UAE Officials Clarify Golden Visa Misconceptions Amid Growing Misinformation
In a decisive statement on July 8, 2025, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) dispelled rumors surrounding the coveted Golden Visa program. Contrary to misleading media reports and unauthorized consultancy claims, the ICP confirmed that the Golden Visa does not confer lifetime residency.
The authority emphasized that eligibility and issuance of the Golden Visa are rigorously defined by UAE federal laws, ministerial decisions, and official regulations. Prospective applicants should only rely on the ICP’s official website or authorized government service centers to submit applications.
Rising Threat of Fraudulent Consultancy Schemes
Visa experts and authorized service centers including Amer, Tasheel, and Tawjeeh have raised alarms about proliferating scams perpetrated by unauthorized third-party agents and overseas consultancies. These groups have been known to inflate fees—sometimes demanding upwards of AED 40,000 (₹9 lakh)—under false promises of expedited or lifetime visa grants.
Masiuddin Mohammed, representing the Quality Government Service Centre in Dubai Investment Park, cautioned, “From the outset, we recognized the so-called ‘lifetime Golden Visa’ news as fabricated. The application process is tightly regulated, and any misinformation risks severe penalties.”
This misrepresentation not only demeans the credibility of legitimate channels but also exploits hopeful expatriates eager to establish themselves in the UAE’s dynamic economy.
Understanding the Real Eligibility Criteria
To help clear the fog, industry insiders outline the genuine eligibility requirements for the Golden Visa:
- Skilled professionals with a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 (₹6.7 lakh)
- Investors holding fixed deposits worth at least AED 2 million (₹4.5 crore)
- Property owners with real estate valued at no less than AED 2 million
- Qualified IT specialists, scientists, and individuals demonstrating specialized talents
- Exceptional students and notable humanitarian workers
Geographical nuances exist across emirates; for instance, while Dubai allows applications from abroad during the nomination phase, finalization requires presence within the UAE within three days after approval. Other emirates mandate continuous UAE residency during both nomination and application.
Expert Insights: The Need for Vigilance and Proper Guidance
Firosekhan, Operations Manager at Dubai’s Arabian Business Centre, highlights a knowledge gap among many agents and applicants alike. He warns directly against paying exorbitant fees to unverified intermediaries.
“Always verify through official channels like Amer, GDRFA, DET, or directly with ICP,” he advises. “The disparity between actual government fees (around AED 3,000) and agents’ charges is stark and unjustifiable.”
This call underscores a broader need for awareness, especially in India—one of the largest source countries for UAE expatriates—where demand for Golden Visas continues to surge.
Why This Matters for Aspiring Residents and Investors
The UAE’s Golden Visa program is celebrated for fostering long-term residency among global talent and investors, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic diversification goals.
However, false narratives around ‘lifetime residency’ risk undermining perceptions of the program’s integrity and complicate the legal landscape for those seeking residence through legitimate pathways.
Recognizing this, the ICP has pledged to pursue legal action against any entity spreading misinformation or soliciting unauthorized payments, safeguarding both applicants and the UAE’s immigration system.
Editor’s Note
As the UAE continues to offer attractive residency options under its Golden Visa initiative, potential applicants must navigate a complex environment rife with misinformation and unscrupulous actors. This clarifying statement by the ICP acts as a vital beacon, encouraging due diligence and reliance on official channels. For Indian nationals and others worldwide, understanding the nuanced eligibility criteria is not just about adhering to regulations—it’s a step toward securing a future aligned with the UAE’s vision of sustainable growth and international collaboration. Are governments worldwide ready to combat similar misinformation trends in migration programs? This question invites ongoing public and policy discourse.
