to unofficial agents or companies.
- Contact the official UAE authorities to check the status of your application.
- Gather the correct documents and prepare to meet the real eligibility and financial requirements.
- Be aware that any application made through unofficial channels is likely to be rejected or may even put you at risk of legal trouble.
For those planning to apply in the future, always use official government websites and consult with trusted immigration professionals.
Why This Clarification Matters
The Golden Visa program is a key part of the UAE’s plan to attract talented people and investors from around the world. However, the spread of false information about a Lifetime Golden Visa for ₹23.30 lakhs has led to confusion and, in some cases, financial loss for hopeful applicants.
UAE authorities have acted to protect people from scams and to make sure that only those who truly qualify can benefit from the program. This helps keep the system fair and supports the UAE’s goals of economic growth and innovation.
Background: How the Golden Visa Program Works
The UAE Golden Visa was introduced to bring in long-term investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. Over time, the program has expanded to include more categories, such as top students and creative professionals. However, the core principle remains the same: residency is granted based on merit, not money alone.
Eligibility Categories and Requirements
To qualify for a Golden Visa, you must fit into one of the following categories and meet strict requirements:
- Investors: Must invest at least AED 2 million in public funds or real estate.
- Entrepreneurs: Must own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 500,000.
- Highly Skilled Professionals: Must have a valid employment contract in the UAE and meet educational and salary requirements.
- Scientists and Researchers: Must have significant achievements and recommendations from recognized bodies.
- Doctors and Healthcare Workers: Must have a valid license to practice in the UAE.
- Outstanding Students and Graduates: Must have high academic achievements from top universities.
- Creative Professionals and Athletes: Must have official recommendations and a record of excellence.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Golden Visa holders enjoy several advantages, including:
- Long-term residency: 5 or 10 years, renewable.
- Family sponsorship: Ability to sponsor spouses, children, and sometimes parents.
- 100% business ownership: No need for a local sponsor.
- Multiple entry travel: Freedom to enter and leave the UAE without losing residency.
- Access to healthcare and education: Use of UAE’s public services.
What the Golden Visa Does Not Offer
- No automatic citizenship: The Golden Visa does not lead to UAE citizenship.
- No lifetime or permanent residency: You must renew your visa every 5 or 10 years.
- No guarantee of approval: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee you will get the visa. Each application is carefully reviewed.
How to Apply for the Golden Visa
The safest way to apply is through the official UAE government portal. You can find detailed information and start your application at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website.
You will need to:
- Select your category (investor, professional, etc.).
- Fill out the application form online.
- Upload all required documents.
- Pay the official fees.
- Wait for the authorities to review your application.
If you are applying as an investor, you may also need to work with the Dubai Land Department for real estate investments. For more information, you can contact them at [email protected].
Warning Signs of a Scam
Be careful if you see any of the following:
- Promises of a Lifetime Golden Visa for a one-time payment, especially for ₹23.30 lakhs.
- Agents or companies asking for payment before you see any official paperwork.
- Offers that do not require you to show proof of investment, skills, or qualifications.
- No mention of official government websites or processes.
If you are unsure, always check with the UAE embassy in your country or use the official ICP website.
Recent Developments and Ongoing Policy
As of 2025, the UAE government has not made any changes to the Golden Visa policy that would allow for a lifetime or permanent residency option through a fixed payment. The program continues to be strictly merit-based. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) regularly updates the eligibility criteria and works to make the application process smoother, but the core requirements and investment thresholds remain the same.
No Reductions or Lifetime Offers
Despite rumors, there have been no reductions in fees or investment amounts, and no new lifetime visa options have been introduced. Any claim to the contrary is false and should be treated with caution.
Expert Advice and Official Recommendations
- Always verify offers through official government sources.
- Do not trust private agents or companies promising shortcuts or lifetime visas for lump-sum payments.
- Prepare your documents carefully and make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.
- Consult with a trusted immigration professional if you have questions about your eligibility or the application process.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these resources:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): Official Golden Visa information and application portal.
- Dubai Land Department: For investor applications and fee details.
- UAE Government Media Office: For official statements and clarifications.
Contact Information
- For questions about investor visas, email: [email protected]
- For general Golden Visa questions, use the contact forms on the ICP website.
Conclusion and Next Steps
If you are considering applying for the UAE Golden Visa, remember:
- There is no Lifetime Golden Visa available for ₹23.30 lakhs or any other lump sum.
- The program is merit-based, with strict eligibility and financial requirements.
- Apply only through official government channels and avoid scams.
- Stay informed by checking official UAE government websites for updates.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the UAE Golden Visa remains a respected and valuable long-term residency option, but only for those who truly qualify and follow the correct procedures. By staying alert and using official resources, you can protect yourself from scams and make the most of the opportunities the UAE 🇦🇪 has to offer.
Learn Today
Lifetime Golden Visa → A falsely advertised permanent residency visa for UAE obtained by lump-sum payment, which does not exist officially.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) → UAE government agency managing immigration, citizenship, and the Golden Visa application process.
Merit-based Residency → Visa granted only when applicants fulfill specific skills, investment, or qualification criteria set by UAE authorities.
AED → United Arab Emirates Dirham, the official currency used for visa fees and investments in UAE residency programs.
Golden Visa Eligibility → Strict requirements including investments, skills, academic achievements, and official documentation to qualify for UAE residency.
This Article in a Nutshell
False ads claim a Lifetime Golden Visa in UAE for ₹23.30 lakhs; authorities clarify merit-based rules with no shortcuts. Applicants should use official channels and meet strict criteria for 5- or 10-year renewable visas, avoiding scams for safer residency opportunities in the UAE.
— By VisaVerge.com
