No lifetime Dubai Golden Visa: UAE rejects reports about nomination-based residency in ₹23 lakh

The UAE government has denied recent media reports claiming that Indians and other nationalities could obtain a lifetime UAE Golden Visa through a nomination-based policy by paying a one-time fee.

The clarification comes after several media outlets carried PTI wire service-based reports on Monday, July 7, suggesting that the UAE had introduced a new ‘nomination-based visa policy’ under which Indians could obtain the country’s coveted Golden Visa for life by paying AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh), subject to background verification and benefit assessments.

The report also mentioned that Bangladesh was included in the initial phase.

However, the ICP said that “the categories of golden residence, their conditions and controls are determined in accordance with UAE laws, legislation and official ministerial decisions,” according to Khaleej Times.

The authority urged the public to always verify such information directly from official sources via the ICP website or the smart application.

The UAE authorities warned that they had recently monitored press releases issued by a consulting office abroad claiming they could process requests for a “lifetime UAE Golden Visa”, without any legal basis or coordination with UAE government agencies.

The ICP stressed that legal action will be taken against those attempting to “obtain money from those wishing to live and reside in the UAE by exploiting their dreams and ambitions in a decent life and a safe and stable living.”

In the now-debunked reports, Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, was quoted as saying over 5,000 Indians were expected to apply within the first three months, and that the evaluation process would include anti-money laundering checks, criminal record verification, social media assessment, and benefit assessments to the UAE in fields such as culture, trade, science, startups, and professional services.

The ICP urged the public to always refer to official sources to ensure the validity of the required procedures, by going to the official website or calling the call centre.