Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateofResidencyandForeignersAffairs
India Today
3 days ago
- Business
- India Today
UAE Golden Visa 2025: Eligibility, benefits and how Indians can apply
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a long-term residency program known as the Golden Visa, designed to attract foreign talent and investment by allowing individuals to live, work, or conduct business in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. This visa is valid for ten years and is renewable, providing recipients with stability and numerous benefits, including the ability to sponsor family members and operate businesses CRITERIAThe Golden Visa is available to a diverse group of individuals, including:Investors: Those who invest a minimum of AED 2 million in real Individuals owning economic projects of a technical or future-oriented professionals: Doctors, engineers, scientists, and other professionals with specialized students and graduates: High-achieving students with exceptional academic earners: Individuals earning AED 30,000 or more per individuals: Artists, authors, and content creators meeting specific PROCESSFor property investors, the application involves: 1. Property investment: Invest in real estate valued at AED 2 million or more.2. Title deed acquisition: Register the property and obtain a title deed from the relevant land authority.3. Application submission: Apply through the Land Department, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), or smart platforms like the Dubai REST Medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration: Complete a medical fitness test and register for an Emirates successful completion of these steps, the 10-year Golden Visa is issued and can be renewed provided eligibility criteria continue to be Local Sponsor Required: Freedom to live and work in the UAE Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor spouses, children, and domestic Ownership: Full ownership of businesses in the Stability: Maintain residency status even during extended periods FOR INDIAN NATIONALSIndian citizens are eligible to apply for the UAE Golden Visa, making it a significant opportunity for Indian professionals and businesspeople seeking long-term residence and business prospects in the UAE Golden Visa presents a valuable opportunity for qualified individuals to establish a long-term presence in the UAE, benefiting from the country's dynamic economy and strategic location.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
What is the UAE Golden Visa? Can Indians apply?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, or conduct business in the country without the need for a local sponsor. Initially introduced to attract high-value investors and top global talent, the visa is valid for ten years and is renewable. It enables recipients to enjoy greater stability and freedom, including the ability to sponsor family members, retain residency during extended stays abroad, and pursue business ventures independently. Who Can Apply for the UAE Golden Visa? The visa is open to a wide range of categories. These include investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals (such as doctors, engineers, and scientists), outstanding students and graduates, and high-income earners earning Dh30,000 or more per month. The list also extends to creative individuals like artists and authors, and more recently, content creators and influencers under specific criteria. While each category has its own set of eligibility requirements, one of the most popular and accessible pathways is through real estate investment. Can You Get a Golden Visa Through Property Investment? Yes, property investment is one of the simplest and most direct ways to secure a Golden Visa. If you invest Dh2 million or more in real estate, you may be eligible—provided the investment meets several conditions. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Retirement Villages in Bangalore (Search Here For Results) Senior Living Communities Undo The property can be owned individually or jointly, and it may even be mortgaged, as long as the mortgage is from a UAE-based bank approved by the local authority. Off-plan (under-construction) properties also qualify, but they must be purchased from government-approved developers. A key requirement is that you also hold valid UAE health insurance for yourself and your family. How Does the Application Process Work? Once you've purchased qualifying property, you begin by registering the ownership and obtaining a title deed from the Dubai Land Department or the relevant land authority in your emirate. You then submit your Golden Visa application through the Land Department, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), or via smart platforms like the Dubai REST app. Additional formalities include undergoing a medical fitness test and registering for an Emirates ID. If everything checks out, your 10-year Golden Visa will be issued and can be renewed as long as eligibility requirements are maintained. What Are the Benefits of the Golden Visa? The biggest benefit is freedom. Holders of the Golden Visa do not need a local sponsor or employer to reside in the UAE, allowing them to live and work on their own terms. You can sponsor your spouse, children, and even domestic staff in certain cases. The visa gives you flexibility to travel in and out of the UAE without affecting your residency status. It's also ideal for long-term business planning, property ownership, and lifestyle stability in a tax-friendly and globally connected hub like Dubai. What If You're Not an Investor? There are plenty of alternative routes to the Golden Visa. If you're a highly paid professional, a scientist, a top-ranking university graduate, or someone who has made exceptional contributions to the arts or sciences, you can also apply. Many of these routes require endorsement from relevant UAE entities, but the government has made efforts to streamline the process and attract global talent in emerging sectors. Can Indians Apply for the UAE Golden Visa? Yes, Indian nationals are fully eligible to apply for the UAE Golden Visa, and they are among its most prominent recipients. With a large Indian expatriate population already residing in the UAE, the Golden Visa offers a seamless pathway for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students from India to secure long-term residency. Whether you're purchasing property, earning a high salary, or qualifying through academic or creative excellence, Indians can access the same visa privileges as other nationalities—often with faster uptake due to their established ties and economic contribution to the Emirates. Why It Matters for Indians and Other Expats The UAE remains one of the top destinations for Indian professionals, business owners, and investors. Many Indians have already used the Golden Visa to secure a base in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, invest in real estate, and grow cross-border ventures. The visa is also an attractive option for expats from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, and the Philippines—offering a secure and flexible alternative to short-term work permits and dependent visas. Final Word The UAE is fast becoming one of the world's most attractive destinations for high-net-worth individuals, skilled professionals, and innovators. Whether you're an investor planning to enter Dubai's booming real estate market or a professional seeking long-term security in the Emirates, the Golden Visa is more than a travel document—it's a ticket to opportunity. To get started, you can reach out to the Dubai Land Department, GDRFA or travel consultants to help.
