UAE Golden Visa for Indians: Gateway for professionals & businessmen

Published on: July 2025
By: MeriJobs Editorial Team

Introduction

Imagine living in Dubai—permanently. No more visa renewals, no dependence on property ownership or expensive business investments. If you’re an Indian citizen dreaming of living, working, or investing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this might just be your golden moment—literally.

With the UAE launching a new Nomination-Based Golden Visa policy in 2025, Indians now have access to lifetime residency without needing a trade license or expensive real estate investment. This article dives deep into everything you need to know about this new opportunity, what it means for Indian job seekers and entrepreneurs, and how to get started.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. It provides 10-year residency benefits, often renewable and flexible. Initially launched to attract wealthy investors and exceptional talents, the Golden Visa program has now evolved to become more inclusive.

Earlier, the primary route to secure this visa was through hefty investments—AED 2 million (₹4.66 crore) in property or a large capital infusion in a UAE-based business. However, this traditional route was limited to high-net-worth individuals. That’s changing in 2025.

What’s New? The Nomination-Based Golden Visa

In a significant policy shift, the UAE now offers a Nomination-Based Golden Visa exclusively for citizens of India and Bangladesh in its first phase. Under this model:

Indians can apply for the visa by paying a fee of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.30 lakh)
No need to buy property or start a business
Applicants are evaluated based on a background check and nomination process

This move reflects a strategic deepening of ties between India and the UAE under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in May 2022.

Who is Eligible for the Nomination-Based Golden Visa?

The UAE is targeting a wide array of professionals, entrepreneurs, and cultural contributors through this program. If you belong to any of the following categories, you may be eligible:

Professionals (IT, engineering, healthcare, education, etc.)
Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Artists, musicians, and cultural contributors
Scientists and researchers
Individuals involved in finance, trade, or policy-making

Even if you don’t fall into these predefined categories, your overall profile, including your social media activity, professional achievements, and background check, will be assessed.

What Does the Background Check Involve?

Each applicant undergoes a strict background check before being nominated. The process is managed by Rayad Group, a consultancy selected for the initial implementation of this pilot project in India. The checks include:

Criminal record verification
Anti-money laundering assessment
Review of professional and personal background
Evaluation of social media activity

Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, emphasized that this is to ensure applicants contribute positively to the UAE’s market, economy, and cultural landscape.

How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa (Nomination-Based)

Thanks to the simplified application process, Indians can now apply from within India, without even visiting the UAE. Here’s how:

Prepare your documents (ID, education, CV, bank statements, etc.)
Submit an application via:
- One VASCO Centres (authorized visa concierge service)
- Rayad Group’s official offices
- Rayad’s online portal
- Call center for guidance and appointments
Undergo background and profile assessment
Get pre-approval and nomination
Receive final approval from UAE authorities

Once approved, the visa is stamped, and you can relocate with ease—along with your family and household staff.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for Indians

This visa is more than just a residency stamp. It’s a lifestyle transformation. Here are the advantages:

Lifetime residency in the UAE (without property conditions)
No visa renewals every year or two
Freedom to work, start businesses, or invest
Bring your entire family under the same visa
Hire domestic help, drivers, or assistants legally
Access to UAE’s world-class infrastructure, education, and healthcare
Travel benefits across GCC countries in future updates

Unlike the property-based Golden Visa, this one does not expire if you sell your assets. It’s valid for life.

Cost Breakdown

As per the current scheme, the cost to obtain a nomination-based UAE Golden Visa is:

AED 100,000 (approx ₹23.30 lakh)
Additional costs for documentation, translation, and processing may apply

Compared to buying property or establishing a business in the UAE, this is a significantly more affordable and flexible option.

Why India First?

India was selected for the launch of this new visa because of the strong business and diplomatic ties between the UAE and India. Over 3.5 million Indians already reside in the UAE, making it the largest expatriate community there.

With India being a CEPA signatory country, it enjoys trade and immigration advantages. The Golden Visa rollout in India is a testimony to this growing relationship.

Potential Job and Career Opportunities

For Indian job aspirants, the UAE presents unmatched prospects:

IT and Technology: Dubai Internet City, AI and blockchain sectors
Healthcare: Hospitals, wellness startups, and medical tourism
Finance: Banking, investment firms, and crypto fintechs
Tourism and Hospitality: Hotels, luxury services, entertainment
Construction & Real Estate: Ongoing mega projects like The Line and Expo 2020 legacies

A Golden Visa enhances your profile and lets you work without employer sponsorship, opening a world of job freedom.

Impact on Indian Startups and Professionals

Startups and professionals who have hesitated due to visa constraints can now explore the UAE with confidence. The country is actively looking to attract:

Indian fintech companies to expand operations
Medical practitioners to support healthcare expansion
IT professionals to support digital transformation initiatives

This could become a gateway for Indian innovation to reach global audiences via Dubai’s strategic location and modern infrastructure.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits are abundant, applicants should consider the following:

The AED 100,000 fee is non-refundable
Strict background checks—any discrepancies may lead to rejection
Job market competition in the UAE is strong
Living costs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are relatively high

Proper planning, documentation, and financial preparedness are crucial.

Future Expansion of the Scheme

The pilot program currently includes India and Bangladesh. However, the UAE plans to extend this policy to other CEPA nations including China and Southeast Asian countries. It’s part of the UAE’s goal to become a global business hub and talent magnet.

Once established, the nomination-based visa model may become the default route for skilled immigration to the UAE.

Conclusion: Your Golden Doorway to the Gulf

The UAE’s Golden Visa for Indians isn’t just a visa—it’s a game-changer. It’s the answer for those who’ve long desired a life in Dubai but lacked millions to invest in property. With this nomination-based model, the door is open wide for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors from India.

If you’re ready to build your career or expand your lifestyle in one of the world’s most dynamic regions, now is the time. This is your golden chance.

Disclaimer

This blog is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The data and information presented herein are based on the current developments regarding the UAE’s nomination-based Golden Visa for Indians as reported in reliable news and policy summaries. MeriJobs.in does not represent the UAE Government or affiliated agencies and is not responsible for changes to visa rules, pricing, or eligibility.

Readers are strongly advised to consult official UAE immigration websites, government portals, or authorized visa consultants like Rayad Group or One VASCO before making any financial commitments or immigration decisions. Visa policies can evolve rapidly, and it is crucial to verify updated procedures, documentation requirements, and timelines directly with official sources.

The purpose of this blog is to empower job aspirants, entrepreneurs, and Indian professionals with insight into emerging global opportunities that align with their career and personal aspirations. For further updates on overseas job pathways and visa trends, continue visiting www.merijobs.in.

Tags: UAE Golden Visa, Indians in Dubai, Nomination Visa, Immigration, CEPA, Global Jobs, Indian Expats, UAE Jobs, MeriJobs

UAE Golden Visa for Indians: Your Gateway to a Lifetime in Dubai