23 Lakh Golden Visa UAE

The UAE's 23 lakh Golden Visa refers to the issuance of long-term residency visas to 2.3 million people (23 lakh) under the Golden Visa program. This visa grants 10-year residency to individuals who contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy, society, and development, including investors, professionals, skilled workers, scientists, and exceptional talent.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program introduced in 2019 to attract and retain top talent, entrepreneurs, investors, and highly skilled professionals. It grants 5- or 10-year visas that are automatically renewable.

Background of the Golden Visa Program

The UAE Golden Visa was launched in 2019 to attract:

• High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)

• Scientists, engineers, and tech professionals

• Entrepreneurs and startup founders

• Skilled workers across various industries

• Students with exceptional academic records

The UAE wanted to retain top-tier global talent while moving away from traditional short-term visas tied to employment.

Key Milestone: 23 Lakh Golden Visas

By mid-2025, the UAE had issued 2.3 million Golden Visas, a record-setting achievement reflecting:

• Increased global migration to the UAE

• Greater investor and expat confidence

• Expansions in visa eligibility categories

This number includes:

• Long-term residents upgrading to golden visas

• First-time foreign investors

• Talented individuals from over 200 nationalities

 What Does the 23 Lakh Golden Visa Refer To?

As of July 2025, the UAE has issued over 2.3 million (23 lakh) Golden Visas, a major milestone. This includes residents from various nationalities and sectors.

Reasons for Surge:

• Relaxed eligibility criteria

• Economic diversification

• UAE's increasing global appeal

• Post-COVID migration trends

• Strategic efforts to retain top global talent

Who Is Eligible for the Golden Visa?

Investors:

• Minimum investment in property or UAE business (AED 2 million+)

• Real estate investors can now also include off-plan properties

Entrepreneurs:

• Founders of successful start-ups or holders of innovative projects

Professionals:

• Scientists, doctors, engineers, IT specialists, AI and cybersecurity experts

• Must hold advanced degrees and high salaries (AED 30,000+/month often cited)

Exceptional Talents:

• Artists, athletes, musicians, inventors, and cultural icons

• Nominated by government entities

Students:

• High-performing students in UAE schools and universities

Application Process

1. Online Submission:

   • Through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) or GDRFA websites

2. Documents Needed:

   • Passport copy

   • Educational and work credentials

   • Salary certificate (for professionals)

   • Property documents (for investors)

   • Endorsements (for talents)

3. Processing Time:

   • Usually 30 to 60 days

4. Fees:

   • Varies by category but approx AED 2,800 – 4,000 per applicant

   • Plus medical insurance, Emirates ID, etc.

Impact of the 23 Lakh Golden Visas

Area	Impact
Economic Growth	Boosted long-term investments, especially in property and startups
Real Estate Boom	Increased demand from long-term residents investing in UAE property
Social Stability	Allowed families and professionals to settle and plan for the long term
Global Talent Hub	Helped UAE become a center for innovation and specialized industries
Global Rankings	UAE ranks high in expat desirability and ease of doing business

 Strategic Vision:

This move aligns with UAE’s "We the UAE 2031" strategy — aiming to:

• Diversify income sources

• Transition to a knowledge-based economy

• Become a top destination for talent, innovation, and sustainability

Benefits of the Golden Visa

Benefit	Details
10-year renewable residency	With no sponsor/employer requirement
Family sponsorship	Includes spouse, children (of any age), and domestic staff
Property ownership	Full rights for real estate investments
Business ownership	No need for a local sponsor (100% ownership)
Travel ease	Multiple entries/exits allowed
Education access	Eligibility for UAE’s top public and private schools and universities
Job flexibility	Ability to change employers freely
Social security-like access	Access to UAE healthcare and infrastructure

Why the Golden Visa Matters Globally

The UAE is positioning itself as a future-ready, non-oil-based economy:

• Competing with Portugal, Singapore, Canada, and Saudi Arabia for skilled immigrants

• Golden Visa holders drive foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in:

  • Dubai and Abu Dhabi real estate

  • Tech sectors and innovation hubs

  • Medical and academic fields

Emirates Offering the Most Visas:

• Dubai

• Abu Dhabi

• Sharjah

Dubai and Abu Dhabi especially have led with initiatives like fast-track applications and property-based visas.

Current Statistics & Demographics

• Top nationalities receiving golden visas:

  • Indians 🇮🇳

  • Pakistanis 🇵🇰

  • Egyptians 🇪🇬

  • Iranians 🇮🇷

  • British 🇬🇧

  • Lebanese 🇱🇧

  • Filipinos 🇵🇭

• Dubai has issued the highest number of golden visas

• Healthcare professionals and engineers saw major boosts post-COVID

• Over 150,000 new visas issued in first 6 months of 2025

Challenges & Limitations

• High cost may limit accessibility for middle-income workers

• Complex documentation for talent endorsement

• Not all sectors are equally represented (e.g., fewer arts and humanities professionals)