UAE Golden Visa: How Indians and Bangladeshis can now get lifetime residency
Here's a breakdown of the five most important things to know:
1. No Minimum Investment Needed
Unlike the traditional Golden Visa model, this new scheme does not require a minimum investment in property or business. Instead, applicants can be nominated by authorised UAE entities and pay a one-time fee of AED 100,000. The visa remains valid even if the holder later sells any UAE-based assets.
2. Open to a Wide Range of Professionals
This initiative is designed to attract skilled and creative individuals. Eligible applicants include:
* Healthcare professionals and educators
Scientists with 15+ years of experience
* Digital content creators (YouTubers, podcasters, influencers)
* Tech experts, AI specialists, esports players
* Maritime professionals, yacht owners, and more
Applicants must be nominated by licensed UAE partners, such as Rayad Group.
3. Family Sponsorship and Work Freedom Included
Visa holders will enjoy comprehensive family support and lifestyle flexibility. They can:
* Sponsor their spouse, children (of any age), and dependent parents
* Employ domestic workers
* Start a business or seek employment in the UAE
This offers a stable path to residency for families and professionals alike.
4. All Applications Will Be Vetted
Applicants must undergo strict background checks, including:
* Criminal record verification
* Anti-money laundering clearance
* Social media and professional conduct screening
Final approval will come from UAE immigration authorities based on eligibility and integrity.
5. Pilot Targeted at India and Bangladesh
The programme is currently in a pilot phase specifically targeting Indian and Bangladeshi nationals. Over 5,000 Indian applicants are expected in the first three months alone. Bangladeshi citizens are equally eligible, with future expansions likely to include other CEPA partner nations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Muscat Municipality announces Design Competition 2025 winners
Muscat: Muscat Municipality on Tuesday announced the winners of the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 during the competition's closing ceremony, held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Kamil Fahad Mahmood Al-Said, Secretary General in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. The ceremony was attended by Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, along with several dignitaries, officials, and a distinguished group of engineering experts and consultants from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. The German firm KSP Engel, known for its work on cultural and institutional buildings, was awarded first place in this edition of the competition, which was launched to design a landmark multi-use building in the Wilayat of Bausher. Second place went to Bisan Mohammadi Architects (BMA) from North Macedonia, while third place was awarded to Xavier De Geyter Architects (XDGA) from Belgium. In his opening remarks, H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Humaidi said: 'This competition represents an important milestone in Muscat's urban development journey. It is inspiring to see how these design proposals embody innovation and sustainability while preserving our rich cultural heritage. We are shaping Muscat's future in line with our identity and values, which are at the heart of our development strategy.' He further explained that the results of the competition will play a key role in driving urban development in Muscat, ensuring that modernisation aligns with the preservation of Omani architectural identity. The two-day closing event, organised by Muscat Municipality on 7 and 8 July 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Muscat, generated strong momentum and engagement. Day one featured live presentations by the five finalist teams before the jury and attendees. These were: Bisan Mohammadi Architects (BMA) – North Macedonia Paolo Vimercati Urban Projects and Architectural Designs (POV) – United Kingdom Samyn and Partners for Sustainable Architecture – Belgium Xavier De Geyter Architects (XDGA) – Belgium KSP Engel – Germany Each firm presented comprehensive designs that creatively blended modern innovation with elements of Omani culture, tailored for a prominent civic landmark. The competition's jury was chaired by Don Murphy, founder and partner at VMX Architects, and comprised a distinguished panel of Omani and international consultants and engineers. The jury adopted clear values and criteria to ensure the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the evaluation process, with a focus on sustainability and cultural alignment. Murphy commended the participants' efforts during the winner announcement, noting that each submission brought a unique vision to enrich Muscat's urban landscape and community life. Launched earlier this year, the competition was initiated by Muscat Municipality to design a multi-use civic landmark in the Wilayat of Bausher. It attracted top architectural firms from around the world, inviting innovative concepts for a sustainable, iconic building that reflects Omani identity while meeting the needs of modern civic life. The winning project will be built on an 8,000-square-metre plot near Oman Avenues Mall, offering a striking architectural presence that blends heritage with the aspirations of a modern city.
Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- Times of Oman
State Council discusses three draft laws
Muscat: The State Council on Tuesday held its eighth session of the second ordinary term of its eighth period, during which it discussed the 'Real Estate Registry Law," the 'Draft Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Disputes (Royal Decree No. 47/97)," and the 'Civil Society Organisations Law." The session also reviewed the Special Committee's study on "Mechanisms for Diversifying Income Sources in Oman" and examined the General Secretariat's report on the Council's activities. Held under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, the session discussed the Legal Committee's opinion on the Real Estate Registry Law, referred by the Council of Ministers. The draft law focuses on several key aspects, including: Strengthening legal protections for property owners and beneficiaries; Regulating registration procedures and real estate transactions and enabling digital documentation and issuing electronic title deeds linked to relevant government systems, aligning with Oman's national digital transformation strategy. The Council also reviewed the Social and Cultural Committee's opinion on the Civil Society Organisations Law, which includes substantive provisions regulating the work and objectives of civil society institutions. The draft law aims to enhance their role in serving society through associations, NGOs, professional societies, volunteer teams, and expatriate clubs, while addressing challenges under the current legal framework. Additionally, the Council examined the Draft Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Disputes, assessing its impact on arbitration parties and local/international arbitration centres. The amendments align with modern trends in comparative arbitration laws, reinforcing Oman's position as an attractive hub for commercial dispute resolution. The revisions are expected to boost confidence in arbitration mechanisms, create an investment-friendly legal environment and support Oman's adoption of best practices in justice and litigation, in line with Oman Vision 2040 objectives. The session concluded with discussions on the Special Committee's study on income diversification mechanisms, which identifies challenges to financial sustainability, inefficiencies in revenue streams, and potential solutions to enhance fiscal resilience. The study proposes measures to stabilize public finances in the 11th Five-Year Plan including legislative and governance reforms.
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
From TEDx to KO Talks: Knowledge Oman launches new platform
Muscat: Inspired by its successful collaboration as a strategic partner for the recently TEDx event that was held at the iconic Al Zubair Museum, Knowledge Oman (KO) is now all geared to create a new initiative that celebrates local thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers through powerful storytelling and action-driven dialogue. The new initiative, KO Talks, is dedicated to empowering local voices and creating a platform for impactful conversations rooted in the Omani experience. 'Through our recent partnership with the Tedx organiser's, we have learned what it takes to create a local platform that is authentic, made by people living in Oman for Oman, to tell stories that matter to our future, our youth, and our nation,' said Knowledge Oman President, Balqees Al Hassani. 'We believe that inspiration is not something we have to look far for, it's right here within our people.' As part of the new initiative announcement, Knowledge Oman appointed a recent graduate of the National Leadership Program for Omani Middle Management in the Private Sector (ETIMAD) of the Royal Academy of Management, Usama Samir Al-Lawati, as project manager for the initiative. 'We are thrilled to have someone of Usama's caliber lead this project,' added Al Hassani. 'His strategic mindset, background, and commitment to national development makes him an ideal person to lead the initiative.' Usama Samir Al-Lawati is a Senior Strategic Program Manager at Ooredoo Oman, where he oversees key strategic programmes and projects. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (2008) and a Master's degree in Telecommunications (2010), both from the University of Washington. Al-Lawati has been a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2018 and is a 2024 graduate of the National Leadership Program for Omani Middle Management in the Private Sector (ETIMAD) from the Royal Academy of Management. KO talks initiative is exclusive for people living in Oman and GCC-based voices, highlighting regional impact stories. Talks will be delivered in both Arabic and English to ensure wider engagement. Every session will end with a call-to-action that encourages ongoing community participation and initiative will be hosted regularly, each edition focused on a different theme such as youth leadership, sustainability, innovation, or women in business. Omani arts, music, and storytelling traditions will be seamlessly integrated into each event. The first edition of KO Talks is scheduled to be held end of the this year 2025, under the theme: 'Ideas for change, together we can' The event will bring together prominent speakers from across sectors to inspire and mobilize the next wave of leaders. Founded by Tariq Al Barwani, a prominent Omani technologist, entrepreneur, and social innovator. Knowledge Oman is built entirely by volunteers, the platform has grown into one of the most recognized knowledge-sharing movements in the Sultanate. Over the years, Knowledge Oman has launched impactful initiatives, collaborated with global and local partners, and empowered thousands of individuals across the country. Its success is rooted in its mission to promote learning, leadership, and community engagement.
