UAE Golden Visas: Sign up only on official channels to avoid being scammed

Dubai: Anyone interested in UAE’s Golden Visa 10-year residency programme should only go through government channels before signing up.

“It’s essential to verify the legitimacy of any offer before making payments or sharing personal documents,” said Irina Cotescu, co-founder of Oliviri Consultancy. “As the UAE Golden Visa program evolves, transparency and compliance remain key.

"Reports have emerged claiming Indians can obtain UAE Golden Visas for Dh100,000 without property or business investment.

"As of now, there has been no official statement from the UAE government or its recognized channels confirming that Indian nationals can apply for a Golden Visa at Dh100,000 without property or business investment.

“While the UAE has introduced new ‘nomination-based’ pathways, particularly for Indian professionals and skilled categories, these should only be pursued through official channels. Or licensed consultancy firms.”

The alert comes after a flood of online chatter about the UAE easing access to the Golden Visas, including some that suggest candidates can do so without committing to investments in property or business set up. There was another set of online conversations around investors in digital currencies being allowed to be part of the Golden Visa – this has been dismissed as false by UAE regulators.

Industry sources add that there are well-defined guidelines issued by the UAE on who can apply for a Golden Visa and how. "Interested parties should not fall for any promises or offers from non-licensed, non-state parties offering fast-track visas," said a consultant.

When it comes to nominations for Golden Visas, all that is happening is helping individuals living outside of the UAE to put in their applications remotely.

“We are having meetings regarding this, but the applications are not yet open (for individuals to send their credentials remotely,” said a source.

But for the actual final approval, the applicant needs to be present in the UAE.

"The introduction of nomination pathways, though not entirely new, has recently gained momentum and visibility," said Gaurav Keswani, founder and Managing Director, JSB Corporation.

"Any renewed interest is a positive step, as it helps open doors for many deserving individuals who may not have realized they qualify.

"It's important, though, to adhere to visa processes that are grounded in facts and must always be pursued through official channels."

Currently, the UAE allows submissions under 12 Golden Visa categories.

These include the long-term residency paths for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.

Plus, there are the 5 new categories introduced so far in 2025, which are for nurses, educators, content creators, e-sports professionals, and luxury yacht owners.

"The UAE has expanded eligibility in recent years to attract global talent, these pathways are highly selective and not universally applicable," said Irina.