UAE Golden Visa: Why ₹23 Lakh isn’t enough - nomination-based route demands more than money
New Delhi: The United Arab Emirates’ newly launched nomination-based Golden Visa programme has drawn significant interest in India, with over 5,000 applicants expected in just three months. But despite the advertised cost of AED 100,000 (approx. ₹23.3 lakh), the visa is not guaranteed by money alone.
According to the UAE government, this long-term residency permit hinges on a range of eligibility criteria including professional background, contributions to society, and economic potential, not merely payment.
India & Bangladesh chosen for pilot phase
In the first phase of the rollout, India and Bangladesh have been selected to pilot the nomination-based system. In India, the process is being coordinated through Rayad Group, a consultancy authorised to accept and process applications locally, without requiring applicants to travel to the UAE initially.
Rayad Group MD, Rayad Kamal Ayub, explained that the visa process involves strict screening, including background checks for criminal records, financial credibility, and even social media activity. Only after this pre-approval phase will applications be forwarded to the UAE government for final selection.
Applications can be submitted through One Vasco centres in India and Bangladesh, via Rayad’s online portal, or through their official call centres.
Not one-size-fits-all: Category-wise requirements
Each Golden Visa category, investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and humanitarian workers has distinct benchmarks:
Investors must invest AED 2 million (approx. ₹4.67 crore) in property or funds (excluding loans), pay AED 250,000 annually in UAE taxes, and hold valid medical insurance.
Entrepreneurs need a business worth AED 500,000 (approx. ₹1.17 crore) in tech or innovation, backed by auditors and government-recognised incubators.
Specialised Talents, like scientists, artists, doctors, or senior executives, need endorsements from UAE bodies and may have to show high salaries and extensive experience.
Students eligible for the visa must be high school toppers (above 95%) or hold top GPAs in globally ranked universities.
Humanitarian Workers & Frontline Heroes must show documented service and recognition by authorised organisations.
Step-by-step application process
► Choose a category – Based on profession, background, or investment.
► Gather documents – Endorsements, financial records, ID proof, certificates.
► Apply through proper channel – Traditional route via ICP website/app or nomination route via Rayad Group, VFS Global, or One Vasco.
► Clear background check – For legal, financial, and digital credibility.
► Wait for approval – If accepted, applicants receive long-term UAE residency along with rights to live, work, sponsor family, and establish businesses.
The Golden Visa offers residency options ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on category and contributions.
The UAE’s move is being seen as an effort to attract top global talent and investments, while also tightening checks to ensure only genuine contributors are granted the prestigious visa.
While the ₹23 lakh fee may be the starting point, officials have stressed that the visa is not up for sale, it is reserved for those who bring real value to the Emirates.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
