Is INR 23.3 Lakhs Enough for UAE’s New Golden Visa in 2025?

Key Takeaways

• The UAE Golden Visa is now nomination-based requiring INR 23.3 Lakhs (AED 100,000) one-time fee plus approval.
• Applicants must be nominated for achievements; the visa allows lifetime residency and includes family sponsorship.
• The new visa removes AED 2 million investment requirement, targeting skilled professionals, especially Indian candidates.

As of July 2025, the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 has introduced a new pathway for long-term residency that is attracting significant attention, especially among Indian professionals. The UAE Golden Visa program has shifted from its earlier investment-heavy requirements to a nomination-based model, making it more accessible to a wider group of talented individuals. Many are asking: Is INR 23.3 Lakhs (about AED 100,000 or USD 27,000) enough to secure this coveted visa? The answer is more complex than it first appears.

What Is the New Nomination-Based UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. The latest version of this program, effective from July 2025, introduces a nomination-based system. This means that instead of simply investing a large sum of money in property or business, applicants must be nominated based on their professional achievements, skills, or contributions to key sectors.

Who Can Apply?

The new program targets a broad range of professionals and contributors, including:

• Scientists and researchers
• Educators (such as university faculty and school teachers with over 15 years of experience)
• Nurses with more than 15 years of service
• Startup founders and business professionals
• Digital content creators (like YouTubers and podcasters)
• Accredited e-sports professionals aged 25 and above
• Maritime industry professionals and luxury yacht owners

This approach is designed to attract people who can add real value to the UAE’s economy, culture, and scientific community, rather than just those with deep pockets.

Is INR 23.3 Lakhs Enough for the UAE Golden Visa?

INR 23.3 Lakhs is the one-time fee required for the new Golden Visa, but it is important to understand that paying this amount does not guarantee approval. The process is nomination-based, meaning only those who are nominated and pass strict background checks will be considered.

What Does the Fee Cover?

• AED 100,000 (INR 23.3 Lakhs) is the main application fee.
• This fee typically covers administrative costs, background checks, and other processing expenses.
• Unlike the previous system, there is no requirement to invest AED 2 million (about INR 4.6 crore) in property or business.

What Else Is Required?

• Nomination: Applicants must be nominated by recognized organizations, employers, or government bodies.
• Background Checks: The UAE government conducts thorough checks, including anti-money laundering screenings, criminal record reviews, and even social media audits.
• Professional Credentials: Applicants must show proof of their achievements, experience, or contributions in their field.
• Final Approval: The UAE government has the final say, even after nomination and payment of The fee.

In short: The fee is necessary, but not enough on its own. Nomination and approval are essential.

How Does the New Golden Visa Compare to the Old System?

The shift from an investment-based to a nomination-based system marks a major change in the UAE’s approach to attracting foreign talent.

Key Differences:

• No Investment Barrier: The new system removes the need for a large property or business investment, making it more accessible to skilled professionals.
• Focus on Talent: The program now seeks people who can contribute to the UAE’s growth, not just those who can invest money.
• Longer Residency: The visa is described as “lifetime” or long-term, with the option to renew and the freedom to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency.

Why Did the UAE Make This Change?

The UAE first launched the Golden Visa in 2019 to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals. At that time, the focus was on bringing in capital through property or business investments. In 2022, the minimum property investment was reduced to AED 2 million to make the program more accessible.

Now, with the 2025 changes, the UAE is moving away from a purely investment-based approach. The new nomination-based system is designed to:

• Attract exceptional talent from around the world
• Diversify the economy by bringing in professionals from different sectors
• Strengthen international partnerships, especially with countries like India 🇮🇳 and Bangladesh
• Support the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation, science, and culture

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this shift is seen as a strategic move to ensure that the UAE continues to attract the best minds and skills, not just capital.

Who Benefits from the New Golden Visa?

Indian Professionals

For many Indians, the previous investment requirement of AED 2 million (INR 4.6 crore) was simply out of reach. Now, with the INR 23.3 Lakhs fee and nomination-based eligibility, skilled professionals, educators, nurses, and digital creators have a real chance to secure long-term residency in the UAE 🇦🇪.

Families

Approved Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouses, children, and sometimes even their parents. The visa also allows for unlimited domestic staff sponsorship. If the main visa holder passes away, family members can remain in the UAE, providing stability and peace of mind.

Employers and the UAE Economy

Employers in the UAE benefit from access to a larger pool of global talent. The program also supports the country’s goal of becoming a leader in science, technology, and creative industries.

The UAE Government

By focusing on talent and contribution rather than just investment, the UAE can build a more dynamic, innovative, and diverse society.

How Does the Application Process Work?

