The UAE, specifically Dubai, is one of the most popular destinations for expats across the world. Its global business appeal is due to its modern lifestyle, tax-free salaries, countless growth opportunities, and more. Those who want to stay longer and build their future can secure this with the New UAE golden visa for Indians, a special opportunity for long-term residency in the Emirates.

The recent update and introduction of the UAE nomination-based Golden visa have made the application process for this special visa easier for eligible Indian nationals. From highly skilled Indian professionals and stable investors to brilliant students and top scientists, they now have more reasons to consider Emirates as the destination to achieve their long-term goals.

Keep reading to find out more about the nomination-based Golden visa for Indians, how this change has made it easier for Indian nationals to secure this golden opportunity, and how it shows the Emirates’ commitment to supporting Indian nationals who are already significantly contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

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UAE Merit-Based Golden Visa: New Opportunity for Skilled Indians

The Emirates visa authorities introduced a major update in the residency rules by launching a new Golden Visa programme based on professional merit for Indians. Unlike before, the eligibility for this isn’t based on financial investment, and now skilled Indian professionals, including educators, healthcare workers, and even digital creators, can apply for this long-term residency visa without buying property or launching a business. This new visa program is currently open for expats from India and Bangladesh, giving them the opportunity to live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years.

This visa change has made things easier for Indian nationals and shows the Emirates’ commitment to strengthening ties with India by offering wider opportunities for its nationals. Under the merit-based UAE golden visa, YouTubers, e-sports players, content creators, and those aged 25 or above are now eligible to apply for this special visa.

What Makes the UAE Golden Visa So Special? Key Benefits

The Emirates Golden Visa provides long-term residency benefits, either five or ten years, based on the applicant’s category. Moreover, its validity can be extended if the applicant maintains compliance with all the eligibility requirements. This makes it a great solution for professionals and families who wish to live, work, or study in the Emirates for the long term, as it ends the worries of frequent visa renewals.

The main advantage of this special visa is that there is no need of a sponsor to stay in the UAE. Unlike other visas, like work visas, where foreign nationals must be sponsored by an employer, the Golden visa allows them to sponsor their family’s visas. Moreover, the visa holders can also stay outside the country for over six months without losing their residency, which is not possible with a regular visa.

The visa holders can sponsor their children of any age, parents, spouse, and even domestic helpers. In an unfortunate case, if the main Golden visa holder passes away, their family can still stay in the UAE for the remaining visa period.

New UAE Golden Visa for Indians: Who Can Apply?

The Emirates visa authorities updated their Golden Visa programme, as the applicants’ eligibility for it will now be evaluated based on skills and merit, not only on investment. This change is helpful for Indians, as they can secure long-term residency without buying property or owning a business in the UAE. Here are the categories that qualify under the UAE nomination-based Golden visa:

Teachers, principals, and university professors who have contributed significantly to society.

Nurses with over 15 years of experience are eligible for the nomination-based visa.

Scientists, researchers, and professionals in the healthcare department also qualify for it.

Startup founders and owners, executives, and finance experts can now apply for this special visa.

Well-recognized YouTubers, podcasters, and content creators are now eligible.

E-sports athletes and digital gamers aged 25 or above can also apply.

Professionals in the maritime sector, like yacht owners, can also apply for this visa.

Steps to Apply for UAE Golden Visa Nomination

ICP, the main government body that handles visa and immigration related services, has clarified guidelines for submitting nominations for the long-term residency visa. Here is how to apply for UAE Golden visa:

Visit the official site of ICP Smart Services to access visa-related services in the Emirates.

On the homepage, you need to find the Golden Services tab. After selecting it, two options will be shown: inside the UAE or outside. If you’re already in the UAE, click ‘inside UAE’.

The next screen will appear, where you need to click on ‘Nomination Request’. After that, three options will appear on the screen: service card, application tracking, and start service.

You need to click on ‘Service Card’, which will show you all the details, including eligibility, required documents, fees, and processing times.

Once you confirm that you have all documents prepared, click on Start Service. Now, you need to choose the applicable category shown in the Nominated Golden Visa Category.

After that, you need to fill in your UID number, Emirates ID, name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, profession, and contact information, and the emirate you will be staying in.

Lastly, you need to upload the scanned copies of all necessary documents. Then, after carefully checklsit the details, move to the payment section to pay the application fee and submit your nomination.

Recommendation Rules for Special Golden Visa Categories

The Golden Visa for Indians in UAE is now available for more categories, but applicants under them need to submit an official recommendation or approval from recognized authorities in the country. Artists and cultural professionals must submit a recommendation by a UAE government cultural body. Innovators and inventors should have patents that add value to the local economy and need approval from the Ministry of Economy or other relevant authorities. Similarly, athletes must secure a recommendation from the General Authority of Sports or a local sports council.

Applicants in the digital sector, like AI professionals and tech innovators, need to receive approval from the UAE AI Council. Moreover, scientists, CEOs, and other specialists also need to submit documents such as a university degree and proof of a minimum salary of AED 30,000.

Application Fees and Rejection Policy for the UAE Golden Visa

Applicants need to submit a total fee of AED 150 (e-services fee AED 28, ICP fee AED 22, and smart services fee AED 100) along with their application. You can get this new UAE golden visa for just ₹23 Lakhs only. The application submitted for the UAE golden visa will be rejected if the documents are not completed or inaccurate information is provided within 30 days from the return date. To avoid the risk of rejection, double-check all the information, details filled, and documents attested before submitting the application.

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