UAE Golden Visa at ₹23 Lakh—Here’s How Indians Can Still Score a Regular UAE Visa Tool

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a nomination-based Golden Visa scheme – priced at around Rs 23 lakh for Indian applicants. It has sparked interest among many looking to move to the Gulf nation as this visa allows you to move without buying large properties or make huge business investments which was the case before. This is a drastic shift from the existing structure that required applicants to invest at least AED 2 million or ₹4.66 crore in business ventures or property.

What Is The UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the Emirates, depending on eligibility. According to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, the golden visa is a pathway to get long-term residency in the country without the need for a sponsor.

The new nomination-based policy grants lifetime residency in the UAE – unlike the existing Golden Visa program, which typically offers residency for five to ten years. The pilot program for this nomination-based policy is currently limited to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, with over 5,000 Indians expected to apply within three months.

Regular UAE Visas For Indians

The Golden visa is not the only one available for Indians. From visa on arrival to multiple entry visa to family visa, there are many options available.

1. Tourist Visa 

If you want to visit the UAE for leisure, you can go for the tourist visa which allows Indians to stay there for durations ranging from 14 days to 60 days. Eligible Indian nationals with a passport valid for a minimum of six months can obtain a single entry, 14‑day visa on arrival.  You will have to pay a fee of about USD 63 (Rs 5405.81 approx.).

A single entry tourism visa for 30 days from arrival date would cost USD 90 (Rs 7722.59 approx.), whereas a multiple entry visa for 30 days would cost USD 136 (Rs 11669.69 approx.).

A single entry tourism visa for 60 days would cost USD 177 (Rs 15189.58 approx.) whereas a multiple entry tourism visa would cost USD 231 (Rs 19823.69 approx.). An extension of all these would cost you USD 230 (Rs 19737.88 approx.).

The application can be submitted directly from airline websites or travel agencies.

2. Employment Visa

If you want to work in the UAE, Indians need a job offer from a UAE-based employer. Once hired, the company sponsors the employment visa and handles the paperwork. The visa is typically valid for two years and is renewable. All applications go through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

3. Residence Visa

You can apply for a family residence visa if you are already working in the UAE and want to bring your spouse, children, or parents along. The sponsor must meet a minimum salary requirement and provide accommodation. The application process is the same as the residence visa.

4. Student Visa

Indian students accepted into a recognised UAE university can apply for a student visa, which is usually issued for a year and is renewable.

5. Freelancer Or Remote Work Visa

The UAE also offers these visas, allowing people to live in the UAE while working for companies abroad. Applicants are required to a proof of income and employment.

While the Golden Visa continues to grab headlines, many Indians continue to choose regular UAE visas for work, tourism, education, or family reasons.