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The UAE Golden Visa has become a buzzword among Indians, especially high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and professionals aiming to expand their global footprint. 🌍 With news circulating that one can obtain this long-term residency for as little as ₹23 lakh, many are wondering — “Is it really that easy?”
Well, not quite.
While the golden visa program offers exceptional benefits, including 10-year residency, no need for a local sponsor, and even visa-free travel advantages, not every Indian who can afford ₹23 lakh qualifies.
Let’s break down what the UAE golden visa is, who it’s for, and why there are more conditions than just money.
🧐 What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa introduced in 2019 to attract investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, medical professionals, and creative talent to live, work, and study in the UAE. 🇦🇪
🎯 Key Benefits:
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✔️ 5 or 10-year renewable residence
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✔️ No local sponsor required
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✔️ 100% ownership of business in UAE
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✔️ Family included (spouse, children, dependents)
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✔️ Freedom to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months
💰 The ₹23 Lakh Buzz – What’s It About?
Many reports claim that for ₹23 lakh (approx. AED 100,000), one can easily buy a UAE golden visa. This amount typically refers to an investment threshold, especially under the property investor category.
However, what’s often left out are the fine print conditions. Just having ₹23 lakh doesn’t automatically get you a golden visa — you must meet specific visa conditions. ✅❌
📄 Different UAE Golden Visa Categories & Their Requirements
Let’s take a closer look at the major categories and the specific conditions that apply.
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🏢 1. Investor in Public Investment Funds (Minimum AED 2 Million)
To qualify:
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💸 Invest at least AED 2 million (~₹4.6 crore) in an investment fund accredited in the UAE.
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🧾 Provide audited financial statements.
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❗ Keep the investment intact for a minimum of two years.
Clearly, ₹23 lakh isn’t enough under this category.
🏠 2. Real Estate Investor (Property Visa)
This is where the ₹23 lakh figure often comes in.
To qualify:
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🏠 Invest in real estate worth at least AED 2 million (₹4.6 crore) — even if it’s mortgaged, as long as at least AED 1 million is paid off.
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🏢 The property should be located within a designated freehold zone.
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🏘️ Off-plan properties (under construction) are generally not eligible.
So again, ₹23 lakh won’t buy you a qualifying property unless you’re pooling funds or buying a small share.
🧠 3. Skilled Professionals
UAE Golden Visa for professionals includes:
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👩⚕️ Doctors, engineers, IT experts, scientists, educators.
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💼 Employment in UAE with a valid contract.
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💸 Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 (₹6.8 lakh approx).
You’ll need proof of:
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🎓 Recognized educational qualifications
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📜 Professional license in UAE
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✍️ Work contract from a UAE company
👉 So, unless you’re already working in the UAE in a high-demand job, you won’t qualify here.
👩🎨 4. Creative Talent (Artists, Authors, Influencers)
Applicants must:
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🏆 Show outstanding artistic or cultural achievements.
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🧾 Be approved by the UAE’s Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
💡 Having ₹23 lakh is irrelevant here — it’s your talent and recognition that matter.
👨🎓 5. Outstanding Students and Graduates
Eligibility:
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🏫 Graduated from a top-ranked university, locally or globally.
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🎯 High GPA and academic awards.
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👨👩👧👦 Family can also be included.
Again, wealth isn’t the key — academic performance is.
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❓ Then Who Qualifies with ₹23 Lakh?
There are limited cases where property co-investors, business setup consultants, or those applying through third-party services may package entry-level property deals to qualify you technically for a golden visa.
But keep in mind:
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⚠️ You may not have full property ownership.
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🏢 It may be a shared or off-plan asset.
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🔍 Your application will still be subject to approvals from UAE authorities.
👉 So while ₹23 lakh might be a starting point, it doesn’t guarantee success.
✅ Advantages of UAE Golden Visa
🌐 Long-term residency without need for sponsorship
🏢 Full ownership of your business or assets
👨👩👧👦 Family residency included
📈 Tax benefits and wealth protection
✈️ Freedom to travel in and out of the UAE without restrictions
❌ Disadvantages & Challenges
💰 High investment thresholds — much more than ₹23 lakh in most cases
📝 Complex paperwork and verification
📍 Limited guidance without a local consultant
❌ Rejections for incomplete or unqualified applications
🏘️ Misleading offers from non-authorized agents
📋 What Indians Should Know Before Applying
If you’re considering the UAE golden visa:
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Research the visa conditions on UAE’s official portals.
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🧑💼 Consult certified immigration consultants or law firms.
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📊 Evaluate whether your income, qualifications, or investments actually qualify.
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🏠 Be wary of real estate schemes that offer “golden visa included” without legal assurance.
🌟 Real-Life Case: Indian Entrepreneur's Journey
Ritesh Mehta, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur, invested in a property worth AED 2.1 million in Dubai’s JVC area. Along with a local lawyer and real estate broker, he applied under the real estate investor category.
📝 It took 2 months, but he successfully received his UAE golden visa.
💡 His total spend (including property, legal, and processing) was over ₹5 crore — far from the “₹23 lakh shortcut” many assume.
📌 Final Verdict: Money Alone Isn’t Enough
While ₹23 lakh may sound like an accessible gateway, the truth is — qualifying for a UAE golden visa requires more than just cash. It demands proper investments, professional standing, or notable talent — all under strict visa conditions set by the UAE government.
If you're serious about applying, consult experts, read the fine print, and make informed decisions. The golden visa is a valuable long-term asset, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all offer.
Disclaimer
The views expressed by experts in this article are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any website, organization, institution, or affiliated entity. If you have any concerns regarding this article, please contact us at contact@quantamminds.com and also on WhatsApp
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to obtain a UAE Golden Visa by investing just ₹23 lakh?
Not necessarily. ₹23 lakh (approx. AED 100,000) is far below the minimum investment required for most UAE Golden Visa categories. For example, real estate investments must be worth at least AED 2 million (~₹4.6 crore). So, while ₹23 lakh might cover consulting or setup costs, it does not guarantee visa approval.
What are the key eligibility criteria for obtaining a UAE Golden Visa?
Eligibility depends on the visa category. Common requirements include:
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Minimum real estate or business investment (AED 2 million+)
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High-skilled employment (with AED 30,000+ salary)
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Recognized academic or artistic achievements
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Valid Emirates ID and health insurance
Each applicant must also meet specific documentation and background checks.
Is a property investment the only route to get a Golden Visa?
No. While real estate is a popular route, there are others:
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Public investment funds
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Entrepreneurs and startup founders
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Skilled professionals (doctors, engineers, etc.)
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Researchers and scientists
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Outstanding students and graduates
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Artists and influencers
Each category has unique criteria and approvals.
If I purchase a property using a mortgage, am I still eligible for the Golden Visa?0
Yes, but only if the mortgage is partially paid off. You need to have paid at least AED 1 million upfront. The property must also be in a freehold zone and meet Dubai Land Department requirements. Fully off-plan or 100% mortgaged units generally do not qualify.
How long does it take to process a UAE Golden Visa application?
Processing time varies by category but typically takes between 2 to 8 weeks. It may take longer if additional approvals or documents are needed, especially for talent-based or academic visa types. Working with an authorized consultant can help speed up the process.

Pallavi Singh on 2025-07-09
Ashwani Kumar