UAE Launches Lifetime Nomination-Based Golden Visa for Indians

Key Takeaways

• UAE launches nomination-based Golden Visa for lifetime residency with no investment, effective July 6, 2025.
• Eligible professions include nurses with 15+ years, educators, digital creators, scientists, executives, and esports pros.
• Application requires AED 100,000 fee, strict background checks, family inclusion, and pilot program starts in India and Bangladesh.

A major shift in immigration policy has arrived for Indian nationals seeking long-term opportunities in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. As of July 6, 2025, the UAE has launched a new nomination-based Golden Visa program, offering lifetime residency to a wide range of skilled professionals—without the need for large investments in property or business. This move is expected to reshape the landscape for Indian professionals and their families, opening doors that were previously out of reach for many.

Let’s break down what this means, who can apply, how the process works, and what the broader impact could be for individuals, families, and the relationship between India 🇮🇳 and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.

What Is the New UAE Nomination-Based Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a special residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 for an extended period. Traditionally, this visa was available mostly to wealthy investors who put significant money into real estate or business ventures. The new nomination-based system, however, is a game-changer. It allows skilled professionals from India and Bangladesh to obtain lifetime residency in the UAE by paying a one-time fee, with no investment in property or business required.

Why Is This Important?

• Wider Access: Skilled workers, educators, healthcare professionals, and even digital creators can now secure permanent residency.
• No Investment Barrier: The financial hurdle of buying property or starting a business is removed.
• Family Inclusion: The visa covers not just the applicant, but also their spouse, children, parents, and even domestic staff.
• Lifetime Security: Unlike previous visas that lasted 5 or 10 years, this one is valid for life.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Details

The new Golden Visa is open to a broad range of professionals, making it one of the most inclusive residency programs in the region. Here’s a closer look at who qualifies:

• Nurses with at least 15 years of experience
• Educators such as school teachers, principals, and university faculty
• Content creators including YouTubers, podcasters, and digital influencers
• Scientists, senior executives, and frontline healthcare workers
• Certified e-sports professionals aged 25 and above
• Luxury yacht owners and maritime executives

This list is not exhaustive, and the UAE government may expand eligibility as the program grows. The focus is on individuals who can contribute to the UAE’s economy, culture, and society.

How Does the Application Process Work?

The process is designed to be straightforward, but there are several important steps and checks to ensure only qualified, reputable individuals are granted lifetime residency.

Step 1: Initial Application
– Submit your application through approved channels:
– One VASCO centres in India and Bangladesh (these are visa concierge service centers)
– Registered offices of the Rayad Group (the official consultancy for the program)
– The official online portal
– A dedicated call center

Step 2: Background Checks
– All applicants go through a thorough vetting process, which includes:
– Anti-money laundering (AML) checks: To ensure funds are legitimate
– Criminal record verification: To confirm a clean legal history
– Social media review: To assess the applicant’s public presence and reputation
– Sectoral contribution assessment: To evaluate how the applicant can benefit the UAE in fields like business, science, or culture

Step 3: Nomination and Submission
– If you pass the background checks, the Rayad Group will submit your nomination to UAE authorities for final approval.

Step 4: Fee Payment
– Once approved, you pay a one-time, non-refundable fee of AED 100,000 (about INR 23.3 lakh).

Step 5: Visa Issuance
– After payment, you receive the Golden Visa, granting you and your family lifetime residency in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.

Required Documents:
– A valid passport (clear copy)
– Passport-size photographs
– Proof of eligibility (such as professional credentials, experience certificates, or awards)
– Additional documents for family members (like marriage certificates or children’s birth certificates)

For official updates and to track your application, you can visit the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.

What Makes This Golden Visa Different?

The new nomination-based Golden Visa stands out from earlier versions in several ways:

• No Investment Needed: Previous Golden Visas required applicants to invest in property or business. Now, skilled professionals can qualify by paying a set fee.
• Lifetime Validity: Earlier visas were valid for 5 or 10 years and needed renewal. The new visa is permanent.
• Family and Staff Inclusion: You can bring your spouse, children, parents, and even hire domestic staff like drivers or servants.
• Freedom of Residence: You can live outside the UAE for any length of time without losing your residency status.
• Business and Employment Flexibility: You’re free to work, start a business, or invest in any sector.

Why Is the UAE Making This Change?

The United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 is looking to attract skilled talent from around the world, especially from India 🇮🇳, which has long-standing economic and cultural ties with the UAE. The move comes after the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries, which aims to boost trade, investment, and people-to-people connections.

Officials see the new Golden Visa as a way to:

• Strengthen economic and cultural ties with India 🇮🇳
• Attract professionals who can contribute to the UAE’s growth
• Make the UAE a more attractive destination for global talent

Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of the Rayad Group, has highlighted the opportunity this presents for Indian professionals, while also stressing the importance of a rigorous vetting process to ensure only qualified individuals are selected.

