UAE’s New Merit-Based Golden Visa: A Game-Changer for Indian Professionals
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new merit-based Golden Visa, opening doors for Indian professionals across various fields. This nomination-based visa offers long-term residency without the need for significant financial investments.
Golden VisaUaeIndian ProfessionalsLongterm ResidencyMeritbased VisaReal Estate NewsJul 08, 2025
This nomination-based Golden Visa, which is currently being piloted in India and Bangladesh, opens new doors for thousands of skilled individuals to live, work, and build a future in the UAE. At a time when global migration pathways are tightening, this move marks a progressive step by the UAE, one that aligns with its growing strategic and economic ties with India.
What’s New with the Golden Visa
Unlike the earlier Golden Visa which required massive investments, such as buying high-value real estate or setting up successful businesses, this new visa is based entirely on merit and professional value. From doctors to YouTubers, schoolteachers to maritime professionals, the UAE’s latest initiative casts a wider net. And for the first time, content creators, e-sports professionals, and podcasters aged 25 and above are being formally recognised under the new scheme.
Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of the Rayad Group, the firm tasked with piloting the project in India, told PTI that this is a “golden opportunity” for Indians to secure long-term residency in the UAE. “Applications can be submitted through One Vasco (visa concierge service company) centres in India and Bangladesh, our registered offices, our online portal, or even through our dedicated call centre,” he added.
Who Can Apply?
The updated criteria include a wide spectrum of professions. Here’s who is eligible:
- Teachers, principals, and university faculty
- Scientists, researchers, and professionals in healthcare
- Nurses with over 15 years of experience
- Executives, finance experts, and start-up founders
- Accredited content creators, YouTubers, podcasters
- E-sports professionals aged 25 and above
- Maritime sector professionals like yacht owners
This shift represents a move towards attracting human capital, not just financial investment.
How Does the Process Work?
According to Ayub, this visa is based on nomination and background evaluation. Each applicant undergoes anti-money laundering checks, criminal record screening, and even a social media review before the application is forwarded to the UAE government for final approval.
“Whenever an applicant applies for this Golden Visa, we will first check their background, which will include anti-money laundering and criminal record checks, as well as their social media,” Rayad Kamal Ayub told PTI. Importantly, candidates don’t need to travel to Dubai to begin the process. They can get pre-approved from India itself.
Once cleared, applicants pay a fee of AED 100,000 (approx. ₹23.3 lakh) to secure the visa. This includes processing, background checks, and long-term residency issuance.
What About Family Members?
Unlike some residency schemes that apply only to the main applicant, this nomination-based Golden Visa is inclusive of family members. Visa holders will also have the option to employ staff and participate in business or professional activities in the country. Family relocation and employment flexibility are seen as key attractions, especially for Indian professionals looking to move with children or spouses.
How is it Different from Real-Estate-Based Golden Visa?
The UAE’s earlier Golden Visa scheme primarily targeted high-net-worth individuals who could invest significant sums into the country, most commonly by purchasing property worth AED 2 million or more. In that model, the visa was tied directly to the asset, meaning the residency status could be affected if the property was sold. In contrast, the newly introduced nomination-based Golden Visa breaks away from the asset-linked model entirely. It focuses instead on the individual’s professional merit and societal contributions.
This means skilled professionals, including school principals, nurses, researchers, digital content creators, and e-sports players, can now apply for long-term residency without being wealthy investors. The visa is permanent and not dependent on holding any specific physical asset, offering far more flexibility. Furthermore, it includes provisions for family members and allows visa holders to take part in business and professional activities, or even employ staff in the UAE. In short, this new pathway shifts the spotlight from financial capacity to professional value, making the UAE more accessible than ever for talented Indians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Golden Visa in the UAE?
The new Golden Visa in the UAE is a merit-based visa that allows Indian professionals from various fields to secure long-term residency without the need for significant financial investments.
Who is eligible for the new Golden Visa?
Eligible candidates include teachers, healthcare professionals, content creators, e-sports players, and maritime professionals, among others.
What is the application process for the new Golden Visa?
Applicants undergo background checks, including anti-money laundering and criminal record screenings, before their applications are forwarded to the UAE government for final approval.
How much does the new Golden Visa cost?
The fee for the new Golden Visa is AED 100,000 (approx. ₹23.3 lakh), which covers processing, background checks, and long-term residency issuance.
Can family members also benefit from the new Golden Visa?
Yes, the new Golden Visa is inclusive of family members, allowing visa holders to bring their families and even employ staff in the UAE.
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