The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly become one of the most attractive global destinations for long-term residency, with Indians forming a significant share of those securing the prestigious Golden Visa. The programme, designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, innovators, and highly skilled professionals, has transformed the UAE into a global hub for innovation, business, and talent. For many Indians, the Golden Visa represents not only a gateway to global opportunities but also a symbol of the growing strategic and cultural partnership between India and the UAE.

The UAE, which hosts an estimated four million Indian nationals, is home to the largest expatriate Indian community anywhere in the world. This demographic presence is central to the economic and social fabric of the Gulf nation. Over the decades, Indian workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals have played an essential role in the UAE’s development story—from contributing to its early construction boom to driving its present-day tech and finance sectors. Today, the Golden Visa is seen as a natural evolution of this relationship, offering stability and recognition to those who contribute to the country’s progress.

The Vision Behind the Golden Visa

The Golden Visa programme was introduced to reward and retain exceptional talent and high-value investors, reflecting the UAE’s vision to transition from an oil-driven economy to a diversified, knowledge-based one. The long-term residency scheme offers either five or ten-year visas, depending on the applicant category, and does not require sponsorship—an important departure from traditional visa systems in the region.

Initially launched to attract high net worth investors and entrepreneurs, the programme has since expanded to include a wide range of categories, such as scientists, researchers, doctors, engineers, creative professionals, athletes, and even humanitarian contributors. This expansion reflects the UAE’s strategic goal of creating a dynamic ecosystem that promotes innovation, science, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Rising Indian Participation

Though the UAE does not release nationality-specific figures, officials and observers confirm that Indian nationals represent a substantial portion of Golden Visa recipients. This trend is being driven by a mix of high net worth individuals, skilled professionals, and innovators seeking a secure, tax-efficient, and strategically located base for international operations.

“The remarkable interest in the UAE’s Golden Visa programme from Indian nationals is a testament to the depth and diversity of our bilateral relationship, one that extends far beyond business and trade into culture, education, science and innovation,” said UAE Ambassador to India Abdulnasser Alshaali. “It reflects the enduring people-to-people connections that continue to strengthen the UAE–India partnership, and our shared vision for a future built on opportunity and collaboration.”

Experts point out that the UAE’s transformation from a job market to a global innovation hub has attracted a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs, tech founders, and professionals. The Golden Visa offers long-term security, access to world-class infrastructure, and proximity to key global markets—making it an appealing option for Indians seeking both stability and growth.

Programme Expansion and Growth

Since its expansion in 2022, the Golden Visa programme has witnessed a remarkable surge in participation. In Dubai alone, the number of Golden Visas issued nearly doubled within a year—from around 79,600 in 2022 to approximately 158,000 in 2023. This exponential growth highlights the UAE’s commitment to positioning itself as a global destination for talent and innovation.

Under the current framework, investors who deposit at least two million UAE dirhams (roughly ₹4.5 crore) in an accredited investment fund qualify for a 10-year residency. Similarly, individuals owning properties valued at two million dirhams or more are eligible for a five-year Golden Visa. These measures are complemented by new categories introduced for contributors to charity, Waqf (endowment) donors, and individuals involved in humanitarian initiatives—recognizing their role in community building and social development.

Professionals with exceptional skills, such as doctors, scientists, inventors, engineers, creative artists, and executives, can also obtain 10-year Golden Visas if they receive endorsements from relevant UAE authorities. Additionally, outstanding students and academic achievers can secure five or ten-year residencies, ensuring that the country continues to attract top talent from around the world.

The India–UAE Connection

India and the UAE share one of the most multifaceted partnerships in the modern global landscape, built on strong economic, cultural, and strategic foundations. The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and the second-largest export destination, with bilateral trade hitting an all-time high of USD 100 billion in 2024–25. Beyond trade, the two nations have deepened cooperation in technology, energy, education, and infrastructure.

The vast Indian community in the UAE—comprising professionals, business leaders, students, and blue-collar workers—forms the backbone of this relationship. The Golden Visa offers many of them an opportunity to secure long-term stability, particularly for those looking to expand their businesses or bring their families to live in the Emirates.

For Indian entrepreneurs, the UAE’s favorable tax environment, strategic location connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, and its world-class business ecosystem make it an attractive base for operations. Professionals from sectors like information technology, healthcare, media, and finance also see the Golden Visa as a recognition of their contributions and a path toward greater global mobility.

Application and Processing System

The UAE Embassy in New Delhi plays a central role in processing Golden Visa applications from India. It works closely with a limited number of authorized service providers who assist with document verification, collection, and preliminary administrative procedures. However, final approval and decision-making authority rest solely with the UAE government.

Ambassador Alshaali emphasized that the embassy takes great care to ensure transparency and authenticity in the process. “Given the number of individuals eligible for this programme in India, the embassy is supported by a select group of legitimate service providers, which assist with document collection and related administrative functions,” he said. “These authorised service providers may contact eligible candidates nominated by the embassy to facilitate the process. All applications continue to be processed directly by the embassy, ensuring the integrity of the initiative.”

The ambassador also urged applicants to verify the legitimacy of any third-party service provider before proceeding, to avoid falling prey to fraudulent intermediaries.

Not a Tax Haven, but a Mobility and Opportunity Hub

While the Golden Visa offers several advantages, officials have clarified that it is not designed as a tax haven or a citizenship route. Beneficiaries do not automatically become tax residents of the UAE, and the primary focus of the programme is to facilitate ease of travel, enable business growth, and encourage investment in the country’s economy.

Experts believe this distinction is important, as it ensures the programme remains aligned with the UAE’s long-term development goals rather than being perceived merely as a financial loophole. For Indian professionals and investors, the appeal lies in the combination of stability, flexibility, and opportunity that the UAE offers—a rare blend that few global destinations can match.

A Symbol of Deepening Ties

The rising number of Indians securing Golden Visas reflects not just economic interest, but also the deep trust and goodwill between the two countries. From the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022 to the increasing collaboration in renewable energy, defense, and education, the India–UAE relationship continues to evolve into a model of modern diplomacy and mutual growth.

The Golden Visa programme, in many ways, symbolizes this new era of partnership—where talent, innovation, and investment flow freely across borders, fostering prosperity on both sides. For millions of Indians who have long called the UAE their second home, it represents not just a visa, but a recognition of their enduring contribution to the Emirates’ success story.

As the programme continues to expand, it is expected that even more Indian investors, professionals, and innovators will see the UAE not only as a place to work but as a destination to build, grow, and belong—a vision that aligns perfectly with the UAE’s own pursuit of becoming a global beacon for opportunity and progress.