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Business Standard
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Pakistan joins India in UAE's 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa list
Pakistani nationals can now apply for the UAE's five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, over a year after the facility was made available to Indian travellers, the UAE's ambassador to Pakistan announced on May 14, 2025. 'Visa issues have been resolved; Pakistanis can get a five-year visa,' said Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, UAE ambassador to Pakistan, during a meeting at the Governor House in Lahore. The five-year tourist visa allows holders to enter the UAE multiple times from the date of issue without needing a local sponsor or host, according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. Tourists planning a visit to the UAE can choose from several visa options: Single-entry tourist visas (valid for 30 or 60 days) Multiple-entry tourist visas (valid for 30 or 60 days) Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa Transit visas (valid for 48 or 96 hours) Visa-on-arrival for eligible nationalities or valid visa/residency holders from certain countries Scrutiny and prior restrictions on Pakistanis The development follows increased scrutiny of Pakistani travellers in recent months. On December 23, 2024, a Senate panel was informed that all Pakistanis travelling to the UAE were required to undergo police verification. Travel agents had also received instructions in this regard, Dawn reported. Later, on January 9, 2025, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was told there were 'no restrictions on work visas' for Pakistani nationals, though UAE authorities had concerns over those entering on visit visas. The panel was informed that some Pakistani visitors had taken to begging in the UAE, leading to unofficial visa delays. In a separate interview with Geo News in November 2024, UAE's consul-general in Karachi, Dr Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi, suggested that rejections could be linked to social media activity by applicants. India remains UAE's top visitor market The five-year visa was opened up to Indian nationals over a year earlier and remains a key part of UAE's travel policy for one of its largest tourism markets. In 2023, Dubai welcomed 2.46 million Indian overnight visitors, up from 1.84 million in 2022, according to UAE's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). In 2024, that number stood at 2.2 million. Separately, in February 2025, the UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival policy for Indian passport holders who also possess valid visas or residence permits from: Australia Canada Japan New Zealand Singapore South Korea This builds on the earlier 2024 rule allowing Indian nationals with valid US visit visas, US Green Cards, or UK and EU residence visas to enter the UAE on arrival, provided those visas are valid for at least six months at the time of arrival. The policy applies across all UAE entry points, including Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Indian-origin Dubai millionaire recreates 1980s Kerala lifestyle with vintage home and cars
Dubai-based millionaire Abdulla Nooruddin is turning heads for his unique way of living that blends nostalgia with luxury. Originally from Kerala, Nooruddin has recreated a slice of 1980s Kerala right in the heart of Dubai. Every morning, he begins his day by picking fresh fruits and vegetables from his backyard garden, a routine that mirrors life in his native Kerala decades ago. This throwback lifestyle continues with his home's design, which is filled with vintage items, from a traditional armchair to a 1970s TV aerial mounted on his roof a manual typewriter, an analogue clock, a table lamp, a landline phone and more. Also read: 'Nice house': Trump reacts as Qatar Emir gives US President a tour of jaw-dropping palace The interiors and exteriors of the house are carefully curated to replicate the classic architecture and feel of old Kerala homes, making it a living museum of sorts. But the retro vibes don't end there. Abdulla also boasts an enviable collection of vintage cars, one of which even featured in the popular series The Vampire Diaries. He took to Instagram to share a video of his daily routine, offering a glimpse of nostalgic '80s aesthetics. The video amassed more than 2 million views. A post shared by Abdulla Nooruddin (@abdulla_nooruddin) Many took to the comments section to react. A user wrote, 'This should what success look like.' Also read: Billionaire Lakshmi Mittal said to buy 'Beverly Hills of Dubai' home Another added, 'that's an amazing home garden !!!' Many flooded the comments with heart emojis, expressing their love and admiration for the nostalgic 80s aesthetic. Abdulla Nooruddin received a 10-year residency visa in the UAE in 2019 from the officials of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, reported the Gulf News. Also read: Internet reacts to CBSE topper's 20-hour of studying claim: '10th mein itni padhai?'
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Dubai airport launches facial recognition system to speed up passport control
Listen to article In a major advancement towards seamless air travel, Dubai International Airport has introduced a new AI-powered passport control system that enables some passengers to bypass traditional identity verification steps entirely. Launched during Dubai AI Week, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) unveiled the 'Unlimited Smart Travel' service at the First and Business Class lounges in Terminal 3. According to the GDRFA, the system uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence and facial recognition to identify passengers without requiring physical documents. 'This service has been developed in line with the Directorate's vision to improve the quality of life for travellers and enhance the efficiency and smoothness of travel procedures,' the authority said in a statement. The initiative is based on learnings from the smart tunnel project launched in 2020, which utilised biometric data for identity verification. The upgraded system allows up to 10 individuals to pass through immigration in 14 seconds, significantly reducing wait times. 'In this new phase, we are transitioning to an advanced system, which does not rely on documents or any other procedures – just facial recognition,' a senior official said, noting that the system uses pre-registered biometric data. Currently available only for departing passengers, the GDRFA said the future plan includes expanding the service to arriving passengers. Travellers will need to register just once, after which their data will be stored securely. The smart lounges are equipped with advanced multi-angle cameras to capture facial data, streamlining movement through immigration gates. Officials expect the system to help manage an anticipated 8 per cent increase in passenger traffic. Branded as 'Unlimited Smart Travel,' the service echoes Dubai's broader 'Travel Without Borders' initiative showcased at GITEX Global 2024, aimed at redefining global airport experiences.
