Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has denied widespread rumours suggesting that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is offering lifetime Golden Visas to specific nationalities, including Indians and Bangladeshis, through a simplified nomination-based route.
In a statement issued via the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM), the authority clarified that all applications for the Golden Visa must be submitted exclusively through official government platforms and must comply with the legally defined categories and criteria.
Legal action and advisory
The ICP has warned of legal measures against any party promoting misleading information or seeking payment from applicants under false pretences. It called such activity an exploitation of public trust and a violation of immigration laws.
The authority reiterated that promises of shortcut residency routes through nominations or payments outside the official channels are unfounded and without legal standing.
Residents and prospective applicants were urged to avoid sharing personal documents or transferring money to any unverified entity. The public was advised to rely only on official sources and authorised platforms for visa-related matters.
Initial reports
A recent Press Trust of India (PTI) article had claimed that the UAE introduced a nomination-based Golden Visa scheme allowing Indians to secure lifetime residency without investing in property or business.
It stated that the programme initially targeted Indian and Bangladeshi citizens under the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and that over 5,000 Indian applicants were expected in the first three months.
The report alleged that eligible individuals could apply by paying a one-time fee of Dirham 100,000 (approximately Rs 23.28 lakh), bypassing the usual property investment requirement of Dh 2 million (Rs 4.65 crore).
According to PTI, the application process will be overseen by Rayad Group, a UAE-based consultancy tasked with vetting candidates in India. Applicants will undergo extensive screening, including:
- Anti-money laundering checks
- Criminal record screening
- Review of digital and social media activity
According to Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, the assessment will also evaluate how an individual could contribute to the UAE in fields such as:
- Education
- Science and research
- Culture
- Startups and entrepreneurship
- Finance and trade
- Professional service
It was reported that applications could be submitted through Vasco visa centres, registered Rayad offices, a dedicated portal, or via phone—eliminating the need for travel to the UAE.
Once approved, the Golden Visa was reported to offer lifetime residency benefits such as:
- Live and work without a local sponsor
- Sponsor family members, including spouse, children, and parents
- Employ domestic help and drivers
- Start or manage a business, or take up professional employment
The PTI report framed the initiative as part of the UAE’s strategy to shift focus from high-net-worth individuals to attracting skilled global talent, with future expansion anticipated to other CEPA signatory countries, including China.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme introduced by the UAE government in 2019 to attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, researchers, and exceptional talents across various fields.
It grants successful applicants residency for 5 or 10 years, renewable, without the need for a local sponsor.
Originally, the visa targeted high-net-worth individuals, requiring substantial investments in real estate, business, or public sector contributions. Over time, eligibility expanded to include scientists, doctors, teachers, content creators, outstanding students, artists, and frontline workers who demonstrated exceptional merit or potential.
In 2022, the UAE lowered the real estate investment threshold to Dh 2 million, making it accessible to a broader base of investors.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include the UAE authorities’ clarification denying the reported Golden Visa claims.
