Many in India woke up this week to astonishing — and hard-to-believe — news that the United Arab Emirates was introducing Golden Visas for Indian nationals at an incredibly low cost. However, the excitement was short-lived, as the claims soon turned out to be incorrect. Several media platforms had reported that the UAE had launched a new nomination-based Golden Visa, allowing Indians to obtain long-term residency for AED 100,000 (approximately INR 23.30 lakh), without the need for major investments in property or business.
The reports also claimed that the initiative would initially target over 5,000 applicants from India and Bangladesh, with the Rayad Group overseeing the application process. On Wednesday, however, the Dubai-based private firm Rayad Group issued a public apology, taking full responsibility for disseminating the inaccurate information.
The UAE has dismissed the reports regarding the issuance of lifetime Golden Visas for specific nationalities. In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) clarified that the categories, criteria, and regulations governing the Golden Visa are explicitly outlined in accordance with established laws, legislation, and ministerial decisions.
"No internal or external consultancy entity is recognised as an authorised party in the application process," the ICP wrote. "These claims have no legal basis and were made without coordination with the relevant authorities in the UAE," it said.
The ICP has also warned that it will pursue legal action against individuals or entities involved in spreading false information aimed at fraudulently obtaining money from those seeking residency in the UAE.
The authority strongly advised the public to be cautious and not fall victim to such scams. It emphasized the importance of relying only on official and verified sources for all visa-related information. For accurate and up-to-date guidance, applicants should visit the official website at www.icp.gov.ae or contact the ICP directly at 600 522 222.
A Golden Visa is a residency or citizenship program that grants foreign nationals the right to live in a country in exchange for a qualifying investment. These investments often include real estate purchases, government bonds, or business ventures. Designed to attract foreign capital, Golden Visa programs offer investors a pathway to live, work, and sometimes even gain citizenship in the host country. Countries such as Portugal, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia offer Golden Visa programs. Holders typically receive the right to reside in the country, along with opportunities to work and study.
Movie superstar Rajinikanth was awarded a Golden Visa in 2024 by the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Introduced in 2019, the Golden Visa program allows select individuals to live and work in the Emirates for an extended period, aiming to enhance the country’s economic growth and investment appeal. The initiative seeks to attract and retain top talent—including researchers, exceptional students, doctors, specialists, innovators, athletes, entrepreneurs, and investors in key sectors such as real estate and emerging businesses.
Indonesia has launched a new “Golden Visa” program which hopes to attract foreign investors, professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world to stay in the country for five or 10 years.
Vietnam has launched a 10-year golden visa program aimed at establishing the country as a sustainable travel and investment hub in Southeast Asia.