Dubai's Golden Visa: A Detailed Guide on How to Apply from Jaipur

What is the Dubai Golden Visa?

The Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term residency program initiated in 2019 that permits certain individuals with qualifying criteria to live, work, and study in the UAE for a period of 5 to 10 years with renewals. Unlike other visas which are sponsored by locals, this one bypasses the need for a local sponsor and comes with advantages such as family sponsorship, complete business ownership, and free travel across the world. Changes in 2025 further broadened the criteria for applicants and added a nomination-based approach which simplifies application processes for Indians without hefty investment amounts.

Reasons to Apply for the Golden Visa in Jaipur

For residents of Jaipur, the Golden Visa provides access to Dubai, a global business center which is famous for its lively skyline featuring the Burj Khalifa. It offers immense prospective opportunities in business, real estate, and technology. Dubai had used nominee visas as a part of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which removes the requirement of spending AED 2 million or ₹4.66 crore on investments. Now, applicants can get residency through a one-off payment of AED 100,000 (₹23.3 lakh). This is particularly appealing for Jaipur’s professionals, entrepreneurs, and students who intend to build a career in the UAE.

• Investors: This includes purchasing a real estate asset for AED 2 million, making a deposit of AED 2 million in an approved UAE fund, or operating a business with a capital of at least AED 2 million and annual taxes of AED 250,000.
  • Skilled professionals: This includes earning AED 30,000 a month as a Junior Employee or serving in a Senior Role like CEO for more than 2 years with the current employer.
  • Exceptional students: Senior high students must have 95% and university students must have 3.75 GPA from reputable schools to qualify.
  • Educators and creatives: This includes teachers with proven records of considerable influence in education and content creators with recommendations from Dubai Culture or KHDA.

Steps to Applying for a Golden Visa

Residents of Jaipur can apply for a Golden Visa using the nomination-based method entirely from India.

Here is a step-by-step process based on the most recent changes.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check eligibility criteria at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and GDRFAD portals. To confirm eligibility, click on “eChannels Residency and Citizenship” and choose among the listed categories (investor, professional, student, etc.). For the nomination-based visa, reach out to UAE consultancies like Rayad Group or VFS Global who assist Indians with applications.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Although some documents may differ based on categories, the following applies to most:

• Passport copy with a minimum validity of 3 months.
• Recent passport-sized photo taken with a white background.
• Required proof (property title deed, bank statement showing AED 2M deposit, salary slips over AED 30,000, or academic certificates for students).
• For nomination-based visas: CV/resume with supporting evidence for claims (awards, portfolio, or social media analytics for creatives).

For applicants over 18, a medical fitness test is applicable and so is a UAE ID if they are already in the country. Investors with mortgaged properties must acquire a bank letter confirming AED 2 million has been paid. Documents can be submitted through DLD Vault (dubailand.gov.ae) for real estate investors or via ICP/GDRFAD portals.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Online Application: Apply via the ICP Smart Services portal (icp.gov.ae) or GDRFAD’s “One Touch” service. Complete the form with accurate information and attach your documents. For nomination-based visas, applications are handled by Rayad Group or VFS Global which conduct background checks before submission to the UAE government for processing.

In-Person (Optional): For those in Dubai, they can go to Amer Centres or Golden Visa service centers located in Al Manara Center (Cube) or Dubai World Trade Centre. Al Manara Center (Cube) and Dubai World Trade Centre have Walk In options too. Their working hours are Monday through Thursday from 8am to 230pm and Fridays from 8am to 1130am. Nomination Based Visa Application: Do not need to go to Dubai, can be submitted by authorized agencies.

Step 4: Payment of Fees

Fees differ based on category and duration of visa. Nomination Based Visa: One time payment of AED 100,000 (~₹23.3 lakh). All visas require health insurance, which is an additional expense.

• Investment-Based Visa (10 Years): total fees of about AED 9,884.75, broken down as follows:
• Medical Examination: AED 700
• Emirates ID for 10 years: AED 1,153
• Residency permit confirmation: AED 2856.75
• Fees from Dubai Land Department: AED 4020
• Administrative expenses: AED 1155
• Family Sponsorship (10-Year): AED 5,774.50 + AED 318.75 for file opening fee.
• If applying independently for a 10-year visa, application processing fee is AED 2657 (~₹61,000).

Step 5: Track Your Application

Using the ICP or GDRFAD website, you can monitor your application with the Unified ID number. It takes 30-72 days, and you will be emailed or texted when it is approved. If in the UAE, a GDRFAD office may need to be visited for verification or to have the passport stamped with the visa.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa

• Outside the UAE, once approved, you will be given a multi entry visa valid for six months entering the UAE and converting it to a residency permit.
• In the UAE, issued a temporary one month visa which needs to be changed to a 5 or 10 year residency permit.

As long as the criteria remains eligible, the visa can be renewed without limits.

Advantages of Having a Dubai Golden Visa:

1. ​​Extended Residency: Work, live and study without underpinning a sponsorship for 5 to 10 years in the UAE.
2. ​​Family Sponsorship: Grant sponsorship to your spouse and children and even parents with no age limit to children.
3. ​​Business Ownership: Businesses situated on the mainland of the UAE can be owned 100 percent.
4. ​​Global Mobility: Travelling to and from the UAE is simple and has good international flight connections.
5. ​​Education and Heath care: Enroll your children and spouse into world-class schools, universities, and healthcare facilities.
6. ​​No Investment Maintenance: For visas based on nominations, there are no requirements to maintain business or property investments.

Jaipur Applicants Tips

1. ​​Work with Authorized Agencies: Agencies like Rayad Group or VFS Global can assist with the nomination-based visa such as handling background checks and document submissions.
2. ​​Ensure Document Accuracy: All documents must be clear and valid, hence they must be double checked to Encounters delays.
3. ​​Plan for Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory but not included in the visa fees so be ready to pay for it.
4. ​​Stay Updated: As policies change, check ICP or GDRFAD websites for changes in fees or eligibility.
5. ​​Leverage CEPA: With Jaipur residents in mind, India-UAE CEPA strengthens relations making the nomination-based visas a strong point.

Concerns and Challenges

• Application Duration: Each application takes between 30 to 72 days. Make sure you have the right schedule.
• Background Screening for Nomination-Based Visa: Be ready for extensive background checks including social media as well as criminal record checks.
• Other Permits: Extra approvals may be required to work in other emirates outside of Dubai.
• Expenses: Lease-based visas are cheaper to acquire, but other investment-based ones are much more expensive. Make sure you are always well funded.

Final Thoughts

The Dubai Golden Visa unlocks the door for Jaipur residents to gain long-term residency in one of the most progressive cities in the world. With the new nomination-based visa, you can now apply from Jaipur and will not need to go to Dubai, simply paying AED 100,000 for lifetime residency. Be it an investor or a professional or even a student, the simplified steps and numerous benefits make it ideal. Check your eligibility with the ICP or GDRFAD websites, collect your documents, and think about engaging with professional help to streamline the steps.