UAE Golden Visa for Indian Citizens | Complete Guide to Long-Term Residency
The Golden Visa programme of the UAE offers long-term residency to Indian nationals and other foreign nationals, allowing them to work, live, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. Launched last year, this visa is specifically designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and outstanding students, as well as students and parents, looking to have a quality life and work in the UAE. For Indian passport holders, who constitute close to 30% of the UAE expat community, the visa will be their golden ticket to the city’s bustling business hub now that the visa has made Dubai home.
I recall when a friend of mine from Mumbai, also an IT entrepreneur, first dabbled in the UAE Golden Visa. He liked the idea of starting a business in Dubai without the distraction of constantly renewing visas. The visa’s flexibility, which would enable him to sponsor his family and spend long stretches outside the UAE, was the deal clincher. As an Indian citizen, if you have aspirations of living your life in color in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, here’s what you need to know about the UAE Golden Visa for Indians.
Why Should Indian Citizens Consider the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE, especially Dubai, is a global hub for business opportunities, innovation, and luxury living. With over 88% of its population being expatriates, the UAE welcomes Indian nationals with open arms. The UAE Golden Visa offers a unique chance to secure long-term residency in a country known for its high standard of living, safety, and tax advantages. Whether you’re an investor eyeing the booming Dubai real estate market or a professional seeking career growth, this visa provides unmatched flexibility.
Key Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for Indians
The UAE Golden Visa benefits are tailored to make life easier and more rewarding for Indian citizens. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Long-Term Residency: Enjoy a 5- or 10-year renewable visa, eliminating the need for frequent renewals common with traditional UAE visas.
- No Sponsor Required: Unlike standard residency permits, you don’t need an Emirati sponsor or employer, giving you greater independence.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse, children (including adult children), parents, and even domestic helpers like drivers or housekeepers.
- Freedom to Travel: Stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing visa validity, a significant advantage for Indian nationals with ties back home.
- Access to Services: Gain access to world-class healthcare services, education opportunities, and government utilities on par with UAE citizens.
- Business Opportunities: Leverage the UAE’s startup ecosystem, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with incentives like 100% business ownership in free zones.
- Tax-Free Income: Benefit from zero personal income tax and no capital gains tax, a stark contrast to India’s 30% tax on incomes above INR 1.5 million.
- Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy special offers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on real estate, healthcare, banking, and more, such as reduced interest rates from banks like Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
Tax Advantages for Indian Nationals
The UAE’s tax-free environment is a major draw for Indian citizens. Unlike India, where high earners face a 30% personal income tax, the UAE imposes:
- No personal income tax on salaries or investments.
- No capital gains tax on property sales or investments.
- 9% corporate tax only on businesses with profits above AED 375,000, with free zone companies exempt for 15-50 years.
- Double tax treaties with India and over 130 countries, ensuring you don’t pay tax twice on the same income.
This tax structure saved my friend, a real estate investor from Delhi, thousands of dollars annually, allowing him to reinvest in Dubai’s growing property market.
Who Is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa UAE eligibility covers a wide range of Indian citizens, from wealthy investors to talented students. The program, expanded in 2022 and updated in 2025, now includes new categories and relaxed requirements, making it more accessible. Below are the main eligibility categories for Indian applicants.
Investors: Real Estate and Business
- Real Estate Investors: Own property worth at least AED 2 million (approx. USD 545,000 or INR 4.6 crore). You can combine multiple properties or use a mortgage from approved UAE banks, provided you pay at least AED 2 million upfront.
- Business Investors: Invest AED 2 million in a UAE company, fund, or deposit, with proof of paying AED 250,000 annually in taxes to the Federal Tax Authority.
Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
- Own a startup with an annual revenue of at least AED 1 million.
- Have a project worth AED 500,000, approved by a UAE auditor as innovative or tech-focused.
- Be a founder of a project sold for AED 7 million or more.
- Provide approval from a UAE business incubator like Hub71 in Abu Dhabi or AREA 2071 in Dubai.
Skilled Professionals and Exceptional Talents
- Skilled Professionals: Hold a level 1 or 2 role per MOHRE classification (e.g., managers, engineers, doctors) with a minimum salary of AED 30,000 per month and a bachelor’s degree.
- Doctors and Scientists Need approval from the Ministry of Health or a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists’ Council.
