Emirati Rule Change: Dubai’s Golden Visa Now Accessible — Lifetime Residency Without Property Investment

Emirati Rule Change: Dubai’s Golden Visa Now Accessible — Lifetime Residency Without Property Investment

In the UAE.

The news as it trends.

In a bold shift that’s redefining residency in the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates officially launched its new nomination-based Golden Visa program on July 6, 2025 — and it’s turning heads worldwide.

For the first time, lifetime residency in Dubai is within reach without the need to purchase property or start a business.

This initiative is currently being piloted for Indian and Bangladeshi citizens, but that does not mean others cannot apply.

The opportunity is open to other nationalities based on merit.

It offers a streamlined path to permanent residency for a one-time fee of 100,000 AED (approximately $27,220 USD).

Unlike traditional programs that required real estate investments or company ownership, this version is open to select professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs based on merit and nomination.

Eligible applicants include tech founders, AI specialists, content creators, experienced nurses, and even luxury yacht owners.

The only requirements are a clean background check and a nomination based on professional achievement or potential.

How to Apply

For Indian applicants, for example, the process is coordinated through official nomination partners and designated visa centers in India and Bangladesh.

The application process includes:

Background checks (criminal record, anti-money laundering, and social media activity)

Proof of professional contribution or potential in fields like healthcare, tech, education, or creative industries

Submission of required documents, including a valid passport, recent photographs, and financial records

The rollout of the program is being managed through authorized centers that handle nomination screening and application support.

This process is also available to other nationalities based on merit — particularly for professionals whose skills align with the categories listed under the program.

While specific organizations have been mentioned in media reports as facilitators of the visa process, applicants are strongly advised to verify all details through official UAE government announcements or consular offices.

Once approved, Golden Visa holders can live and work in the UAE indefinitely, sponsor family members, and enjoy the benefits of a tax-friendly, innovation-driven environment.

With no income tax, world-class infrastructure, and a global lifestyle, Dubai is positioning itself as a magnet for talent and ambition.

This move is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and attract global minds.

As more high-net-worth individuals and skilled professionals seek flexible, future-ready places to live and work, Dubai’s Golden Visa is quickly becoming one of the most attractive options on the global stage.

Whether you’re a digital nomad, a startup founder, or a seasoned executive, this could be your gateway to a new kind of freedom — one that doesn’t require bricks and mortar, just brilliance and vision.

Yetunde B reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog.