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UAE Launches Golden Visa for Skilled Bangladesh, India Workers
The United Arab Emirates has launched a new nomination-based Golden Visa scheme, offering a streamlined path to long-term residency for skilled professionals from Bangladesh and India.
Unlike previous requirements that centred around significant property or business investments, the new scheme includes a broader range of professions. Eligible applicants now include teachers, nurses, school principals, university professors, YouTubers, podcasters, e-sports professionals, digital content creators, and even luxury yacht owners.
The initiative, currently in a pilot phase, is exclusively open to Bangladeshi and Indian citizens. Applicants must be nominated and will undergo strict background checks, including screening for financial crimes, social media behaviour, and criminal records.
According to Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of the UAE-based consultancy overseeing the pilot phase, applicants do not need to travel to Dubai. They can apply through designated One Vasco Centers or authorised offices and online portals in their home countries.
The visa, priced at AED 100,000 (approximately USD 27,000), offers lifetime residency benefits. Holders can sponsor family members, employ domestic staff and drivers, and establish or manage businesses in the UAE. Unlike property-linked visas, this visa remains valid even if assets are sold or transferred.
Launched in 2019, the UAE's Golden Visa programme originally targeted high-net-worth individuals and investors. This latest expansion aligns with the country's efforts to attract global talent and diversify its economy. Officials anticipate thousands of applications in the coming months.
The scheme is also part of broader economic collaborations under the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), with future expansions expected to include countries like China.
“This is a golden opportunity for Bangladeshi professionals to access permanent residency and business opportunities in the UAE,” Ayub said.