No Investment-Free Golden Visa for Indians, Clarifies UAE

Amid rising online chatter claiming that Indians can now obtain a UAE Golden Visa for AED 100,000 (about Rs. 23.3 lakh) without any property or business investment, UAE authorities have issued a firm reminder: there’s no such official offer.

The UAE government has not confirmed any ‘nomination-based’ Golden Visa for Indians at a fixed fee with zero investment. Authorities emphasise that visa issuance is based on strict criteria — all applications must go through official channels or licensed consultancies without any exceptions. 

The ICP also mentioned that it will initiate “legal action… against the entities that launched these rumors” as per reports.

Just a Recap: What Exactly is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa, introduced in 2019, is a long-term resident permit intended to attract worldwide talent, investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. It allows foreigners to reside, study, or work in the UAE without a local sponsor. The visa, issued for 5 or 10 years, is renewable.

Golden Visa Benefits

• No local sponsor required
• Freedom to live abroad for over 6 months without losing residency
• Ability to sponsor spouses, children (no age cap), and domestic workers without any limit
• Family can stay in the UAE even if the visa holder passes away

Who’s Eligible for UAE Golden Visa (as per official guidelines)?

• Property Owners – If you own property worth AED 2 million or more
• Investors – If you’ve invested AED 2 million in UAE funds or pay AED 250,000+ in annual taxes
• Entrepreneurs – If you’ve started a project worth at least AED 500,000, approved by UAE business centres
• Skilled Professionals – This can include doctors, scientists, artists, engineers, and athletes
• Top Students – With high GPAs from top UAE or international universities
• Humanitarian Workers & Frontline Heroes – Including nurses, lab techs, and those with a strong track record in social service

Another Update: No Golden Visa for Crypto Investors

The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have issued clear statements —

• Investing in digital currencies does not qualify for a Golden Visa
• Online claims linking crypto to Golden Visa eligibility are false
• Investors are advised to engage only with licensed and regulated companies
• TON and similar firms offering such claims have no official approval from UAE authorities

Authorities Urge: Use Only Official Platforms

Three key UAE authorities: ICP, SCA, and VARA have collectively warned:

• Don’t rely on social media ads or unverified agents
• Apply only through:
  • UAE’s official immigration portal: https://icp.gov.ae
  • Licensed, government-approved consultancies

As Irina Cotescu, co-founder of Oliviri Consultancy, puts it —

“It’s essential to verify the legitimacy of any offer before making payments or sharing personal documents [or details].” 

Key Takeaways From The News

The UAE's Golden Visa scheme is still one of the most appealing long-term residency possibilities in the world. While new nomination-based pathways may emerge for skilled Indians, no blanket AED 100,000 route has been confirmed by the government.

To apply safely —

• Visit https://icp.gov.ae
• Consult only government-listed consultancies
• Avoid unverified agents or digital ads promising ‘shortcuts’

Stay informed, stay cautious. And only proceed through official, regulated channels.