The clarification came after it was claimed that Indians and Bangladeshis could obtain such a visa by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000
NEW DELHI/DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates has firmly denied the existence of any “lifetime” Golden Visa scheme being offered to Indian nationals for ₹23 lakh (approximately AED 100,000), cautioning the public against falling prey to fraudulent advertisements and unauthorised consultancies.
The clarification came after a Dubai-based consultancy, Rayad Group, in a press release claimed that Indians and Bangladeshis could obtain a UAE Golden Visa without the need for property purchase or business investments, by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000. The group had also alleged a partnership with VFS Global, a claim later denied by the international visa processing company.
In response, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) issued a strong rebuttal on Wednesday, calling the promotional claims “false and misleading.”
The ICP, according to media reports, emphasised that the Golden Visa is issued only through official government platforms, based on strict eligibility criteria, and no external agency or consultancy is authorised to guarantee visa issuance.
“The UAE Golden Visa is not for sale,” the ICP said in an official statement. “Applicants must meet the qualifying conditions under categories such as investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, and professionals. Any consultancy claiming to offer guaranteed visas for a flat fee is acting fraudulently.”
The ICP also warned individuals not to share personal documents or make payments to unverified entities and said legal action would be initiated against those found guilty of spreading misinformation or deceiving the public.
Following the backlash, Rayad Group issued an apology, stating that the information it had released was inaccurate and not aligned with official UAE government policy. The firm said it has suspended its Golden Visa advisory services and reaffirmed that all decisions regarding visa issuance lie solely with the UAE authorities.
Golden Visas issued by the UAE are typically valid for 5 or 10 years and are renewable. There is no provision for a “lifetime” visa or direct citizenship through this programme. Additionally, the fee mentioned in official nomination routes is not a guaranteed path to visa approval and varies based on individual profiles and government assessments.
Authorities have urged the public to verify visa-related information only through official portals such as the ICP or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The UAE also operates a national helpline (600 522 222) for immigration-related queries.
Experts warn that the recent episode highlights the growing risks of visa fraud, especially amid rising demand for residency options among Indian professionals and entrepreneurs. They advise prospective applicants to exercise caution, avoid shortcuts, and rely only on government-verified channels.
For official information on UAE Golden Visas, one can visit: https://icp.gov.ae or contact the ICP helpline.
