Key Takeaways
• Rayad Group falsely claimed UAE Golden Visa is lifetime for ₹23.3 lakh; this was retracted July 10, 2025.
• UAE Golden Visa is valid only 5 or 10 years, renewable with official government process and fees.
• Applicants must use official UAE government portals; consult licensed professionals to avoid scams or misinformation.
In July 2025, a major update shook the landscape for those interested in the UAE Golden Visa. Rayad Group, a well-known Dubai-based consultancy, publicly apologized for advertising that the UAE Golden Visa could be secured for a “lifetime” with a one-time payment of ₹23.3 lakh (about AED 103,000). This claim, which appeared in their promotional materials and advertisements, led many to believe that permanent residency in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 was available through a single payment. However, this was not accurate. The UAE Golden Visa is actually issued for 5 or 10 years, depending on eligibility, and must be renewed. There is no such thing as a lifetime Golden Visa.
This update provides a clear summary of what changed, who is affected, the effective dates, required actions, and the implications for those with pending applications or considering applying. It also offers practical guidance and official resources for anyone interested in the UAE Golden Visa.
Summary of What Changed
- Rayad Group’s Misleading Claim: Rayad Group advertised that the UAE Golden Visa could be obtained for a “lifetime” by paying ₹23.3 lakh. This was incorrect and has now been retracted.
- Official Clarification: The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed that no lifetime Golden Visa or fixed-price program exists. The Golden Visa is only valid for 5 or 10 years and is renewable.
- Rayad Group’s Response: On July 10, 2025, Rayad Group issued a formal apology, removed the misleading claim from all materials, and discontinued its private advisory services related to the Golden Visa.
- Government Position: All Golden Visa applications must be processed through official government channels. No private company can guarantee a visa or offer a lifetime residency product.
- Other Entities: VFS ETM Services-FZCO, another company mentioned in the controversy, clarified that it only referred inquiries to Rayad Group and was not involved in visa issuance or guarantees.
Who Is Affected
- Prospective Golden Visa Applicants: Anyone who considered or responded to Rayad Group’s advertisements about a “lifetime” Golden Visa for ₹23.3 lakh is directly affected. These individuals may have been misled about the nature and cost of the visa.
- Current Golden Visa Holders: Those who already hold a UAE Golden Visa are not affected by the false claim, but should be aware of the actual renewal requirements and validity periods.
- Pending Applicants: If you have an application in process through Rayad Group or any other private consultancy, you should verify the status and ensure your application is being handled through official channels.
- Immigration Consultants and Agencies: The incident serves as a warning to all consultancies to ensure their marketing and advisory services are accurate and comply with UAE immigration laws.
Effective Dates
- Rayad Group’s Apology and Service Change: The public apology and removal of the misleading claim occurred on July 10, 2025.
- Discontinuation of Advisory Services: Rayad Group has stopped offering private advisory services related to the Golden Visa as of July 10, 2025.
- Ongoing Government Policy: The UAE government’s stance on the Golden Visa’s validity and renewal requirements remains unchanged.
Required Actions for Applicants
If you are considering applying for the UAE Golden Visa, or if you have already started the process, here are the steps you should take:
- Verify All Claims: Do not rely on advertisements or promises from private consultancies about guaranteed visas or lifetime residency. Always check the official government websites for accurate information.
- Use Official Channels: Submit your application through the official UAE government portals:
- Understand the Real Costs: The Golden Visa is not available for a one-time payment of ₹23.3 lakh or any other fixed amount for lifetime residency. Fees vary depending on the visa type and renewal cycle. Renewal fees are typically AED 5,000–10,000 every 5 or 10 years.
- Prepare for Renewal: The Golden Visa must be renewed at the end of its 5- or 10-year term. Renewal requires updated documents, including:
- Valid passport
- Emirates ID
- Proof of relationship for family members (if applicable)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Payment of renewal fees
- Ejari-registered tenancy contract (for certain emirates)
- Consult Licensed Professionals: If you need help, consult only licensed immigration professionals or registered legal consultants. Avoid unverified agents or consultancies making bold claims.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have already applied for the UAE Golden Visa through Rayad Group or any other private consultancy, here’s what you need to know:
- No Lifetime Guarantee: Your visa, if approved, will be valid for 5 or 10 years, not for a lifetime.
- Check Application Status: Contact the official government authority to confirm the status of your application.
- Refunds and Complaints: If you paid for a “lifetime” visa that does not exist, you may wish to seek a refund or file a complaint with consumer protection authorities in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.
- Switch to Official Channels: If your application was not submitted through an official government portal, you may need to start a new application using the correct process.
