In a groundbreaking move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new nomination-based Golden Visa programme aimed at attracting skilled professionals from India and Bangladesh. This initiative marks a major shift from the UAE’s previous long-term residency schemes that largely favoured wealthy investors or real estate buyers.
Unlike traditional pathways, this merit-driven programme values professional contributions over financial wealth, offering lifetime residency to individuals in diverse sectors like education, healthcare, digital media, maritime, and scientific research.
What’s New About This Golden Visa?
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No property investment needed: Unlike the real estate-based Golden Visa (which required AED 2 million or ~₹4.7 crore), this programme does not require property ownership.
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Fee is not enough: A one-time payment of AED 100,000 (~₹23.3 lakh) is required, but only after nomination and approval. Paying the fee alone does not guarantee a visa.
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Vetting is strict: Applications undergo background checks, including anti-money laundering screenings, criminal record verification, and social media audits.
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Apply from India/Bangladesh: Applicants can apply via authorised consultancies without travelling to the UAE.
Who is Eligible?
The programme opens doors for middle-class professionals and creatives previously excluded from investor-centric schemes. Eligible candidates include:
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Teachers, principals, professors, and researchers
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Doctors, nurses, and healthcare executives
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Scientists, engineers, and industrial leaders
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YouTubers, podcasters, content creators (age 25+)
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E-sports professionals
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Maritime professionals (yacht owners, port executives)
What Do You Get With This Visa?
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Lifetime residency in the UAE
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Freedom to live, work, and study
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No requirement to maintain employment
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Sponsor family members and hire staff
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Freedom to leave and return anytime
Why Focus on India and Bangladesh?
India and Bangladesh are the first two countries chosen for the pilot, reflecting the UAE’s intention to tap into their vast talent pools and deepen bilateral ties—especially after India signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE in 2022.
More than 5,000 applications from India are expected in the first 90 days of rollout, according to Rayad Group MD Rayad Kamal Ayub, whose consultancy is helping manage nominations.
“It’s not a backdoor to residency—it’s a curated program,” a source told Business Today.
Golden Visa vs Real Estate Visa: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Nomination-Based Visa | Real Estate-Based Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Required | AED 100,000 (~₹23L) after approval | AED 2 million (~₹4.7 crore) |
| Focus | Skills and merit | Wealth and asset ownership |
| Risk of Revocation | No | Yes (if property is sold) |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
A Broader Talent Strategy for UAE
This move aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2031 and its push to diversify the economy by attracting global talent, especially in high-impact sectors like education, healthcare, and technology.
With this scheme, the UAE sends a clear message: professional value and innovation matter just as much as financial investment.
