Latest news with #AbhinavKukreja
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
₹1 crore can get you a Mercedes in India — or a Golden Visa and a Merc in Dubai
Indians now have a way to obtain the United Arab Emirates' Golden Visa without investing crores in property or trade. Through the nomination-based route, Indians can now enjoy the UAE's Golden Visa for life by paying a fee of AED 1,00,000 (INR around 23.30 lakh). This is in contrast to the earlier policy which required Indians to invest at least AED 2 million ( ₹4.66 crore) in property, or invest a large amount in business in the country to get a Golden Visa. Indians compare the cost of buying a Mercedes E-Class in India vs Dubai (Representational image generated using AI) Over 5,000 Indians will apply for this nomination-based visa in three months, beneficiaries and people involved in the process have told PTI. The reduced cost has been cause for celebrations among Indians who are keen to obtain a Golden Visa for UAE. Among the celebratory messages on social media, one user also pointed out how Indians can buy a car worth ₹1 crore in India – or go to Dubai on a Golden Visa and buy the same car over there, all for the same amount. Buying a Mercedes sedan in India vs Dubai X user Abhinav Kukreja noted how a Mercedes E Class costs roughly ₹1 crore in India. The same car costs significantly less when bought in Dubai. According to Carwale, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class price for the base variant starts at Rs. 81.50 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. In Delhi, the on-road price is ₹95 lakh. Meanwhile, the same car costs AED 321,900 ( ₹75 lakh) in Dubai. So theoretically, an Indian with ₹1 crore to spare could buy a Mercedes E-Class in India. Or they could spend ₹23 lakh on a Golden Visa and fly to Dubai to buy a Mercedes E-Class for ₹75 lakh. This point raised by Kukreja has sparked a lively discussion on X. 'Dubai government realises middle class Indians issues more than the Indian government… expect some businesspeople and remote working professionals to move there to save taxes and get better quality of life,' wrote X user Hrishikesh Shinde. 'I like this maths and comparison - well done! Drives the point home beautifully,' another X user added. 'Wow. For real ? Dubai golden visa is now less than 25 lac ? There will be a stampede to get it,' a person wrote.
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Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Mercedes + UAE Golden Visa now a cheaper combo than just car deal in India
At ₹1 crore, buying a Mercedes in India now costs more than getting the same car in Dubai-plus a UAE Golden Visa under its new nomination-based residency scheme New Delhi At the price of buying a Mercedes-Benz E-Class in India, Indians can now get the same car in Dubai and secure a UAE Golden Visa —thanks to a new nomination-based residency scheme that drastically lowers the eligibility bar. A viral social media post by entrepreneur Abhinav Kukreja brought this comparison into sharp focus. 'If you have ₹1 crore, now you can either: 1. Buy a Mercedes E-Class in India or 2. Get Dubai Golden Visa for Life + Buy Mercedes E-Class in Dubai,' he wrote on X, along with a news clip. If you have 1Cr, now you can either: 1. Buy Mercedes E Class in India Or 2. Get Dubai Golden Visa for Life + Buy Mercedes E Class in Dubai — Abhinav Kukreja (@kukreja_abhinav) July 6, 2025 Mercedes E-Class pricing: India vs Dubai In India, the on-road price of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class now breaches the ₹1 crore mark in certain cities. In Bengaluru, the E 220d variant is priced at ₹1,02,05,006. In Delhi, the E 200 starts at ₹78.50 lakh, while the E 450 costs ₹92.50 lakh (ex-showroom), according to estimates from CarDekho. In contrast, in Dubai, the E 200 starts at AED 326,900 (roughly ₹74 lakh), and the E 450 4MATIC is priced at AED 432,900 (around ₹97.5 lakh). UAE Golden Visa math Until recently, the UAE Golden Visa was a privilege reserved for property owners or major investors, typically requiring AED 2 million (₹4.66 crore) or more in real estate or business commitments. But under the new nomination-based pilot scheme, Indians can now qualify by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (around ₹23.3 lakh), following a detailed vetting process, no property or business investment required. Under this system, eligible Indians can obtain a lifetime UAE Golden Visa for AED 100,000 with no property purchase required. Applicants are selected based on professional track record, contributions to the economy or society, and a detailed background check that includes criminal history, financial stability, and even social media presence. This initiative, aimed at attracting professionals, entrepreneurs, creators, and even e-sports players, allows approved applicants to live in the UAE indefinitely, along with family and domestic staff, with full work and business rights. What can ₹1 crore get you in Dubai? Golden Visa (lifetime): ₹23.3 lakh Mercedes E 200 (Dubai): ₹74 lakh (approx) Total: ₹97.3 lakh Trump's golden visa gamble The UAE's lowering of barriers is in sharp contrast to US President Donald Trump's own golden visa proposals. The Trump Card, officially launched on June 12, 2025, demands a hefty $5 million (roughly ₹41.8 crore) investment for foreign nationals seeking US residency. Lauded by Trump as a 'beautiful road to the greatest country", the digital card features Trump's image and promises green card privileges and an eventual path to citizenship. However, the legal framework around the programme remains unclear. It has no legislative backing from the US Congress, no formal USCIS structure, and has already drawn scrutiny from legal experts, with warnings that it could be blocked or challenged in court. Despite this, over 68,000 people have registered interest, and Indian investors were actively pitched the programme during a recent visit by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
