UAE Golden Visa 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence program that attracts investors, skilled professionals, students, and other talented individuals from around the world. Recently, a lot of attention has been drawn to a new visa scheme reportedly costing Rs 23 lakh. But what is the truth behind it? Let’s break it down simply.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates for 5 or 10 years without the need for a local sponsor. It is renewable and offers a stable way to settle in the UAE with your family.

People who qualify include:

• Investors
• Entrepreneurs
• Professionals (like doctors, engineers, IT experts)
• Scientists and researchers
• Students and graduates with high performance
• Artists, athletes, and other skilled individuals

What is the Rs 23 Lakh Golden Visa Scheme?

In early 2025, media outlets reported a new visa option for Indian and Bangladeshi citizens. According to the reports:

• The UAE was offering a lifetime Golden Visa.
• It required a one-time payment of AED 100,000, which is around Rs 23.3 lakh.
• The offer was available through nomination only.

This created huge interest, especially in India. Some immigration agencies even started promoting this visa option to customers.

What the UAE Government Says

The UAE’s immigration authority, ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security), officially responded to these reports. They said:

• There is no policy to sell Golden Visas for a fixed price.
• The AED 100,000 payment is only a processing fee, not a guarantee.
• The visa is not for sale. All applicants must be nominated and pass strict checks.
• Many advertisements and claims by agencies were misleading.

Some UAE-based agencies, like the Rayad Group, later issued apologies for spreading confusion and stopped offering Golden Visa services.

What is the Real Golden Visa Process in 2025?

Nomination-Based Golden Visa (New Route)

A new route allows professionals from India and Bangladesh to apply for a lifetime Golden Visa only if they are nominated by a UAE authority or organization.

Requirements

1. Must be nominated by a government or semi-government entity in the UAE.
2. Pay a processing fee of AED 100,000 if selected.
3. Provide documents for:

• Education and work background
• Social media and online activity checks
• Anti-money laundering checks
• Criminal record clearance

This route is not open to everyone. It is meant for people who have made outstanding contributions in their fields.

Benefits of the Golden Visa

• Long-term stay (5, 10 years, or in some cases, lifetime)
• No need for a local sponsor
• Bring your family – spouse, children, and even household staff
• Work and business freedom
• Access to banking, healthcare, and education
• Discounts through UAE’s Esaad card and other benefits

Common Myths and Facts

Claim	Reality
Anyone can buy the Golden Visa for Rs 23 lakh	False – Only nominated professionals can apply
AED 100,000 guarantees the visa	False – It is just a fee after selection
All consultants offering this are official	False – Many were unauthorized and faced legal action
The visa is now lifetime for all Indians	False – Only selected individuals under nomination route may receive lifetime validity

How to Apply the Right Way

1. Check if you are eligible under the investor, professional, or nomination categories.
2. Do not fall for agents offering shortcuts or “guaranteed” Golden Visas.
3. Use official channels:

• ICP (UAE Government website)
• Amer Centers (in Dubai)
• GDRFA Portal

If you receive a nomination, prepare your documents carefully and go through the legal process.