Is UAE’s ₹23 Lakh Lifetime Golden Visa for Indians Real? Here’s the Truth Behind the Viral Buzz

Imagine being told that for just ₹23 lakh, you could secure a lifetime Golden Visa to one of the world's most glamorous, opportunity-filled nations-the UAE. Sounds too good to be true? That's because it just might be. In the last week, multiple Indian and international outlets were abuzz with reports of a new, easier-to-obtain UAE Golden Visa, one supposedly available via nomination, bypassing the usual routes of investment or business. The catch? A hefty one-time fee.

From WhatsApp forwards to news headlines and YouTube explainers, Indians were told they could "buy" permanent UAE residency. But not everyone's buying the narrative. As of now, the UAE's own authorities have issued a strong denial, calling it misinformation. So what's really going on with this so-called ₹23 lakh Golden Visa? Let's unpack the facts from fiction-and find out whether your visa dreams are grounded in reality or floating in rumour.

The Viral Report That Sparked All the Buzz

The chaos began with a PTI report that claimed the UAE was launching a nomination-based Golden Visa scheme, allowing Indians and Bangladeshis to apply by paying AED 100,000 (₹23.3 lakh)-a one-time fee. According to the same report, a consultancy called Rayad Group was supposedly entrusted with launching this pilot visa process in India, and over 5,000 Indians were expected to apply in just three months.

On paper, it sounded like a game-changer. Unlike the traditional Golden Visa, which requires millions invested in real estate or business, this new option promised a direct route to residency without any major wealth proof or company ownership.

The UAE Government Reacts: "No Legal Basis"

Just days after the viral headlines, the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) issued an official statement calling the reports "false rumours." According to the ICP, no such nomination-based Golden Visa scheme exists, and any claims of lifetime visas for a fixed payment were misleading.

The statement emphasized that all official Golden Visa policies-including categories, fees, and eligibility-are strictly governed by law and publicly available on government portals, not through third-party agencies or paid intermediaries.

So, does this mean the ₹23 lakh visa option is a scam? Not exactly. It means that private consultancies promoting it are not officially backed-and you should proceed with extreme caution.

Photo Credit: https://in.pinterest.com/shuraaindia/

The Real Golden Visa: What Still Stands

The UAE does offer a 10-year Golden Visa, but under strict conditions. The main paths include:

  • Investment in real estate worth AED 2 million or more
  • Exceptional talent in science, art, or sports
  • Business founders or entrepreneurs
  • Highly skilled professionals earning AED 30,000+ monthly

There's no "pay and stay forever" scheme officially endorsed. Those applying through consultancies may still get visas-but only if they meet proper criteria. The idea of a flat-rate lifetime visa for all Indians is not currently recognized by UAE's legal framework.

So What's With The "Rayad Group" And India Rollout?

The PTI report claimed that Rayad Group, a UAE-based consultancy, was chosen to launch this new scheme in India. They even cited unnamed "beneficiaries" and "officials" involved in the project. The group has not made any public clarification so far, and the UAE government has not confirmed any formal partnership.

If there is any pilot program happening, it is not part of UAE's official visa regulation system yet. That's why the government emphasized checking only ICP portals and verified applications before trusting any offers.

Could The Rumour Still Hold Some Truth?

Some experts believe that a nomination-based Golden Visa might be under internal discussion, but not yet legalized or launched. The ICP's statement leaves a sliver of ambiguity-it doesn't outright say such a model is "impossible," only that current reports are false

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