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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Applying for Rs 23 lakh UAE Golden Visa? Here's how much 1 BHK flat will cost you in Dubai
Over the past few days, there has been a lot of buzz around the UAE Golden Visa. Many media reports and social media posts claimed that Dubai is offering a lifetime residency visa for a one-time payment of Rs 23 lakh (around AED 100,000). These claims particularly targeted Indian applicants, with several consultancies advertising guaranteed or fast-track approval under this scheme. However, the UAE government has now stepped in and cleared the confusion. No such 'lifetime visa' exists, says UAE government On July 8, 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) officially denied the launch of any flat-fee lifetime Golden Visa. The authority clearly stated that all rules related to the Golden Visa are based on UAE laws and existing ministerial decisions. So far, there has been no new scheme introduced that allows applicants to get a Golden Visa just by paying Rs 23 lakh. What is the UAE Golden Visa? The Golden Visa, first launched in 2019, is a long-term residency programme that allows foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. This visa is usually valid for 5 or 10 years and is renewable, as long as the individual continues to meet the eligibility criteria. Golden Visa holders can also sponsor their family members and domestic workers, making it an attractive option for professionals, investors and entrepreneurs. Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa? The UAE Golden Visa is available to several categories of individuals, such as: Real estate investors with property worth at least AED 2 million Entrepreneurs Professionals, including doctors, engineers, teachers, and scientists Outstanding students and talented artists Each category has its own set of requirements related to salary, education, or investment. All official rules are listed on the ICP and GDRFA websites. The Rs 23 lakh claim: What's the truth? The Rs 23 lakh figure gained attention after a consultancy firm, Rayad Group, issued a press release stating that Indian and Bangladeshi applicants could get nominated for a Golden Visa without investing in real estate or business. They also claimed that VFS Global was their processing partner. However, VFS Global has denied any involvement in such a scheme. Some consultancies are misleadingly marketing this as a fast-track, fixed-fee option, especially targeting Indian professionals and business owners. But as per Financial Express and Economic Times, this is not a pay-and-get model. Experts say that the AED 100,000 (Rs 23 lakh) may only be required after nomination and only covers processing and administrative charges. Even then, selection is not guaranteed, and the process involves strict evaluation. Nomination route explained Nomination-based Golden Visa applications have been around for a while. What's changed is their visibility due to more structured eligibility criteria like income levels, professional awards, or digital contributions. To get this visa through nomination, an applicant must first be recognised by a UAE government or semi-government entity. The application then goes through several stages including background checks, assessment of professional achievements, and evaluation of potential economic contributions. Approval is not automatic, even if you're willing to pay. Planning to settle in Dubai? Here's the cost of a 1 BHK flat If you're applying for a UAE Golden Visa and considering buying a flat in Dubai, it's important to understand the cost of flat in Dubai. As per recent media reports, the price of a 1 BHK flat in Dubai can range between Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore, as reported in This applies mostly to affordable or entry-level housing segments in standard locations. Price of flats in mid-range and premium Dubai areas If you're looking to live in mid-range areas like Dubai Science Park or Dubailand, be prepared to spend around Rs 1.8 crore to Rs 2.3 crore for a spacious and modern apartment. For luxury zones such as Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, prices start at around Rs 2 crore and can go up to Rs 5 crore, depending on amenities, views, and floor plans, as per Want to live near Burj Khalifa? Here's the price If your dream is to live close to Burj Khalifa, the iconic symbol of Dubai, then you'll need to spend a lot more. A 1 BHK flat near Burj Khalifa can cost around Rs 3.73 crore. This area is known for its luxury living, top-tier amenities, and high-end property rates. Do your flatwork before applying To sum up, while the UAE Golden Visa is a great option for long-term residency in Dubai, there is no official scheme offering it as a one-time Rs 23 lakh purchase. Always check the ICP and GDRFA websites for official updates and avoid falling for fake promises made by consultancies. If you're serious about settling in Dubai and buying a flat, be ready for property prices that vary widely based on location and amenities. And remember, even with nomination, the Golden Visa approval is not guaranteed. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