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Nomination: Eligible individuals must be nominated by recognized organizations, employers, or government bodies. This is the first and most important step.
2. Application Submission: Applications are currently accepted from India 🇮🇳 and Bangladesh as part of a pilot program. The process is managed by authorized service providers like Rayad Group and VFS Global.
3. Documentation: Applicants must provide proof of their professional achievements, experience, and any other required documents.
4. Background Checks: The UAE government conducts thorough checks, including anti-money laundering, criminal record, and social media audits.
5. Fee Payment: The one-time fee of AED 100,000 (INR 23.3 Lakhs) is paid during the application process.
6. Final Approval: The UAE government reviews the application and makes the final decision.

Note: Applicants do not need to visit the UAE to apply. The process can be completed from their home country.

For the latest official guidelines and application procedures, applicants should visit the UAE government’s official immigration portal.

What Are the Main Requirements?

• Nomination from a recognized body
• Proof of professional achievements or contributions
• Clean criminal record
• No involvement in money laundering or other financial crimes
• Positive social media presence
• Payment of the one-time fee

What Are the Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?

• Long-term or lifetime residency in the UAE
• Freedom to live, work, and study in the UAE
• No need for a local sponsor
• Ability to sponsor family members and domestic staff
• Flexibility to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency
• Stability and security for families

What Are the Risks or Challenges?

• Nomination is not guaranteed: Only those with strong professional credentials and contributions are likely to be nominated.
• Strict vetting: The background checks are thorough and can be a barrier for some applicants.
• Fee is non-refundable: If the application is rejected, the fee may not be returned.
• Limited to certain professions: The program is not open to everyone; it targets specific sectors and skills.

How Does This Affect UAE-India Relations?

The new Golden Visa program is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the UAE 🇦🇪 and India 🇮🇳. Under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), both countries are working to make it easier for professionals and businesses to move and operate between the two nations.

Experts believe that the program will:

• Increase the flow of skilled professionals from India to the UAE
• Support Indian startups and entrepreneurs looking to expand in the Gulf region
• Enhance cultural and economic exchange between the two countries

Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, described the new scheme as a “golden opportunity” for Indians to obtain long-term residency in the UAE.

What’s Next for the Golden Visa Program?

Expansion to Other Countries

The current pilot program is focused on India 🇮🇳 and Bangladesh, but there are plans to expand to other countries, including China 🇨🇳. As the program grows, the UAE may add more eligible professions and streamline the application process.

Possible Changes

The government may introduce additional benefits or make the process even easier as the program matures. This could include:

• More professions added to the eligibility list
• Faster processing times
• Additional family benefits

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Check eligibility: Make sure your profession and experience match the program’s requirements.
• Prepare documentation: Gather proof of your achievements, experience, and clean background.
• Seek nomination: Connect with recognized organizations or employers who can nominate you.
• Use authorized service providers: Only apply through official channels like Rayad Group, VFS Global, or the UAE government portal.
• Stay updated: Immigration rules can change, so always check the latest guidelines before applying.

Where to Get Official Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always refer to the UAE government’s official immigration website. This site provides comprehensive information on eligibility, required documents, and the application process.

Final Thoughts

The new nomination-based UAE Golden Visa is a major step forward for skilled professionals, especially from India 🇮🇳, who want to live and work in the UAE 🇦🇪. While the INR 23.3 Lakhs fee is much lower than the previous investment requirement, it is not a simple “pay-to-stay” scheme. Nomination, strong credentials, and passing strict background checks are all essential.

This program reflects the UAE’s commitment to attracting top talent and building a diverse, innovative society. For those who qualify, the Golden Visa offers long-term security, family benefits, and the chance to be part of one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

If you are considering applying, make sure you understand the requirements, prepare your documents carefully, and use only official channels. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this new approach is expected to shape the future of immigration in the UAE and could serve as a model for other countries looking to attract global talent.

Takeaway: The UAE Golden Visa is now more accessible than ever for talented professionals, but it remains selective. If you have the skills and experience, and can secure a nomination, the door to long-term residency in the UAE may be open to you.

Learn Today

Golden Visa → A UAE long-term residency permit allowing foreigners to live, work, and study without a local sponsor.
Nomination-based → A system where applicants must be recommended by official bodies based on merit, not just investment.
AED → United Arab Emirates Dirham, the official currency used for visa fees and investments in the UAE.
Background Checks → Government screenings including criminal records, anti-money laundering, and social media audits required for visa approval.
CEPA → Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that facilitates economic and professional exchanges between UAE and India.

This Article in a Nutshell

The UAE’s new 2025 Golden Visa shifts to nomination-based access, lowering costs to INR 23.3 Lakhs. It targets skilled professionals, offering lifetime residency with family sponsorship. Nomination and strict vetting are essential, marking a strategic shift from prior investment-heavy requirements toward attracting top global talent.
— By VisaVerge.com