What do you get for ₹23 lakh these days? A Mercedes-Benz in India, a modest flat in Indore… or, if you are feeling global, a golden ticket to UAE residency without owning a single square foot of land.
That’s right, the UAE Golden Visa has just dropped a new upgrade. And this time, you don’t need to be a billionaire, a sheikh, or the cousin of a cricket league owner. You just need a LinkedIn profile that doesn’t scream “trying my best.”
What Is the UAE Golden Visa? Here’s What Changed in 2025
Until recently, the UAE Golden Visa was a bit like a gated community — mostly accessible to investors, millionaires, and folks with real estate worth crores.
But in 2025, the UAE added a new route that opens the gates wider:
- No real estate required
- No employer sponsorship
- No need to marry a local royal (finally)
Instead, individuals who qualify under professional excellence – think creators, coders, consultants, designers, doctors, academics, can apply via a nominated route.
- Entry Fee: Around ₹23 lakh (100,000 AED).
- Validity: 10 years, renewable.
- Citizenship? Nope. This is a long-term visa, not a passport.
Who is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
Think of it as a visa for “people who can Google Chat and Zoom their way through life” — and have proof of results.
Eligible categories include:
- Freelancers & Consultants with established businesses or portfolios
- Start-up Founders & Entrepreneurs
- Content Creators & Artists with significant digital reach
- Medical professionals, researchers, engineers, and professors
- Coders & IT specialists with proven credentials
You need:
- A nomination from a UAE-based agency or organisation
- Proof of income, work, clean record, and professional success
- And yes, a passport that does not expire next week
No Property, No Problem, But Rent is Still Real
Unlike the old scheme that needed a real estate investment, this new Golden Visa doesn’t require property ownership.
But that doesn’t mean you’re living rent-free under the Dubai sky.
- You’ll pay for rent, insurance, food, and lifestyle — in dirhams
- Healthcare? Private.
- Jobs? Not guaranteed.
- Free Metro card? Don’t even dream.
This is a residency visa, not a welfare program. You can live there, but you’ll need to earn like you’re in Dubai – not just live like it.
Mercedes-Benz E-class or UAE Golden Visa? Internet Can’t Decide
As soon as the ₹23 lakh price tag came out, so did the memes. One Business Standard headline asked the question:
“Would you buy a Mercedes in India or lifetime residency in Dubai?”
Indian X users responded with:
“I’ll buy the car and the permanent residency of Dubai with the money I will buy the same car in India, thanks.”
Others said:
“₹23 lakh for permanent tax-free escape from Indian bureaucracy? Sold.”
What the Mercedes does not give you:
- 10-year visa
- Residency for family
- Freedom to freelance globally
- Access to world-class infrastructure
What the Golden Visa does not give you:
- A sunroof
Your choice.
Why So Many Indians Are Considering the Dubai Golden Visa
India now leads globally in outbound migration among professionals and high-net-worth individuals. For those looking to:
- Avoid global tax tangles
- Set up a Dubai-based consulting or creative firm
- Or just enjoy seamless airport immigration lanes
… the Dubai Golden Visa for Indians is the new dream.
And let’s not ignore the social currency.
Saying “I live in Dubai now” hits differently than “I shifted to Pune to avoid rent in Bangalore.”
Is the UAE Golden Visa Lifetime Residency Worth It for You?
Let’s break it down like a Peak View cheat sheet:
| Criteria | Verdict |
| Work is remote/flexible | Good fit |
| Income in INR only | Risky |
| Seeking UAE job later | Uncertain |
| Already has global clients | Smart move |
| Just wants prestige/status | Maybe |
| Doesn’t like paying ₹23L upfront | Avoid |
You’re basically buying a 10-year door, not a furnished house behind it.
What Does the ₹23 Lakh Actually Cover?
Let’s be clear:
- It does not include rent, job support, or legal services
- It does not grant voting rights or citizenship
- It does not cover your family by default — that’s extra
- It does not excuse you from Indian tax filing if you don’t switch NRI status properly
But it does give you:
- Status
- Flexibility
- Long-term presence in a tax-free, high-luxury country
And if you’re a global-facing entrepreneur, consultant, or creative pro, it’s a powerful base to scale from.
Final Word from The Peak View Stories
The UAE Golden Visa is not for everyone. But it’s a pretty golden opportunity for those who’ve cracked the code of portable work, high-value skills, and independence.
It’s not a “get-rich-in-Dubai” scheme. It’s a “live-free-if-you-already-earn-well” scheme.
For some, ₹23 lakh is a lot of money. For others, it’s the cost of freedom from annual visa headaches and endless embassy queues.
We will just say this if you are earning in dirhams or dollars, and want out of endless GST receipts, this door might just be worth the price tag.
The golden runway to Dubai just got a lot more crowded, and it is not slowing down anytime soon. Whether you are a solopreneur with a ring light, a tech bro with a stack of GitHub repos, or a consultant with more slides than friends, the UAE wants you (and your ₹23 lakh).
So fasten your seatbelt, sort your documents, and maybe start brushing up on Arabic pleasantries. Because as the world queues up for tax-free dreams, we will be here, watching, reporting, and occasionally satirising it, The Peak View Stories style.
Stay tuned. And if your application gets rejected, we hear Bali still takes freelancers (and influencers).
Disclaimer: This story is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal, financial, or visa advice. Also, we are still waiting to be nominated, but we have packed our bags anyway.