How Is the Program Being Rolled Out?

The program is currently in its pilot phase, focusing on India 🇮🇳 and Bangladesh. Over 5,000 applications from Indian nationals are expected in the first three months alone. If the pilot is successful, the UAE plans to expand the program to other countries.

Key Partners:
– Rayad Group: Official consultancy for processing and nominating applicants in India.
– One VASCO Centres: Visa concierge service centers for application support.
– UAE Government: Final approval and issuance of the Golden Visa.

Applications can be made through any of these partners, either in person or online.

What Are the Practical Benefits for Applicants and Their Families?

The new Golden Visa offers several practical advantages:

• Permanent Security: Your residency is not tied to property ownership or business investments, so you don’t risk losing your visa if you sell your assets.
• Family Stability: You can bring your entire immediate family, making it easier to settle and plan for the long term.
• Freedom to Travel: You can live outside the UAE for as long as you want without losing your residency.
• Business and Career Opportunities: You’re free to work, start a business, or invest in any sector, giving you flexibility and control over your future.
• Domestic Staff: You can employ drivers, maids, or other domestic workers, which is especially helpful for families relocating from abroad.

How Does This Compare to Previous Golden Visa Programs?

Here’s a quick look at how the new system differs from earlier versions:

• 2019: The UAE launched its first Golden Visa, mainly for high-net-worth individuals investing in real estate.
• 2022: The minimum property investment was lowered to AED 2 million for a 10-year visa.
• 2025: The nomination-based Golden Visa is introduced, offering lifetime residency to skilled professionals for a one-time fee, with no investment required.

This shift reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to attract talent, not just wealth.

What Are the Implications for Stakeholders?

For Indian Professionals:
– The program opens up new possibilities for career growth, business opportunities, and family security in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.
– Skilled workers who may not have had the resources to invest in property can now access permanent residency.

For Employers in the UAE:
– Access to a larger pool of skilled, long-term residents who can contribute to the economy and society.
– Easier recruitment and retention of talented professionals from India 🇮🇳.

For Families:
– The ability to relocate together, with the added benefit of employing domestic staff for support.
– Greater stability and peace of mind, knowing that residency is secure for life.

For the UAE Government:
– Strengthening ties with India 🇮🇳 and other countries.
– Attracting a diverse range of professionals to support economic growth and innovation.

What Should Applicants Watch Out For?

While the process is designed to be accessible, there are some important points to keep in mind:

• Vetting Is Strict: The background checks are thorough, so applicants should ensure all documents are accurate and up to date.
• Fee Is Non-Refundable: The AED 100,000 fee is paid only after approval, but it cannot be refunded if you change your mind.
• Official Channels Only: Use only approved partners like Rayad Group or One VASCO Centres to avoid scams.

What’s Next for the Program?

The UAE plans to expand the nomination-based Golden Visa to more countries after the pilot phase. As reported by VisaVerge.com, high demand is expected, and the government may adjust eligibility or processes based on feedback from the first wave of applicants.

Applicants are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and consult with recognized partners for the latest information.

Summary Table: UAE Nomination-Based Golden Visa for Indians (2025)

Where Can You Get More Information or Apply?

For the most current updates, applicants should consult:

• Rayad Group: The official consultancy for the nomination-based Golden Visa in India.
• One VASCO Centres: For in-person application support.
• UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security: For official updates, application tracking, and detailed information. Visit the official government website for more details.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• The new nomination-based Golden Visa offers a unique chance for Indian professionals and their families to secure lifetime residency in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.
• No investment in property or business is required—just a one-time fee and a thorough vetting process.
• The program is currently in its pilot phase for India 🇮🇳 and Bangladesh, with plans for global expansion.
• Applicants should use only official channels and prepare all required documents carefully.
• For more information, consult the Rayad Group, One VASCO Centres, or the UAE government’s official immigration website.

This new pathway could be life-changing for thousands of Indian professionals and their families, offering security, opportunity, and a new home in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

Learn Today

Golden Visa → A UAE residency permit offering long-term or lifetime stay to foreign professionals or investors.
Nomination-based System → A visa process where applicants are nominated by authorized entities without investment requirements.
AED → United Arab Emirates Dirham, the official currency used for fees and transactions in the UAE.
Background Checks → Security screenings including AML, criminal record, and social media assessments for visa applicants.
Rayad Group → Official consultancy responsible for processing and nominating applicants for the UAE Golden Visa.

This Article in a Nutshell

The UAE’s new Golden Visa program grants lifetime residency to skilled Indian professionals without investment. This opens vast opportunities for families, offering security, freedom to travel, and work flexibility. The pilot phase in India expects over 5,000 applications, marking a transformative shift in UAE immigration policies for global talent.
— By VisaVerge.com