Synopsis : A Rs 23 lakh UAE Golden Visa offer has set social media abuzz, but experts clarify it’s a rebranding of the existing nomination-based route, not a new cheap residency pathway. Here’s what Indian investors and professionals need to know before planning a move.
The news of a “Rs 23 lakh UAE Golden Visa” has stirred excitement among Indians eyeing tax-free living in Dubai, but is it really a backdoor to affordable UAE residency? Industry experts clarify that it’s not a new visa category but a rebranding of the existing nomination-based pathway under the UAE’s Golden Visa framework.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit allowing foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying zero income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax. Traditionally, the Golden Visa required heavy investments: Rs 1.16 crore for entrepreneurs and over Rs 4 crore for investors. Categories also exist for high-salary professionals, scientists, and exceptional talent.
A recent PTI report claiming a “Rs 23 lakh nomination-based Golden Visa” sparked debates, leading many to believe a cheaper residency option was launched. However, Paresh Karia, CEO of Acquest Advisors, clarified that this fee relates to advisory, documentation, and positioning costs required to get nominated, not the visa itself.
The nomination system has always existed in the UAE, allowing government and semi-government bodies to recommend deserving professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives for long-term residency based on skills, contributions, and achievements. The current push is to formalize and broaden this nomination route with clearer guidelines, making it more transparent and accessible, particularly to Indian professionals and business owners.
Unlike traditional real estate or investment routes, the nomination-based path does not require asset purchases or crypto investments. Instead, applicants undergo background checks, AML screenings, and assessments of their potential contributions to the UAE’s economy and society. Once cleared, the application is sent to UAE authorities for final approval.
The Rs 23 lakh typically mentioned covers the initial nomination process costs, compliance documentation, and authorized advisory support, after which eligible individuals still need to prove their economic or professional value to secure the actual Golden Visa. It’s not a direct visa purchase but a strategic path to align with UAE’s shift toward merit- and contribution-based residency models.
For Indians looking to establish a long-term presence in the UAE, the nomination-based Golden Visa offers a legitimate path if aligned with skill, contribution, and economic participation. However, it is critical to differentiate between advisory and nomination costs and the investment thresholds needed post-approval.
In essence, the “Rs 23 lakh Golden Visa” is not a shortcut but an opportunity for those genuinely positioned to add value to the UAE while planning their financial and professional futures in a tax-free jurisdiction.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or financial advice. Please consult authorized immigration and financial advisors before making decisions.
