UAE Golden Visa for ₹23 Lakh: The Complete Guide for Indian Applicants (2025 Update)

The UAE Golden Visa for ₹23 Lakh has emerged as one of the most sought-after residency options for Indians looking to establish long-term roots in the UAE. With Dubai positioning itself as a hub for global business, innovation, and lifestyle, this visa offers Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors an opportunity to benefit from the UAE’s world-class infrastructure and tax-free environment.

This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of the UAE Golden Visa for ₹23 Lakh, including eligibility, the nomination process, documentation, costs, and benefits, based on the most recent 2025 updates.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa issued to foreign nationals who meet specific eligibility criteria in fields such as business, science, technology, medicine, engineering, and the arts. Unlike a traditional work visa, the Golden Visa offers long-term security with 5-year and 10-year validity options, and it does not require sponsorship from a UAE national.

Holders of the UAE Golden Visa can live, work, conduct business, and study in the UAE with greater autonomy, including the ability to sponsor their family members and domestic staff.

What is the Nomination-Based Golden Visa?

The nomination-based Golden Visa is a specialized route for obtaining long-term UAE residency without direct investment in real estate or startups. This route is facilitated through government bodies or authorized nominating organizations in the UAE. These entities evaluate the applicant’s credentials, qualifications, and achievements to determine their contribution to the UAE’s national priorities.

This method is typically used for:

• Accomplished professionals and domain experts
• Entrepreneurs with a proven track record
• Senior executives in global firms
• Scientists, researchers, and innovators
• Creatives, authors, athletes, and humanitarian contributors
  

Once nominated, the applicant undergoes a formal approval process with the UAE’s immigration authorities.

Who is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

Eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa for Indian applicants varies based on the applicant’s professional or investment background. Below are the updated 2025 eligibility criteria:

Professionals

• A minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 (approximately ₹6.8 lakh)
• Valid employment contract in a UAE-based organization
• A recognized academic qualification (bachelor’s degree or higher)
• Occupation must fall under high-priority categories such as healthcare, education, science, information technology, engineering, and law
  

Entrepreneurs

• Ownership or co-ownership of a UAE-registered startup.
• Businesses must be innovative, scalable, or contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy.
• Endorsement by an accredited UAE business incubator or relevant government entity.
  

Investors

• Investment of at least AED 2 million (approximately ₹4.5 crore) in UAE-based real estate, funds, or public sector instruments.
• Investments must be fully owned and not mortgaged or financed by non-UAE banks.
  

Other Eligible Categories

• Researchers and scientists with recognition from the Emirates Scientists Council.
• Cultural and creative professionals endorsed by the Ministry of Culture.
• Doctors and specialists with approval from the UAE Health Authority.
• Individuals with exceptional talents or notable achievements in any field.
  

Understanding the ₹23 Lakh Fee: When and Why It Applies

The ₹23 lakh fee for the UAE Golden Visa generally applies to Indian applicants who are pursuing the nomination-based route rather than the investment or business ownership path. The amount includes the full spectrum of support services, including legal, documentation, and visa management.

Breakdown of Typical Costs

Fee Component	Approximate Cost (INR)
Government Fees and Application Charges	₹3 to ₹5 lakh
Nomination Processing and Advisory	₹4 to ₹6 lakh
Legal, Attestation, and Documentation Support	₹5 to ₹6 lakh
End-to-End Case Management and Liaison	₹7 to ₹9 lakh
Total Estimated Package Cost	₹21 to ₹23 lakh

The ₹23 lakh package typically includes everything from eligibility screening, nomination support, background verification, Emirates ID, medical tests, and family sponsorship documentation.

Importance of Background Checks

A critical part of the UAE Golden Visa application process involves rigorous background verification. Authorities conduct multiple checks to ensure national security, financial compliance, and the credibility of the applicant.

Key aspects of the background check process include

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance: Full screening against financial crime databases and global sanction lists.
• Criminal record clearance: From Indian authorities as well as local UAE agencies.
• Social media and digital behavior audit: To detect any anti-national, political, or sensitive activity.
• Verification of qualifications and employment history: Including attestation of degrees, employer references, and experience letters.
• Financial strength: Demonstrated through bank statements, proof of income, or business turnover.
  

Any discrepancy or negative report during this stage can result in the denial of the visa, even after nomination approval.

Step-by-Step Golden Visa Application Process for Indian Applicants

Here is a clear breakdown of the Golden Visa application process for Indian nationals pursuing the ₹23 lakh route:

Step 1: Eligibility Screening and Documentation

• Submit your passport, updated CV, degree certificates, salary statements, and professional achievements.
• Initial profile assessment by a Golden Visa facilitator or consultancy.
  

Step 2: Nomination Filing

• Application sent to a recognized UAE nominating body or ministry.
• Includes justification of achievements, recommendation letters, and a formal nomination request.
  

Step 3: Nomination Approval

• If approved, a nomination letter or email confirmation is issued.
• This approval is valid for a limited time and is non-transferable.
  

Step 4: Visa Filing with UAE Immigration

• Submit a full application on the UAE ICP (Identity, Citizenship, and Ports) portal.
• Include medical clearance, biometrics, and documentation proof.
  

Step 5: UAE Entry Permit Issuance

• Receive a temporary entry visa to travel to the UAE and complete final formalities.
  

Step 6: Medical Tests and Emirates ID Process

• Undergo a medical fitness test and biometric data capture.
• Submit an Emirates ID application for long-term residency proof
  

Step 7: Visa Stamping and Completion

• The passport is stamped with a 10-year UAE Golden Visa
• Visa can be renewed upon expiration, subject to continued eligibility
  

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

Holding a UAE Golden Visa comes with multiple advantages that are particularly appealing to Indian applicants:

• Long-term residency of up to 10 years with renewable terms.
• Freedom from employer sponsorship.
• Ability to sponsor family members, including children and domestic help.
• 100 percent business ownership rights.
• Access to the UAE’s healthcare, education, and banking services.
• No personal income tax.
• Unrestricted entry and exit from the UAE without visa cancellation concerns.
  

Prestige and enhanced mobility, especially for professionals and business leaders.

How Does the ₹23 Lakh Nomination Route Compare to Other Golden Visa Options?

Visa Category	Investment/Requirement	Validity	Estimated Cost
Nomination-Based (₹23 lakh route)	Professional achievement and nomination	10 years	₹21 to ₹23 lakh
Real Estate Investment	AED 2 million in property	10 years	AED 2 million+
Startup or Business Setup	Registered UAE entity + innovation	5 to 10 years	₹30 lakh+ (variable)
Public Investment	AED 2 million in UAE funds	10 years	AED 2 million+

The UAE Golden Visa for ₹23 lakh is ideal for qualified professionals who prefer not to invest crores in property or business and still gain access to the UAE’s permanent residency benefits.

Conclusion

The UAE Golden Visa for ₹23 Lakh: The Complete Guide for Indian Applicants (2025 Update) presents an excellent opportunity for Indian professionals and high achievers to secure long-term residency in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. By offering a legal and structured pathway without large upfront investments in real estate, the nomination-based Golden Visa route is democratizing access to the UAE’s elite residency ecosystem.

Whether you are a doctor, business leader, senior executive, or accomplished artist, the UAE Golden Visa for ₹23 Lakh provides a fast-tracked, reliable, and highly prestigious path to live and work in Dubai and the broader Emirates.

Need Assistance with Your Application?

At ISHR, we specialize in helping qualified Indian professionals and entrepreneurs successfully obtain the UAE Golden Visa. Our team handles nomination facilitation, application processing, compliance, and documentation.