UAE Rolls Out New Golden Visa: How Will It Impact Indian Real Estate Investors?
Here's how the latest Golden Visa rule changes could reshape the investment patterns of Indian real estate buyers in the UAE.
Golden Visa UAE New Update: In a major policy shift, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has revamped its coveted Golden Visa program, making it significantly more accessible to professionals, digital creators, healthcare workers, and other skilled individuals from around the world, including India. Under the new model, eligible individuals can now obtain long-term residency in the UAE through a one-time fee and a successful nomination — without needing to invest in real estate, hold a trade license, or secure sponsorship.
Here's how the latest Golden Visa rule changes could reshape the investment patterns of Indian real estate buyers in the UAE.
Previously, to qualify for the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa, individuals had to make a minimum real estate investment of AED 2 million (about Rs 4.7 crore). This investment-based model positioned the property market — especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — as a key entry route for long-term residency.
Under the revised framework 2025:
The new model shifts focus from capital investment to talent and innovation, making it easier for mid-income individuals — including Indian professionals, teachers, nurses, and digital entrepreneurs — to qualify.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa (typically 10 years) granted to individuals who contribute significantly to the country's economy or society.
Who Is Now Eligible?
The updated Golden Visa program now includes a broader range of professional categories. Eligible applicants include healthcare workers (nurses with over 15 years of service); teachers and academic staff; digital content creators, YouTubers, and podcasters; e-sports professionals; luxury yacht owners and maritime executives; outstanding students and graduates from top-ranked global universities; entrepreneurs with startups valued at AED 500,000 or more; and individuals with skills in AI, sustainability, climate tech, and creative arts.
This inclusivity signals a shift from investment-heavy entry routes to recognition of professional merit and potential economic contribution.
What It Means for Indian Real Estate Investors
The policy change is expected to have an impact on Indian investors in the UAE's real estate market.
Akash Puri, director international, India Sotheby's International Realty, said, 'The recent overhaul of the UAE's Golden Visa marks a significant shift in the country's residency landscape. The new framework is more inclusive and strategically aligned with the UAE's long-term vision."
He said that for Indian real estate investors, this change brings a two-pronged impact:
Firstly, property investment was one of the few avenues to secure long-term residency, prompting a surge of interest from Indian investors seeking both capital preservation and immigration benefits. With the visa now accessible through broader channels, the urgency to invest solely for residency purposes is likely to ease — particularly in the mid-market and entry-level segments. This could cool speculative buying and encourage more grounded investment behaviour, he added.
Secondly, investors who remain committed to the UAE property market-driven by rental yields, lifestyle advantages, or diversification, will now place greater emphasis on fundamentals like location, developer credibility, and long-term value. Luxury and trophy assets will continue to appeal to ultra-HNWIs, who are largely unaffected by the new professional-centric criteria.
'For Indian investors, this is a cue to recalibrate: from residency-led transactions to value-led strategies. Over time, this evolution could establish a more stable, resilient real estate market—one that rewards strategic, long-term participation over short-term speculation," Puri said.
The removal of real estate as a mandatory entry route for residency could reduce speculative demand, particularly in the lower and mid-income property segments. However, the UAE real estate market still holds appeal for Indian HNIs and investors looking at rental income, capital appreciation, or lifestyle migration — just no longer as a residency necessity.
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golden visa real estate
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 07, 2025, 15:35 IST
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