The United Arab Emirates has launched a new pilot nomination-based golden visa programme offering lifetime residency to select residents of India and Bangladesh, according to a report by PTI. The scheme marks a significant shift from the country’s existing golden visa model, which typically grants residency for 5 to 10 years.
Sources told PTI that under the proposed policy, eligible Indian nationals can secure a UAE golden visa for life by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh). Crucially, this new pathway eliminates the need to invest in property or a business — previously a key requirement under the traditional golden visa framework.
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE’s golden visa programme, governed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, provides long-term residency to foreign nationals without the need for a local sponsor. It is intended to attract investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents in fields such as science, engineering, health, and education.
Under the existing rules, applicants can secure a 5- or 10-year visa by meeting specific eligibility criteria, such as investing in real estate, owning a successful business, or holding advanced educational or professional credentials.
The new nomination-based model is aimed at streamlining the process, focusing on individuals who are identified through a curated selection mechanism, and offering them lifetime benefits in exchange for a fixed fee. Details about the nomination criteria and the selection process have yet to be officially released.
Why It Matters
Unlike traditional immigration routes, which often involve strict eligibility criteria, employment offers, or lengthy approval times, golden visas offer a fast-track route to residency — and in some countries, even citizenship — based primarily on financial contribution. These programmes have become increasingly popular among high-net-worth individuals seeking global mobility, financial security, and business opportunities.
While countries like Portugal, Spain, and Greece have long offered golden visa pathways, the UAE’s new lifetime visa model could position it as a more accessible and attractive destination for South Asian professionals and entrepreneurs looking for long-term stability in the Gulf.
The pilot is currently limited to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, but may be expanded to other countries depending on its success and uptake.
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