UAE’s Golden Visa: 10-Year Residency for ₹23 Lakh Promises a Better Life

The United Arab Emirates UAE has thrown open its doors in a way that’s catching the attention of many Indians. With the launch of a new form of its coveted Golden Visa available now to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals for around AED 100,000 (≈ ₹23.3 lakh), the appeal is high: lifetime residency, no requirement to buy property and a lifestyle with no income tax. The Financial Express

Originally introduced in 2019 for high-net-worth individuals, the Golden Visa programme has now become far more inclusive: it accepts diverse professionals ranging from teachers, nurses, content creators to luxury yacht owners. The Financial Express

Social media has lit up with Indian users responding to the news some with excitement, others with caution. One user joked: “The UAE is giving Golden Visa for Rs 23 lakhs and taxpayers are celebrating like they won a lottery…” The Financial Express

What exactly does the new scheme offer and why it’s resonating

At its core, the appeal of the Golden Visa extension lies in three major attractions:

Long-term residency: The visa is being positioned as a lifetime residency route, which provides stability and the chance to build a life abroad without the usual annual renewals. The Financial Express
Low or zero personal income tax: For many Indians facing high tax rates and growing cost of living, the chance of tax relief abroad is a powerful incentive. The quality of life, social security and infrastructure in the UAE also add to the pull. The Financial Express
Accessible cost-barrier: While AED 100,000 (≈ ₹23.3 lakh) is no small sum, compared to the cost of buying real estate in some Indian cities or setting up abroad, it appears reasonable to many aspirants. The Financial Express

Analysts say the scheme checks multiple boxes: global mobility, backup residence, lifestyle upgrade and a pathway to streamlining the bureaucratic burdens that often accompany staying abroad. Many Indians view it as smart planning rather than an outright migration. As one post said: “It’s not about leaving India. It’s about having a plan B, … something fancy to drop at dinner parties. The Financial Express

Why Indians are especially drawn to this

There are a few cultural, economic and social factors behind the strong Indian interest:

Large expatriate base: Many Indians already live or work in the UAE, or have connections there. A formal residency permit brings permanence and flexibility.
Tax environment: India’s tax regime and rising cost of living push some professionals to seek alternatives where disposable income may stretch further.
Desire for lifestyle upgrade: The perception of high standards of infrastructure, law & order, healthcare and public services in the UAE enhances the scheme’s attractiveness. As one netizen put it: “The quality of life, zero income tax, clean cities, law and order it’s everything Indian HNIs are dreaming of.” The Financial Express
Global mobility and family inclusion: The visa allows for more than just the individual it’s crafted to include family members and reduce the burdens usual in standard work/residence permit regimes.

Cautionary flags and things to keep in mind

While the uptake and intrigue are clear, experts and commentators also raise some caveats:

The scheme is still in a pilot phase, and as one user warned: “If abused it’ll be revoked instantly.” The Financial Express
Residency doesn’t necessarily mean citizenship different rights and privileges apply. Those considering the move must examine how this fits with their personal and professional goals.
Indian tax-residency rules remain complex: Even if you shift residence, your Indian tax obligations may not entirely vanish, depending on your global income and duration abroad.
Lifestyle costs in the UAE may still be high while tax may be low, housing, schooling, healthcare, transportation and general living costs can add up.
Visas, by their nature, carry conditions. Even if labelled “lifetime”, one must maintain compliance with local laws, renewal conditions (if any), and the changing political/economic landscape.

What this could mean going forward

For India-UAE relations and for global mobility trends, the Golden Visa expansion sends some strong signals:

It reflects the strengthening of bilateral ties through the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, which paved the way for more relaxed cross-border policies. The Financial Expres
It may prompt more skilled professionals, young entrepreneurs and content creators to view the UAE as a viable base or fallback residence, rather than just a temporary work destination.
For India, it may intensify discussions around talent retention, global diaspora links and how domestic policy addresses mobility and tax competitiveness.
For the UAE, opening the visa to a wider pool strengthens its positioning as a global hub, attracting talent, capital and innovation beyond oil-based revenues.

Final thoughts: a significant opportunity, but the right fit only for some

For many Indian professionals and families, the idea of 10-year (or lifetime) residency in the UAE for ₹23 lakh with the allure of zero income tax and a high standard of living is a compelling prospect. It’s the kind of offer that can switch a lifelong dream into a tangible option.

Yet, as with all major decisions of relocation or global mobility, it’s not just about the cost or label of “Golden Visa”. It’s about the personal fit: professional networks, family needs, lifestyle expectations, long-term goals and how the move aligns with one’s career trajectory and personal aspirations.

For those who value flexibility, global mobility, a tax-friendly environment and are open to a new base abroad, this could be a smart move. For those whose roots, business, social commitments or tax-residency ties remain fixed in India, the decision will need deeper reflection.

In short: the UAE’s Golden Visa presents an exciting new option for Indians. But excitement should be matched with due diligence.

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