Background on the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa was launched in 2019 to attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, and outstanding students. The visa allows holders to live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 without the need for a local sponsor. The main features of the program are:
- Validity: The visa is issued for either 5 or 10 years, depending on the applicant’s eligibility.
- Renewal: The visa is renewable as long as the holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
- No Lifetime Option: There is no such thing as a lifetime Golden Visa. All visas must be renewed at the end of their validity period.
- Eligibility Expansion: In 2025, the program expanded to include new categories, such as sustainability experts working on projects aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative.
Recent Updates to the Golden Visa Program (2025)
Several important changes have been made to the Golden Visa program in 2025:
- Extended Grace Period: Golden Visa holders now have up to six months after expiry to renew their visa.
- Mandatory Medical Fitness Tests: Renewal requires a medical fitness certificate.
- Simplified Online Renewals: Applications for renewal can now be submitted online through GDRFA or ICA platforms.
- Stricter Documentation: Some emirates now require an Ejari-registered tenancy contract as part of the renewal process.
- New Eligible Categories: Sustainability experts and professionals in sectors supporting the UAE’s strategic goals are now eligible.
Financial Considerations
- No Fixed One-Time Payment: The Golden Visa cannot be purchased for a single payment of ₹23.3 lakh or any other fixed amount for lifetime residency.
- Renewal Fees: Expect to pay AED 5,000–10,000 for each renewal cycle (every 5 or 10 years).
- Additional Costs: There may be extra costs for medical tests, Emirates ID, and other required documents.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
The UAE government has strict rules for immigration services. Making false claims or misleading advertisements can result in reputational damage and loss of business, as seen with Rayad Group. The government emphasizes:
- Transparency: All information about the Golden Visa must be accurate and clear.
- Official Processing: Only the UAE government can issue Golden Visas. Private companies cannot guarantee approval or offer lifetime residency.
- Regulatory Oversight: The government is expected to increase oversight of immigration consultancies to prevent future incidents.
Expert and Official Perspectives
- UAE Authorities: The ICP and other government bodies stress the importance of using official channels and following immigration laws. They have made it clear that no lifetime Golden Visa exists.
- Industry Experts: Professionals in the immigration field urge applicants to verify all information and avoid scams. They recommend consulting only registered legal consultants.
- Rayad Group: The company has apologized for its mistake and promised to provide accurate information in the future.
Future Outlook for the UAE Golden Visa
- Program Expansion: The UAE Golden Visa program will likely continue to grow, with more categories added to attract talent in areas like sustainability and technology.
- Tighter Regulations: The government is expected to introduce stricter rules for immigration consultancies to protect applicants from misinformation.
- Improved Digital Services: Online application and renewal processes will become even more user-friendly and transparent.
Official Resources and Contacts
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the UAE Golden Visa, always use official government resources:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): Main authority for visa issuance and information.
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA): Handles visa applications and renewals in Dubai.
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA): Provides online visa services.
If you need to download or fill out any immigration forms, always use the official government websites. For example, the Golden Visa application form can be found on the ICP website.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Do not trust any consultancy or agent claiming to offer a “lifetime” UAE Golden Visa for a fixed payment, such as ₹23.3 lakh.
- The UAE Golden Visa is valid for 5 or 10 years and must be renewed.
- Always use official government channels for applications and renewals.
- Consult only licensed immigration professionals for advice.
- If you have been misled or paid for a non-existent “lifetime” visa, seek a refund and report the incident to authorities.
- Stay updated on program changes by checking official government websites regularly.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Rayad Group controversy is a strong reminder of the importance of due diligence and the risks of relying on unverified information in immigration matters. The UAE Golden Visa remains a valuable opportunity for many, but applicants must follow the correct procedures and avoid shortcuts that could lead to disappointment or financial loss.
For anyone considering the UAE Golden Visa, the best approach is to gather information directly from official sources, prepare all required documents carefully, and be ready to renew your visa as needed. By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 while avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation and false promises.
Learn Today
UAE Golden Visa → A long-term residence visa in the UAE issued for 5 or 10 years, renewable upon eligibility.
Renewal → The process of extending the validity of the UAE Golden Visa after its initial 5 or 10 years expire.
Rayad Group → Dubai-based consultancy that falsely advertised a lifetime UAE Golden Visa for a one-time payment.
Ejari → An official tenancy contract registration system in Dubai, required for visa renewal in some emirates.
ICP → Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, UAE government agency overseeing visas.
This Article in a Nutshell
In July 2025, Rayad Group apologized for misleading lifetime UAE Golden Visa claims. The visa is only renewable for 5 or 10 years. Applicants must use official channels to avoid scams and understand renewal fees and requirements, ensuring compliance with UAE immigration rules for long-term residency benefits.
— By VisaVerge.com
