The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a major price cut on its prestigious Golden Visa program. For Indian and Bangladeshi citizens, the visa is now available at a much lower cost—₹23.3 lakhs as a one-time fee. That’s a drop of over 96% from the earlier requirement, which often involved large investments in property or business.
This new initiative removes the need for any minimum investment in real estate or other assets. Instead, applicants can directly apply for the visa through a one-time payment process. The applications are being processed and managed by the Riyad Group.
Golden Visas have long been seen as a symbol of status and opportunity. They allow people to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. They also give holders the ability to own 100% of their business within the country. Until now, these visas were mostly taken by the super-rich or celebrities, but this major cost reduction changes everything.
What’s the UAE’s Plan Behind This Move?
The UAE has always attracted workers from across the world. Many Indians and Bangladeshis have taken up jobs in the country, especially in construction, hospitality, and service sectors. But those roles were mostly entry-level.
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Now, the country wants to change that. By lowering the cost of the Golden Visa, the UAE is trying to attract highly skilled professionals. These include experts in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate technology, finance, and digital innovation. The goal is to create a smarter, more advanced economy that does not rely only on oil or traditional sectors.
This also reflects a wider trend. Countries like Portugal and the UK have already shifted away from property-based visa programs. Portugal stopped its real estate-linked visa scheme in 2023. The UK also discontinued its program back in 2022. These changes show a growing interest in bringing in talent instead of just money.
Similarly, the UAE now wants professionals who can help with innovation, startups, and high-tech sectors. The visa rules have been updated to allow more freedom for people. Now, visa holders can change jobs or even start their own businesses without losing their residency status.
With this change, the UAE hopes to see around 5,000 new Golden Visa applications in just the first three months.
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New Rules, Big Impact for Indian Professionals
This bold step is likely to change migration patterns in a big way. Previously, Indian professionals looked to the US or Canada for better opportunities. But with easier access to long-term UAE visas, many might now turn to Dubai and other cities for growth.
India already has strong ties with the UAE. More than 3.5 million Indians live in the country, and many of them work in sectors like technology, business, and healthcare. Reports show that over 30% of Dubai’s startup ecosystem includes Indian professionals. With this new visa rule, that number could grow even higher.
The updated Golden Visa also includes a careful selection process. Applicants must clear background checks for things like money laundering, criminal history, and social media behavior. The authorities want to ensure that each applicant will contribute positively to the UAE’s society and economy.
In 2023, out of the 158,000 Golden Visas issued in Dubai, around 60% went to professionals in important sectors. About 22% of them were working in banking, AI, and climate-focused jobs. This shows the country’s interest in building a strong pool of global talent.
The new rules aim to make life easier for skilled individuals, allowing them to move freely, work in top industries, and contribute directly to the growth of the UAE.