The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for Indian nationals seeking long-term residency, with the country’s Golden Visa program seeing substantial interest from this demographic. This program, designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, scientists, academics, and artists, is significantly contributing to the UAE’s transformation into a hub for innovation and cross-border opportunities.
While the Golden Visa traditionally appeals to high-net-worth individuals, the UAE embassy is also extending nominations to individuals with specialized talents like academics, scientists, journalists, athletes, and humanitarian activists. This aligns with the UAE’s vision to foster a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurship and talent.
Although the UAE does not release specific nationality-based figures for Golden Visas, sources indicate that Indian applicants form a “significant share.” This trend is driven by professionals and investors looking for long-term stability and advantageous access to global markets.
UAE Ambassador Abdulnasser Alshaali highlighted that the strong interest from Indian nationals underscores the deep and diverse bilateral relationship between the UAE and India, extending beyond trade to encompass culture, education, science, and innovation. He emphasized the people-to-people connections that fortify the partnership and a shared vision for a future built on collaboration and opportunity.
With an estimated four million Indians residing in the UAE, making them the largest expatriate community, the program further strengthens the commercial and cultural ties between the two nations. Bilateral trade reached a record $100 billion in 2024-25, positioning the UAE as India’s third-largest trade partner.
Since its expansion in 2022, the Golden Visa program has experienced remarkable growth. In Dubai alone, the number of Golden Visas issued nearly doubled from approximately 79,600 in 2022 to around 158,000 in 2023. The program offers five or ten-year visas without the need for a sponsor.
Eligibility for the Golden Visa includes investors who deposit AED 2 million in an accredited fund or own property valued at AED 2 million, granting them a 10-year or 5-year visa, respectively. New categories now include contributors to charity work and Waqf donors, eligible for 10-year residency. Additionally, individuals with specialized talents, such as doctors, scientists, engineers, athletes, and creative artists, can receive 10-year visas upon approval from UAE authorities. Outstanding students can obtain 5 or 10-year visas, while humanitarian pioneers are eligible for 10-year residency.
It’s important to note that the Golden Visa is not presented as a tax incentive, and beneficiaries do not automatically become residents. The primary focus is on facilitating travel and business setup.
The UAE embassy in New Delhi manages all Golden Visa applications directly, collaborating with specialist service providers to ensure efficiency in document submission and verification. These authorized service providers assist with administrative tasks, but all final visa decisions rest with the UAE government authorities. The embassy advises applicants to verify the legitimacy of any service provider directly with them.