News18
09-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Lifetime Golden Visa For Indians At Rs 23 Lakh? UAE Government Issues Clarification
Last Updated: A long-term UAE Golden Visa exists, but it's not lifetime, there's no standard Rs 23 lakh fee, and not everyone qualifies Over the past few days, a number of media reports and social media posts have claimed that the United Arab Emirates has introduced a new Golden Visa route offering lifetime residency in exchange for a one-time payment of Rs 23 lakh (approx. AED 100,000). Many of these claims specifically referenced Indian applicants, with consultancies advertising fast-track or guaranteed approvals under this supposed simplified process. The UAE government has now stepped in to set the record straight. In a public statement issued on July 8, 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) categorically denied the existence of any such 'lifetime visa" scheme. The ICP stated that the rules and categories under the Golden Visa programme are clearly defined under UAE laws and ministerial decisions, and that no new flat-fee or lifetime visa programme has been launched. The Golden Visa, introduced in 2019, is a long-term residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. It is typically valid for 5 or 10 years and is renewable, provided the individual continues to meet eligibility requirements. Visa holders can also sponsor their family members and domestic staff. Eligibility categories include real estate investors, entrepreneurs, specialised professionals (such as doctors, engineers, scientists, and educators), exceptional students, and creative talent. For example, investors are required to hold real estate assets worth at least AED 2 million, while professionals must meet certain salary, qualification, and employment benchmarks. These rules are published on the official ICP and GDRFA websites. Business Standard. The release claimed that Indian and Bangladeshi applicants could apply for a nomination-based Golden Visa without investing in property or business, and named VFS Global as a processing partner, a claim that VFS Global has since publicly denied. Some consultancies have been promoting this as a fixed-fee, fast-track option for Indian professionals and entrepreneurs. However, as the Financial Express and Economic Times have clarified through immigration experts, this is not a pay-to-get model. According to Financial Express, the AED 100,000 figure refers to post-nomination administrative and facilitation costs, and applies only if the applicant is selected under a merit-based nomination route. This route may favour professionals with achievements in fields like digital content, science, finance, or entrepreneurship — but even then, approval is not guaranteed. Experts quoted across multiple outlets explained that nomination-based pathways have long existed within the UAE Golden Visa framework. What has changed is their greater visibility, especially to Indian applicants, through more defined parameters like salary levels and documented achievements. That said, no official UAE government circular has announced a new category priced at Rs 23 lakh. The process typically involves nomination by a recognised UAE government or semi-government body, followed by background checks and assessment of the applicant's potential economic or professional contribution to the country. The UAE authority then determines whether to grant the visa, and approval is not automatic. What The UAE Government Has Said — Clearly And Publicly UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) denies rumours about lifetime Golden Visa for certain nationalities — ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025 In its official clarification dated July 8, the ICP made the following points: It denied the accuracy of rumours circulated by some media outlets and websites regarding the United Arab Emirates granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities. The visa categories, conditions, and rules are based on UAE laws and ministerial decisions and are available on the ICP's official website and smart application. All Golden Visa applications must be processed through official government channels within the UAE. No external or consultancy-based submission system is recognised. The authority noted that it had observed news articles suggesting Golden Visas could be obtained from outside the UAE under simplified conditions. These, it said, 'have no legal basis" and were made 'without coordination with the relevant authorities in the UAE." The ICP reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent digital application process and warned that legal action will be taken against entities spreading misleading information and collecting money under false pretences. Applicants were advised to avoid paying fees or submitting documents to unofficial parties and to verify procedures only via official sources or by calling 600522222, available 24/7. So, What's The Bottom Line? Yes, the UAE Golden Visa programme is real. It continues to offer long-term residency to a wide range of qualified applicants, including Indian nationals. However, there is no official AED 100,000 (Rs 23 lakh) flat-fee 'lifetime visa" on offer. While nomination-based routes may provide access to the Golden Visa without real estate or business investment, they are: Any suggestion that a lifetime visa can simply be bought for Rs 23 lakh is inaccurate. The UAE government has explicitly denied this, and applicants are urged to exercise caution and deal only with official platforms. