How Do UAE’s New Golden Visa Changes Impact Indian Investors?
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Synopsis
The recent updates to the UAE's Golden Visa program represent a pivotal change for Indian investors. By offering broader access to residency, the new framework encourages grounded investment strategies. This shift is expected to stabilize the real estate market, steering it away from speculative buying towards value-driven opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- New Golden Visa framework offers lifetime residency for AED 1,00,000.
- Shift from residency-led to value-driven investment strategies.
- Focus on fundamentals like location and developer credibility.
- Potential cooling of speculative buying in the real estate market.
- More inclusive approach for foreign investors.
New Delhi, July 7 (NationPress) The recent transformation of the UAE’s Golden Visa signifies a crucial change in the residency framework of the country, according to industry experts on Monday.
The revamped structure is more inclusive and strategically aligns with the UAE’s long-term aspirations. The nomination-based Golden Visa initiative will enable foreign nationals, including Indians, to obtain lifetime residency by investing a fixed sum of AED 1,00,000 (around Rs 23.3 lakh).
As noted by Akash Puri, Director International at India Sotheby's International Realty, this modification has a dual effect on Indian real estate investors.
Historically, property investments were among the few pathways to attain long-term residency, leading to a surge in interest from Indian nationals aiming for both capital preservation and immigration advantages.
“With the visa now reachable through a wider array of channels, the urgency to invest solely for residency is expected to diminish — especially in the mid-market and entry-level sectors. This may temper speculative purchases and foster more pragmatic investment behavior,” stated Puri.
Investors who remain dedicated to the UAE real estate market — motivated by rental yields, lifestyle benefits, or diversification — will now focus more on fundamentals like location, developer reputation, and long-term value.
High-net-worth individuals will still find luxury and premium properties attractive, largely unaffected by the new professional-focused criteria.
“For Indian investors, this signals a need to adjust: from residency-driven transactions to value-oriented strategies. Over time, this shift could cultivate a more stable and resilient real estate market — one that rewards strategic, long-term involvement over short-term speculation,” emphasized Puri.
This initiative simplifies the process for foreign nationals looking to settle in the Middle Eastern nation. Previously, acquiring a 10-year renewable residency visa required an investment of 2 million AED (approximately Rs 4.7 crore) in local UAE real estate.
The UAE government has yet to release any formal notification regarding the updated Golden Visa initiative.
Reports indicate that India and Bangladesh are included in the initial phase of this project, allowing over 5,000 applications for a golden visa within three months.
Point of View
The changes to the UAE's Golden Visa are a positive development, reflecting an adaptable immigration policy that prioritizes inclusivity. This evolution not only benefits investors but also strengthens the UAE's reputation as a desirable destination for global talent.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new requirement for the UAE Golden Visa?
The new requirement allows foreign nationals, including Indians, to obtain a lifetime residency by investing AED 1,00,000 (approximately Rs 23.3 lakh).
How does this change affect Indian investors?
Indian investors may find the urgency to invest solely for residency purposes diminishing, leading to more grounded investment behavior.
Are there any eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa?
The UAE government has not yet released specific eligibility criteria, but the new framework is expected to be more inclusive.
Can Indian investors still benefit from real estate in the UAE?
Yes, investors focused on rental yields, lifestyle benefits, or diversification will continue to find value in the UAE real estate market.
When can applications for the Golden Visa start?
Reports suggest that the first phase of the project will allow over 5,000 applications within three months, specifically from India and Bangladesh.
