Debunked: 5 Myths About the UAE Golden Visa Price Tag
The buzz around the UAE Golden Visa is louder than ever, especially among Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who are actively looking to explore global residency options. Over the past year, social media posts and WhatsApp forwards have amplified claims like, “You can get a Golden Visa for ₹23 lakh!” or “Now anyone can buy UAE residency without questions!”
Unfortunately, these headlines are often misleading and fail to capture the real depth, process, and selectivity behind the Golden Visa application process. In this blog, we’ll tackle the top 5 myths that are confusing applicants, especially from India, and help clarify what the UAE Golden Visa offers in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re seriously exploring the Dubai residency cost, trying to assess your Golden Visa eligibility, or simply curious about whether you can buy a Golden Visa from India, this post is your myth-busting guide.
Myth 1: “Anyone can get it for ₹23 lakh.”
This is probably the most circulated claim and also the most misunderstood. The idea that “anyone” can pay ₹23 lakh and automatically receive a UAE Golden Visa is false.
That ₹23 lakh figure (roughly AED 100,000) is usually tied to nomination-based visa programs, often run in partnership with UAE-based licensed firms or advisory platforms. But here’s the key: not everyone qualifies to be nominated.
To be considered under the UAE nomination visa path, individuals typically need to fulfill certain conditions, such as:
- Exceptional career achievements in business, arts, science, or innovation
- Leadership roles in established companies or institutions
- Documented contributions to the UAE’s economy or global reputation
- A clean legal background and verifiable sources of income
The nomination model is not equivalent to a public scheme that anyone with a check can access. There’s a vetting process, and your portfolio must match the criteria. If you don’t meet the standards, no amount of money will push the application through.
Also, the ₹23 lakh “cost” is not the government visa fee alone; it may include:
- Nomination fees charged by licensed intermediaries
- Documentation, legalisation, and attestation services
- Pre-approval administration and platform support
- Medical and Emirates ID processing
- Optional concierge services
So, if you’re seriously evaluating the UAE Golden Visa India options, understand that cost is just one factor credentials and eligibility come first.
Myth 2: “It’s just a payment, no questions asked.”
Some ads claim you can simply “pay and secure a Golden Visa” without any documentation or explanation. This gives a false impression that the UAE offers a no-verification route to long-term residency.
The truth is that the Golden Visa application process involves:
- Thorough background verification by the UAE’s immigration authority (ICP – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security)
- Validation of academic qualifications, employment history, or business ownership
- Mandatory medical tests and Emirates ID registration
- A scan for criminal records or any legal complications in the home or host countries
- Financial documentation to prove sustainable income or assets
Even under the nomination-based program, all applicants are screened. If anything in your record raises concerns about fraud, legal issues, or unverifiable claims, your application will be rejected.
In short, the Golden Visa requirements for 2025 are not compromised for money. The UAE prioritizes safety, contribution, and integrity, your profile must hold up under scrutiny.
Myth 3: “It replaces all other Golden Visa routes.”
Many believe that this “new ₹23 lakh route” has replaced older methods of acquiring the UAE Golden Visa. That’s incorrect.
The nomination pathway is just one of several active channels. As of 2025, these primary categories remain open:
1. Investor Route
- Real estate investment of AED 2 million or more
- Direct investments in UAE companies or funds
- Financial solvency and UAE bank account verification are required.
2. Entrepreneur Route
- Must own or operate a startup recognized by the UAE government
- Proof of successful business exit or scalable enterprise model.
3. Exceptional Talent Route
- Award-winning professionals in the arts, sports, academia, or innovation
- Requires endorsement from relevant UAE authorities
4. Specialist or Employee Route
- Highly qualified doctors, engineers, and researchers in critical fields
- Academic degrees and employment contracts are verified
Each route has specific Golden Visa eligibility criteria, benefits, and documentation standards. If you don’t qualify for one, another route may be available depending on your profession, assets, or achievements.
Rather than replacing traditional paths, the nomination model enhances access for accomplished individuals who may not fit the strict financial thresholds of investment routes but are still valuable to the UAE’s long-term vision.
Myth 4: “Approval is guaranteed if you pay.”
Another dangerous misconception is that payment equals approval. This is categorically false.
Even after nomination, documentation, and fee payment, the final say rests with the UAE’s immigration and national security authorities. They reserve the right to:
- Request additional documents
- Delay or deny applications without an obligation to disclose detailed reasons
- Revoke approvals if discrepancies arise later
No agency or consultant, not even government-licensed ones, can guarantee your visa. If someone makes such a promise, it’s a red flag.
While nomination increases your chances, it’s not a golden ticket. The UAE government retains full discretion, and final approval is always conditional.
So, if you’re exploring how to buy a Golden Visa, remember: your application is evaluated, not purchased.
Myth 5: “It’s an immediate entry ticket.”
Even after you’re approved on paper, the Golden Visa doesn’t mean instant relocation. There’s still a multi-stage process that can take weeks or months.
Here’s the typical timeline:
- Nomination/Eligibility Review
- Entry Permit Issuance – allows you to enter the UAE for further steps
- Travel to the UAE for medical tests and fingerprinting
- Emirates ID Issuance & Visa Stamping
- Final residency activation
Until you reach stage 4, you are not a resident, and you can’t legally work or sponsor dependents. This is especially important for Indians applying from abroad: you must plan your travel after receiving your entry permit, not before.
This structured process ensures that every Golden Visa holder has been thoroughly checked, both inside and outside the country.
So when it comes to the Dubai residency cost, consider both the financial investment and the time commitment required for successful relocation.
Conclusion: Know the Facts Before You Apply
The UAE Golden Visa is a powerful and visionary program. It opens doors to:
- 10-year renewable residency
- Family sponsorship (spouse, children, parents)
- Business setup and full ownership rights
- Hassle-free entry and re-entry into the UAE
- Enhanced lifestyle and financial freedom
But it’s not a shortcut or luxury visa for sale. The process is structured, regulated, and deeply linked to your professional, financial, or social contributions to the UAE.
Before you jump at flashy headlines, take the time to understand the Golden Visa requirements for 2025, evaluate your Golden Visa eligibility, and work with trusted professionals to explore options.
The opportunity is real only for those who approach it with clarity, preparation, and authenticity