- Creative Talents: Require endorsement from the Department of Culture and Arts or the Ministry of Economy for innovators.
- Athletes: Need a recommendation from the General Sports Authority.
Outstanding Students and Graduates
- High School Students: Achieve a minimum grade of 95% in a UAE public or private school, with a recommendation from the Ministry of Education.
- University Students: Graduate from a UAE university (Class A or B) with a GPA of 3.5 (Class A) or 3.8 (Class B), or from a top 100 global university with a GPA of 3.5, within 2 years of graduation.
Retirees
- Be over 55 and meet one of these financial criteria:
- Annual income of USD 49,000 (approx. INR 41 lakh).
- Savings of AED 1 million in a 3-year fixed deposit.
- Property worth AED 1 million.
Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Heroes
- Humanitarian Workers: Have 5+ years with international or regional organizations or received a humanitarian award.
- Frontline Heroes: Include nurses, medical assistants, or others recognized by the Fakhr Al Watan Office for contributions during crises like COVID-19.
UAE Golden Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
To secure a UAE Golden Visa, Indian applicants must meet general and category-specific requirements. The process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
General Requirements
- Be over 18 years old.
- Have a clean criminal record (provide a police clearance certificate from India).
- Pass a medical fitness test for infectious diseases like HIV or tuberculosis.
- Hold valid health insurance for yourself and family members.
Category-Specific Requirements
- Real Estate Investors: Provide a title deed certificate or bank/developer letters for mortgaged properties, plus 6 months of bank statements showing AED 10,000 monthly income.
- Business Investors: Submit a commercial license, memorandum of association, or Federal Tax Authority letter proving AED 250,000 annual tax payments.
- Entrepreneurs: Provide an auditor’s letter for an AED 500,000 project or approval from a business incubator.
- Skilled Professionals: Submit a bachelor’s degree, a salary certificate (AED 30,000 minimum), and a valid work contract.
- Students: Provide a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education or a university, plus an accredited graduation certificate.
- Retirees: Show proof of income, savings, or property ownership as outlined above.
Document Checklist for Indian Applicants
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
- Passport copy (all pages with stamps/visas).
- Birth certificate (translated into English or Arabic).
- Marriage certificate (for spouses).
- Certificate of non-marriage (for unmarried applicants over 18).
- Current UAE visa (if applicable).
- Medical insurance (valid for at least 1 year).
- Medical fitness certificate (from a UAE-accredited clinic).
- Police clearance certificate from India.
- UAE Good Conduct Certificate addressed to the Dubai Land Department.
- Recent passport-sized photo.
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., title deed, bank statements, academic records).
How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa: Step-by-Step Process
Applying for the UAE Golden Visa is now easier for Indian citizens, thanks to the 2025 nomination-based visa option and traditional application routes. Here’s how to navigate both processes.
Nomination-Based Visa for Indians
The new rules introduced in 2025 allow Indian citizens to start the UAE Golden Visa process from India via VFS Global and Rayad Group. This is ideal for those who don’t want to travel to the UAE initially.
Submit Nomination Application:
- Visit www.onevasco.com or call +91-22-62018483.
- Provide your professional profile, passport copy, academic qualifications, 6 months of bank statements, and proof of address.
Pass Background Checks:
- Undergo anti-money laundering and criminal record checks, plus social media vetting to assess your contribution to the UAE’s economy or culture.
Receive Pre-Approval:
- If approved, you’ll get a pre-approval notice, typically within 5-30 days.
Travel to the UAE for Final Approval:
- Enter the UAE on a 6-month multiple-entry visa to complete the application, including biometrics and medical tests.
Pay Nomination Fee:
- The cost is around AED 100,000 (INR 23.3 lakh), payable through Centres of Excellence in cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
Traditional Application Process
For those in the UAE or preferring the standard route:
Check Eligibility:
- Visit the ICP website (www.icp.gov.ae) or GDRFA portal to confirm you meet the criteria.
Gather Documents:
- Collect all required documents (see checklist above).
Apply Online or In-Person:
Pass Due Diligence:
- Undergo background checks (5-30 days).
Complete Medical Tests:
- Visit a UAE-accredited clinic for a medical fitness test.
Receive Visa:
- If approved, your Golden Visa is issued within 2 months, along with an Emirates ID.