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : golden visa United Arab Emirates view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 09, 2025, 13:45 IST News india Lifetime Golden Visa For Indians At Rs 23 Lakh? UAE Government Issues Clarification Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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Skift
09-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
UAE Shuts Down Reports of ‘Lifetime Visas'
Recent reports stated Indian and Bangladeshi citizens can receive a 'lifetime' visa for the UAE. It sounded too good to be true, and it was. The UAE government has shut down reports that the country is offering lifetime visas and allowing offices overseas to process golden visa applications from outside the UAE. The clarification came shortly after visa and immigration services company, VFS Global, released a statement on July 7 stating that it had opened UAE golden visa 'advisory offices' in Bangladesh and India, in partnership with another immigration services company called Rayad Group. The release linked to a website for applying to its services from India and Bangladesh, which has since been removed. Skift could not reach anyone on the helpline number provided for the service. Rayad Group and VFS Global did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) issued a statement via the UAE's state news saying no overseas office can be used to obtain a golden visa. 'All Golden Visa applications are handled exclusively through official government channels within the UAE, and that no internal or external consultancy entity is recognised as an authorised party in the application process,' said the authority. The authority added that the UAE has no lifetime visa in place, a rumor which stemmed from a July 6 story by the Press Trust of India claiming citizens from India and Bangladesh could be nominated for a golden visa and, upon paying 100,000 Emirati Dirham (approximately $27,000), receive a lifetime residency for themselves and their families. PTI reported that Rayad Group and VFS had been chosen to vet the applicants for these lifetime visas and then forward them to the UAE authorities. '[The authority] has denied the accuracy of rumours circulated by some local and international media outlets and websites regarding the United Arab Emirates granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities,' said the ICP. Who Can Get a Golden Visa? Golden visas are issued for five or 10 years and are renewable. For those without golden visas, residency in the UAE is typically tied to employers: If you were to lose your job, you need to find a new one or leave the country. Golden visas are available for a range of individuals with a range of professions, including inventors, doctorate holders, and specialists in science and engineering. However, the most common path remains financial: a minimum investment of 2 million Emirati Dirhams (approximately $545,000) in real estate or business. According to Henley & Partners' Private Wealth Migration Report 2025, the UAE is set to bring in 9,800 new millionaires this year — the most of any country. Combined, they're expected to bring in $63 billion in wealth. Dubai Wants Wealthy Travelers to Relocate Earlier this year, the UAE renamed its Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Tourism remains at the heart of the UAE's growth engine. In 2024, the sector contributed 257.3 billion Emirati Dirhams (around $70 billion) to the economy and supported 898,600 jobs, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. That's nearly one in eight jobs nationwide. In 2023, Dubai Tourism announced its new plan to convert tourists into residents. Speaking at a city briefing held at Dubai World Trade Centre in June that year, Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim said, 'Today we have two new KPIs. We want to make sure Dubai continues to be one of the best cities to work in, and more importantly, one of the best cities in the world to live in.' Around a quarter of all Dubai tourists return within a year. Kazim said convincing those people to make Dubai a permanent home is key. 'Once you bring them in, you'd hope they spend more money next time and stay for longer. Eventually, they would consider living in Dubai, and we have all the visas to facilitate that. We'd like them to work here, live here and retire here. It's all about closing the loop,' Kazim said.
