The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a historic change in the UAE golden visa by introducing the nomination-based program. This step significantly expands the eligibility for the Golden Visa beyond the regular investors. Now, it will provide Indian professionals, content creators, educators, etc, with a lifetime residency option.
The UAE golden visa was initially launched in 2019 for only high-net-worth people who invest in property or business. However, the nation later cut down the minimum threshold for the 10-year visa to AED 2 million, which gives an unexpected opportunity to investors.
Now, the new nomination-based UAE golden visa has broadened access to more people who want to live in this nation. It allows some professionals and investors to live in this attractive nation for a lifetime.
Who Can Apply Under the Nomination-Based Golden Visa?
As of now, the UAE has expanded access to this visa to a wide range of professionals. Now, the following candidates are also eligible for the UAE golden visa:
- Educators like school teachers, principals, etc.
- Medical professionals, especially nurses with over 15 years of experience in the field.
- Digital creators, including YouTubers, podcasters, and accredited e-sport players of more than 25 years of age.
- Luxury yacht owners and maritime executives.
Unlike before, these professionals are now allowed to gain entry to the long-term residency programs through nomination-based golden visas, not direct investment. However, you can obtain this visa for AED 100,000 (around 23.30 Lakh in the INR).
The beneficiaries and people involved in this initiative have told the ANI that more than 5000 people from India are expected to apply for this program in the upcoming three months.
India Among First Nations in Pilot Phase for the UAE Golden Visa
India and Bangladesh have been selected for this new program under the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). A UAE-based consulting company, “the Rayad Group,” has been chosen to perform and review the nomination-based application in India.
Rayad Group’s Managing Director, Rayad Kamal Ayub, stated India has a golden opportunity presented by this visa. The program shows the growing trust with bilateral strength between India and the UAE after the CEPA agreement that comes into effect in May 2022.
A Transparent & Streamlined Selection Process
If you want to apply for the UAE golden visa, you are not required to go to Dubai or any other emirates in the UAE. Fortunately, you can easily apply for this visa. Rayad Kamal Ayub revealed that you can apply for this visa by:
- One Vasco center (Visa concierge offices in India and Bangladesh)
- Rayad Group’s online portal
- Registered call centers or physical offices
He said, “This process will include anti-money laundering checks, social media screening, and criminal background verification”. After reviewing the application, the Rayad Group will send your application to the UAE authorities. Remember, the final decision will depend on the UAE authorities.
Benefits of the nomination-based golden visa
- Lifetime residency: This visa will provide you with the permanent residency option in the UAE.
- Sponsor ability: You can bring your family, like a spouse, children, parents, and even househelp to the UAE.
- Business freedom: You can start a business or professional service within the UAE without any limitations.
Why This Matters for Indians in 2025?
It is a transforming immigration process for Indian nationals, especially for content creators, nurses, etc. Fortunately, it removes the investment restrictions and shows the broader goal of the country to attract global talent across all sectors, besides wealthy people.
The nomination-based UAE golden visa is going to open soon to other CEPA partner nations like China. It shows the growing interest of the UAE in global collaboration and skilled migration.
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