UAE Golden Visa Costs for Indian Citizens
The UAE Golden Visa price varies by category and application method:
- Nomination-Based Visa: Approximately AED 100,000 (INR 23.3 lakh) for pre-approval, plus additional fees for biometrics and Emirates ID (AED 3,800-4,800).
- Real Estate Investment: AED 2 million investment, plus registration fees (AED 160,000) and medical/visa fees (AED 3,860 per person).
- Business Investment: AED 2 million investment, plus similar administrative fees.
- Other Categories: Application fees range from AED 2,800-4,800, depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the UAE.
Additional Costs:
- Medical checkup: AED 220+ per person.
- Health insurance: AED 400+ per person.
- Document translation/legalization: AED 1,000+ per person.
These costs are transparent, but budgeting for extras like translation saved an Indian entrepreneur I know from unexpected expenses.
How Long Is the UAE Golden Visa Valid?
The UAE Golden Visa is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the category:
- 10-Year Visa: For investors, skilled professionals, scientists, and outstanding students.
- 5-Year Visa: For entrepreneurs, retirees, and high school students.
- Renewal: Apply 1-2 months before expiry with updated documents and a renewal fee of AED 5,000-10,000. Maintain eligibility (e.g., keep property investments) to renew.
Comparing the UAE Golden Visa to Other Residency Programs
The UAE Golden Visa stands out, but it isn’t the only option for Indian citizens. Here’s how it compares to programs like the Portugal Golden Visa and Greece Golden Visa:
UAE Golden Visa:
- Investment: AED 2 million (USD 545,000).
- Residency: 5-10 years, renewable.
- Benefits: Tax-free income, family sponsorship, no stay requirements.
- Path to Citizenship: Possible after 30 years or exceptional service.
Portugal Golden Visa:
- Investment: €280,000+ (USD 310,000+).
- Residency: 5 years, leading to citizenship.
- Benefits: Schengen travel, lower investment threshold.
Greece Golden Visa:
- Investment: €250,000 (USD 275,000).
- Residency: Permanent, renewable every 5 years.
- Benefits: Affordable entry, Schengen access.
The UAE’s tax-free environment and business ecosystem make it ideal for entrepreneurs, while Portugal and Greece offer faster citizenship paths but require more time in-country.
Common Questions About the UAE Golden Visa for Indians
Q1: What is the UAE Golden Visa price for Indians?
The nomination-based visa costs around AED 100,000 (INR 23.3 lakh), while investment-based visas require AED 2 million plus fees (AED 2,800-4,800).
Q2: Does the UAE Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
It doesn’t directly lead to citizenship, but exceptional contributions may qualify you after 30 years.
Q3: What are the UAE Golden Visa requirements for Indian citizens?
Requirements include a clean criminal record, medical fitness, and category-specific criteria like AED 2 million investment or an AED 30,000 salary for professionals.
Q4: Can I apply for the UAE Golden Visa without leaving India?
Yes, through the nomination-based process via VFS Global and Rayad Group, starting at www.onevasco.com.
Q5: What is the UAE Golden Visa university list?
Eligible universities include the UAE’s Class A/B institutions or top 100 global universities (e.g., MIT, Oxford) with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Q6: Why was my Golden Visa rejected?
Rejections may occur due to incomplete documents, criminal records, or failure to meet financial criteria.
Q7: Can I work anywhere in the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Yes, you can work or start a business anywhere in the UAE without a separate permit.
Q8: How long can I stay out of the UAE?
There are no restrictions, unlike other visa programs.
Conclusion: Why the UAE Golden Visa Is a Game-Changer for Indians
The UAE Golden Visa for Indian citizens is more than just a residency permit—it’s a gateway to a vibrant, tax-free lifestyle in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. Whether you’re investing in the Dubai real estate market, launching a startup in Hub71, or enrolling your kids in top UAE schools, this visa offers unmatched flexibility and opportunity. With new rules in 2025, including the nomination-based visa starting at AED 100,000, it’s easier than ever for Indian nationals to secure long-term residency.
Ready to start your journey? Visit the ICP website or www.onevasco.com to check your eligibility and apply. As someone who’s seen friends transform their lives through this program, I can say it’s a decision worth exploring. Take the first step today and unlock a world of possibilities in the UAE.
