UAE Golden Visa Made Simpler for 2025: Lifetime Residency Now Possible Without Investment

The UAE has introduced an innovative nomination-based Golden Visa, allowing lifetime residency without the need for property or business investments. This new program opens up exciting opportunities for professionals, entrepreneurs, and contributors in various sectors. Let’s explore how this system works, who is eligible, and what it costs.

Are you considering a move abroad? Here’s some great news: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a special nomination-based Golden Visa program. This initiative offers lifetime residency without requiring any property purchases or business investments.

With this new approach, the UAE shifts from its traditional investment-based residency model, welcoming skilled individuals and professionals from diverse fields.

Understanding the Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency option for foreign nationals, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UAE. It typically offers 5 to 10 years of renewable residency, with the recent addition of a lifetime validity option through nomination.

New UAE Nomination-Based Golden Visa

The new Golden Visa differs significantly from earlier versions, which required substantial investments, such as AED 2 million in real estate. Now, this visa pathway focuses on merit and nomination.

• No property or business investment required
• One-time fee of AED 100,000 (about ₹23.3 lakh)
• Lifetime residency available
• Nomination-based rather than investment-driven

Eligible applicants can qualify based on their professional accomplishments, contributions, or future potential instead of making significant financial commitments.

Who Can Apply?

The pilot phase currently accepts applications from citizens of India and Bangladesh. The UAE anticipates receiving over 5,000 applications from Indian nationals in the first three months, highlighting the high demand for long-term residency among Indian professionals and entrepreneurs. Eligible candidates include:

• Indian and Bangladeshi nationals
• Individuals with strong backgrounds in culture, trade, science, finance, professional services, and startups

How Much Does It Cost?

This visa does not impose ongoing financial commitments. Here’s the cost breakdown:

How Does the Nomination Process Work?

Applicants undergo a thorough vetting process before nominations are submitted to UAE authorities. The evaluation includes:

• Criminal background checks
• Anti-money laundering compliance
• Social media behavior assessment
• Contributions to UAE sectors like culture, science, trade, startups, and finance

This process targets skilled individuals and is not a random lottery.

Key Benefits of the Nomination-Based UAE Golden Visa

• Lifetime residency with no renewal stress
• Ability to bring family members, employ staff, and run a business
• No risk of losing visa upon selling property or changing jobs
• Designed for professionals, innovators, and contributors, not just wealthy investors

Is This Worth Applying For?

If you are an Indian or Bangladeshi national with a strong professional background—or a vision for meaningful contributions in fields like science, culture, or startups—this opportunity is rare and valuable. You no longer need to meet real estate or investment criteria; instead, you just need credibility, potential, and purpose.

In conclusion, the simplified UAE Golden Visa program presents an exceptional chance for eligible individuals to secure lifetime residency in a rapidly growing country. This new approach fosters a vibrant community of talent and innovation without the barriers of financial investment.