UAE's Rs 23 lakh Golden Visa might cost Indians their online privacy

Paying Rs 23 lakh is not enough to secure the UAE’s coveted Golden Visa, which has sparked strong interest among Indians. Under a new nomination-based scheme, applicants will also face intense background scrutiny — including checks on their social media activity — before being granted lifetime residency.

While the exact criteria for social media scrutiny under the UAE Golden Visa are not yet public, the condition mirrors U.S. visa requirements, where applicants must disclose their social media handles and make them accessible to authorities.

Meanwhile, under the “new nomination-based visa policy,” Indians can now enjoy the UAE's Golden Visa for life by paying a fee of AED 1,00,000 (INR around 23.30 lakh). Until now, one of the ways to get Dubai's Golden Visa from India was to invest in property whose value should be at least AED Two Million (Rs 4.66 crore), or invest a large amount in business in the country.

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Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, said, "Whenever an applicant applies for this Golden Visa, we will first check their background, which will include anti-money laundering and criminal record checks, as well as their social media.”

The background check will also show if and how the applicant can benefit the UAE’s market and business activities in any other way such as culture, finance, trade, science, Start Up, professional services, etc. “After this, RayadGroup will send the application to the government, which will make the final decision on the nomination-based Golden Visa,” he added.

ALSO READ: UAE removes Golden Visa hurdles for Indians: Here's how you can get one

What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, study, and build a life in the UAE. It is offered for 5 or 10 years, and in most cases, it is automatically renewable.

ALSO READ: UAE’s golden visa at Rs 23 lakh is not for all Indians

Key benefits include:

• No local sponsor required
• Multiple entry visa
• Ability to stay outside the UAE for extended periods
• Full family sponsorship (spouse, children, parents)
• Can sponsor domestic staff
• Eligible to apply for Emirates ID and open a business

How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
Whether through the traditional or nomination route, the application process follows these basic steps:

Step 1: Choose the Right Category

• Decide if you’re applying as an:
• Investor
• Entrepreneur
• Student
• Skilled professional
• Humanitarian worker

Step 2: Prepare the Documents
Depending on your category, you will need:

• Academic certificates
• Salary slips or business ownership documents
• Medical insurance
• Bank statements and investment proof
• Passport copy and photos
• Government endorsements (for talents)

Step 3: Submit the Application

• For traditional routes, visit the ICP Website (https://icp.gov.ae/) or use the ICP App.
• For nomination-based visas, contact agencies like Rayad Group, VFS, or One Vasco.
• You can also opt for the ‘One Touch’ Golden Visa service, a convenient option that combines application, biometrics, visa issuance, and Emirates ID registration in one step.

Step 4: Background Checks
Authorities will verify:

• Criminal history
• Financial compliance
• Online activity and social media
• Step 5: Get Approval
• Once approved, you’ll receive your UAE Golden Visa, which allows you to live, work, and sponsor family or domestic help in the Emirates.