UAE’s Nomination-Based Golden Visa Scheme

GS2 – International Relations

Context

The UAE unveiled a nomination-based golden visa for skilled residents of India and Bangladesh, with a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (~₹23.3 lakh). The pilot will later include China and other CEPA partners.

Key Features:

• Long-term residency enabling foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE.
• Initially for 5 or 10 years, renewable automatically if eligibility is maintained.

Two Target Groups:

1. Investors: Those investing AED 2 million+ in businesses or AED 500,000+ in strategic projects.
2. Talented Individuals: Includes doctors, researchers, athletes, artists, PhD holders, and exceptional students.

• Family inclusion: Permit extends to spouse, children, and household staff.
• Applicants can apply remotely, with extensive background verification.

What’s Different About the Nomination Model?

• Shifts focus from capital-based to government-nominated, skill-driven residency.
• Offers permanent residency, unlike earlier time-bound visas.
• Prioritises expertise and national interest sectors, rather than just investment potential.

About Golden Visas:

• Residency programs granted in return for substantial economic investment.
• Don’t provide citizenship or voting rights.
• Practiced in over 100 countries, including Portugal, Malta, Greece, and the UAE.