UAE Launches Nomination-Based Golden Visa for Indians

The UAE has introduced a nomination-based Golden Visa for Indian nationals, offering lifetime residency without any investment requirement. Unlike traditional models that demand property or business ownership, this new pathway requires a one-time AED 100,000 payment and a vetting process covering criminal records, financial stability, and social media activity.

The move is part of a pilot initiative tied to the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to attract high-potential individuals rather than just capital. Applicants can also sponsor family and domestic staff, and work or start businesses in the UAE without restrictions.

The program is currently open through selected authorised partners and is expected to draw over 5,000 applicants in its early phase. It's seen as a significant shift toward merit-based immigration across sectors like education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and digital industries.