Golden Visa for Indians at Rs 23 lakh with citizenship? UAE debunks reports

The ICP urged those wishing to visit the UAE or live, reside and invest in the UAE "not to respond to inaccurate rumours and false news with the aim of quick profit"

The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday debunked reports that claimed Indians could now apply for its Golden Visa through a new nomination-based route, without investing crores in property or business. The new model, introduced on a pilot basis, allows eligible applicants to secure a lifelong visa by paying AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh), subject to a detailed background check.   The news was first published by news agency PTI, however, Business Standard could not independently verify it. 

 

On Tuesday, July 8, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) debunked rumours “circulating in some local and foreign media and websites about the UAE granting a lifetime Golden Visa for a number of nationalities.”

 

 

The ICP underscored “all UAE Golden Visa applications are managed exclusively through official government channels within the country, and no internal or external advisory body is considered an approved party in the application process.”

 

“The categories of golden residence, their conditions and controls are determined in accordance with the UAE laws, legislation and official ministerial decisions,” ICP added, noting: “Those wishing to know the (requirements for UAE Golden Visa) can obtain them through the ICP website or smart application.”  The ICP urged those wishing to visit the UAE or live, reside and invest in the UAE “not to respond to inaccurate rumors and false news with the aim of quick profit.”

 

What is UAE's Golden Visa?

 

Launched in 2019, the Golden Visa programme originally catered to high-net-worth individuals. In 2022, the property threshold for a 10-year visa was reduced to AED 2 million, widening its reach.  The most common ways for Indians to get the UAE’s Golden Visa, especially in Dubai, is by investing at least AED 2 million (₹4.66 crore) in property. Some also qualify by making large business investments in the country.

 

 

 

Who can apply for UAE golden visa?

 

The UAE government expanded the Golden Visa categories in May to include:

 

• Investors and entrepreneurs

• Top-performing students

• Scientists, executives and school teachers

• University faculty, nurses with 15+ years of experience

• YouTubers, podcasters, digital creators

• Accredited e-sports professionals above the age of 25

• Luxury yacht owners and maritime executives