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UAE Golden Visa scam: ₹23 lakh offer for Indians is fake, warns govt
Indians have been warned not to fall for a supposed new route to the United Arab Emirates' Golden Visa, after Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) debunked a viral press release as false and misleading. The press release, circulated by a consultancy called Rayad Group, claimed that Indians could now apply for a 'nomination-based' Golden Visa without having to invest crores in property or business. It said eligible applicants could secure lifelong residency and even citizenship by paying AED 100,000 (around ₹23.3 lakh). The release also named visa processing firm VFS Global as a partner and claimed India and Bangladesh were part of the pilot phase, with China and other CEPA countries to follow. 'Absolutely fake,' says immigration lawyer 'This is absolutely fake—generated by those wanting to scam Indians,' Prashant Ajmera, immigration attorney at Ajmera Law Group told Business Standard. 'Such entities target Indians because they understand that there's a market here for those who wish to live abroad, particularly in countries like the UAE,' he said. Ajmera questioned the logic behind the offer. 'The categories of golden residence, their conditions and controls are determined in accordance with the UAE laws, legislation and official ministerial decisions,' the authority added. 'Those wishing to know the requirements for UAE Golden Visa can obtain them through the ICP website or smart application.' The ICP confirmed it had monitored press releases from a consulting office abroad claiming to offer lifetime Golden Visas through nomination. While the statement did not name the entities involved, it warned of legal action against those spreading false information to extract money from unsuspecting applicants. 'We are fully committed to providing a safe and clear environment for customers,' the authority said in a press release accessed by Business Standard. 'We are working to enhance transparency and continuously update our services through official digital platforms only.' The statement urged the public not to respond to 'inaccurate rumours and false news with the aim of quick profit' and reiterated that all authentic procedures are listed on its official website. Individuals can also contact the ICP helpline at 600522222 for clarification. Rayad Group calls it an 'opportunity' On Monday, speaking to news agency PTI, managing director of Rayad Group, Rayad Kamal Ayub called nomination-route a golden opportunity for Indians to get the UAE's Golden Visa. According to the release, Rayad Group had partnered with VFS Global's Education, Trade & Migration (ETM) Services to roll out the programme across cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. On June 1, VFS Global had announced its collaboration with Rayad Group to provide immigration advisory services in India.
Time Out Dubai
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
UAE golden visa advisory service for Bangladeshis launched
A newly launched visa advisory service means that Bangladeshis can begin the application process for the highly sought-after UAE golden visa without leaving their home country. The UAE golden visa is one of the most highly sought-after documents around, offering holders long-term residency without the need for a sponsor. A new advisory service by VFS Global will assist eligible Bangladeshi applicants with their applications for the UAE golden visa. Since the announcement by VFS Global, the UAE government has reiterated that all golden visa applications are handled exclusively through official government channels within the UAE, and that no internal or external consultancy entity is recognised as an authorised party in the application process. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security also clarified that any claims that suggest that 'lifetime golden visas' could be obtained outside the UAE under simplified conditions via consulting or commercial entities hold no legal basis and were made without coordination with the relevant authorities. The ICP also urged applicants to avoid paying any fees or submitting personal documents to any party claiming to provide golden visa application services. Eligible UAE golden visa candidates include business owners, professionals, scientists, entrepreneurs, creatives and influencers, and there are no requirements to invest in real estate or establish a company in the UAE. You may like: Every UAE golden visa category explained Golden visa holders will also be able to sponsor their spouse, children (including adult children), parents and household staff. The new advisory service is the result of a partnership between VFS Global's Education, Trade and Migration Services and global immigration experts Rayad Group. Applicants can access the VFS Global advisory service here or call +880 1739 861116. The UAE golden visa process just got easier for Bangladeshis (Credit: Canva) Bangladeshis can get guidance on how to start their applications at the Centre of Excellence, jointly set up by VFS ETM and Ryad Group, in Dhaka. The centre will utilise advancements in AI technology alongside legal expertise to assist individuals with migration processes and compliance with immigration regulations. The visa enables expats to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor and allows longer-term residency without the need for regular visa appointments. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, explained why the UAE is such a desirable destination. He said: 'The United Arab Emirates' unique blend of economic stability, favourable tax policies, and luxurious living standards positions it as a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking new opportunities and an elevated quality of life. Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, added that there's a high demand for the UAE golden visa. She said: 'We believe there is strong demand for immigration advisory services, particularly for the UAE Golden Visa. 'In line with our customer-first policy we are delighted to roll out this solution that empowers applicants to get sound understanding of the immigration process and take informed decisions.' In other Dubai news The incredible music festivals coming soon to Dubai The big events to know about All the best concerts and gigs coming to Dubai in 2025 There's a show for every taste 16 brilliant Dubai staycation deals to snap up this summer From free breakfasts to spa treatments
