UAE's Nomination-Based Golden Visa Scheme for India and Bangladesh Residents

Context:

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a pilot nomination-based Golden Visa program for residents of India and Bangladesh, offering lifetime residency in the UAE. This new policy allows Indians to obtain a Golden Visa by paying a fee of AED 100,000 (approximately Rs 23.3 lakh) without requiring investment in property or business.

What Is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is a type of residency visa offered by several countries to foreign nationals who make substantial financial contributions—such as investing in real estate, business, or government bonds. Unlike regular immigration pathways that require qualifications, employment, or sponsorship, Golden Visas emphasize wealth, entrepreneurship, or talent.

In the UAE, the Golden Visa system was introduced in 2019 to attract top talent and investment. It provides long-term residence (5 or 10 years) to:

Investors in real estate or businesses
Entrepreneurs
Exceptional professionals, including doctors, scientists, artists, and inventors
Outstanding students and academic achievers

Key Features of the Nomination-Based Golden Visa Policy:

· Lifetime Residency: Unlike the current policy of 5-10 years, this visa offers lifetime residency in the UAE.

· No Investment Requirement: Applicants do not need to invest in property or business, making it more accessible to skilled professionals.

· Background Checks: The application process includes thorough background checks, covering anti-money laundering, criminal records, and social media behavior.

· Family Inclusion: Visa holders can bring their family members, employ domestic staff, and engage in business or professional activities freely in the UAE.

Significance of the Scheme:

The UAE’s nomination-based Golden Visa scheme marks a pivotal development in its immigration and economic strategy. Its significance can be understood through several key lenses:

· Strengthening Bilateral Relations:
India’s inclusion as the first country under the nomination-based model underscores the deepening economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the UAE and India. This follows the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2022, which further integrated the economies of both nations.

· Attracting Global Talent:
By offering lifetime residency without the requirement of a local sponsor or upfront property/business investment, the scheme aims to draw professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the UAE’s transformation into a global business and innovation hub.

· Economic Revenue Generation:
With an application fee of AED 100,000, the program is also a revenue-generating tool for the UAE government. When scaled, it offers a sustainable, low-risk method to attract capital and human resources.

· Inclusive Approach:
Unlike earlier versions of the Golden Visa, which favored wealthy investors or exceptional talents, the nomination-based model opens the door to a broader pool of individuals based on background checks and societal contribution, not just financial clout.

Conclusion:

The UAE’s nomination-based Golden Visa pilot represents a new era in migration policy—combining lifetime benefits with strategic selection, particularly for Indians and Bangladeshis aspiring to live and work in the Emirates. As the program unfolds, its success or pitfalls could shape future visa models in the Gulf and beyond.