Looking to settle overseas? Here’s a major update: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new nomination-based Golden Visa program that grants permanent residency without requiring real estate purchases or business investments.
This marks a significant shift from the UAE’s traditional investment-based residency model, opening up opportunities for skilled individuals, experts, and industry contributors across a variety of fields.
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency scheme allowing foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the country. It typically offers 5 to 10 years of renewable residency, but the new model introduces an option for permanent residency through nomination.
Understanding the New Nomination-Based Golden Visa
Unlike earlier Golden Visa pathways, which required applicants to invest in real estate or business ventures, the new scheme is based solely on merit and nomination.
Key Features:
- No property or business investment required
- One-time fee of $27,225.81
- Permanent residency granted
- Merit- and nomination-based selection process
Rather than purchasing property or starting a company, eligible applicants may qualify based on their professional achievements, industry impact, or future potential.
Who Can Apply?
The current pilot phase of the program is open to:
- Indian and Bangladeshi citizens
- Professionals in fields such as:
- Culture
- Science
- Business and finance
- Skilled trades and services
- Startups and entrepreneurship
The UAE anticipates receiving over 5,000 Indian applications in the program’s first three months, indicating high demand for long-term residency among professionals.
Program Cost and Structure
This is not a visa that requires ongoing financial obligations.
| Cost Component | Details |
|---|---|
| One-time application fee | $27,225.81 |
| Recurring payments | None |
| Property investment | Not required |
Once approved, your residency is permanent, regardless of future changes in employment or business status.
How the Nomination Process Works
The process is not open to random self-submissions. Instead, applicants undergo a thorough evaluation before being nominated to UAE authorities.
Screening Includes:
- Criminal background checks
- Anti-money laundering compliance
- Social media history and conduct
- Assessment of contributions to key sectors, including:
- Science
- Startups
- Trade
- Finance
- Culture
This is not a lottery—it’s a curated selection process targeting high-potential individuals.
Who Manages the Nomination Process?
The Rayad Group is leading the official nomination process:
- They screen and vet applicants
- Applications can be submitted online or via call centers
- Shortlisted candidates are forwarded to UAE authorities for final approval
Rayad is also partnering with VFS and One Vasco hubs in India and Bangladesh to facilitate application processing.
Why Is the UAE Offering This Visa?
The decision follows the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022, which deepened economic ties between the two countries.
This visa is part of the UAE’s strategy to attract top-tier talent, with plans to expand the program to other CEPA countries like China in the future.
Top Benefits of the UAE Nomination-Based Golden Visa
- Permanent residency without renewals
- Bring family members, employ staff, and run a business
- No loss of visa if you sell property or change jobs
- Designed for experts, innovators, and skilled contributors, not just wealthy investors
Why This Opportunity Matters
If you’re an Indian or Bangladeshi citizen with a strong professional background or the potential to make a meaningful contribution in fields like science, culture, or entrepreneurship, this is a rare and valuable opportunity.
You’re no longer required to tie your residency to real estate or capital investments—just your credibility, achievements, and vision.