Dubai, July 9, 2025 – The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has formally refuted widespread social media and consultancy claims suggesting that Indians (and other nationalities) can now purchase a "lifetime" Golden Visa for a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approx. Rs 23.3 lakh) .
Industry insiders point to a misleading press release from a consultancy, the Rayad Group, which purportedly touted a secret nomination‑based pilot programme in collaboration with VFS Global—allowing applicants to bypass standard investment routes via direct payment. The ICP clarified that this is wholly unauthorised: no external firm or overseas agency holds power to issue Golden Visas, which must be applied for strictly through official Emirates channels like Amer centres, GDRFA, and ICP portals .
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What the Golden Visa Actually Requires
The UAE Golden Visa, first launched in 2019, grants long‑term residency (5 or 10 years), with renewal options. Eligibility spans multiple categories, including:
Investors with real estate ≥ AED 2 million
Entrepreneurs, innovators, and specialised professionals
Outstanding students, scientific researchers, educators, healthcare staff, artists, and athletes
Five new categories introduced in 2025 (nurses, content creators, e‑sports athletes, luxury yacht owners)
Nomination-based streams typically require sponsorship from government entities or approval through established merit‑based criteria—not simply a lump‑sum payment . Fees for processing via official channels are typically around AED 3,000, excluding medical, Emirates ID, and data‑validation costs—far less than the alleged AED 100,000 price tag .
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Why the Rumour Took Off
Analysts suggest the hype stemmed from:
1. Misinterpretation of a pilot nomination scheme: A pilot launched under the UAE‑India CEPA may have been misconstrued as a flat‑fee route .
2. Consultancy-fuelled misinformation: Entities like Rayad Group promoted the idea of a “guaranteed” visa pathway with VFS Global collaboration—claims swiftly rebuked by both agencies .
3. Social-media amplification: Hype on platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok spread wildly among Indian potential migrants, often equating the supposed visa scheme to a lottery win—without verifying official sources .
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Official Stance & Warning
The ICP has issued stern warnings: individuals paying to unauthorized third parties risk scams—and legal action is being pursued against false advertisers . Official guidance remains clear:
✅ DO ❌ DON’T
Apply only via ICP, Amer, GDRFA, and DET Use overseas agencies promising guaranteed visas
Rely on official ICP website or DubaiNow app Pay hefty “lifetime” fees through consultancies
Confirm eligibility under stated professional/investor criteria Assume all you need is AED 100,000—money doesn’t equal visa
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Bottom Line for Applicants
There is no lifetime Golden Visa purchasable for AED 100,000—real financing must meet category-specific thresholds, such as AED 2 million in property or demonstrable professional merit.
While a nomination-based pathway for Indians/Bangladeshis exists, it is strictly vetted—not simply payment-based.
Applicants should verify all advice using official UAE government sources and beware of unauthorized consultancies and influencers touting easy visa shortcuts.
As the UAE investment environment grows more appealing, the Golden Visa remains a prestigious—but well-regulated—residency route. Applicants must navigate through transparent, legal channels and meet eligibility merits to avoid falling prey to fast-buck promises.
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Reporting by: [TCO News Channel], Special Correspondent Vijay Kumar Vennam
Date: July 10, 2025
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