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No ₹23 lakh special scheme for Indians, clarifies authority
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Federal Authority dismisses viral claims of a pilot Golden Visa programme for Indian nationals, warns against misinformation
Social media has been abuzz with reports claiming the launch of a ₹23 lakh (AED 100,000) special Golden Visa programme in the UAE exclusively for Indian citizens. These unverified claims sparked widespread interest, particularly among affluent Indians seeking investment-led residency options. However, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has issued an official denial, calling the reports baseless and misleading, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
No new Golden Visa for ₹23 lakh, says UAE authority; legal action threatened against misinformation.
While Indian media heavily covered the supposed “pilot programme,” there was a glaring absence of confirmation from UAE-based outlets or the Emirates News Agency, which typically releases all government-related news
On July 12, the ICP issued a statement through the Emirates News Agency, asserting that no changes have been made to the Golden Visa scheme. It further clarified that all regulations, requirements, and eligibility criteria are publicly available on its official website and mobile platforms. The authority also warned that legal action will be taken against companies or individuals disseminating false information or attempting to illegally collect funds from Golden Visa aspirants.
Consultants confirm: no such offer exists
Iqbal Marconi, former CEO of ECH Group—a key player in the UAE’s Golden Visa facilitation space—told The Economic Times he received a surge in queries from Indian clients. However, he confirmed that neither the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) nor other officials have heard of any new scheme. “I’ve checked thoroughly. No such programme exists. The only recent change is the exclusion of crypto investors from eligibility,” Marconi said.
Golden Visas remain nomination-based and merit-driven
UAE’s Golden Visa continues to be granted on the basis of merit, including AED 2 million in real estate investments, business ownership, and exceptional achievements in areas like science, medicine, arts, media, and sports.
The misinformation appears to have stemmed from a misunderstanding of UAE’s broader Vision Dubai 2033 plan, which focuses on doubling the economy and welcoming global talent—but not through discounted or nationality-specific visa offerings.
