UAE’s ₹23 Lakh Golden Visa Sparks Buzz in India: Lifetime Residency or Just a Distant Dream?

The UAE has introduced a new golden visa program offering lifetime residency for a fee of ₹23 lakh, generating excitement—and a fair share of memes—across social media. While the offer seems promising to many Indians seeking global mobility and business opportunities, others are weighing the steep price tag. The development has piqued interest particularly in Tier 2 cities, where aspirations to settle abroad are growing steadily.

What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE’s golden visa is essentially a long-term residency permit aimed at attracting investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and high-achieving individuals. The latest version of the visa offers lifetime validity, a significant shift from previous 10-year options.

At approximately ₹23 lakh (AED 100,000), the visa grants holders the ability to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. It also opens access to various business benefits and smoother global travel.

Indian Interest and Reactions
India has always been a key demographic for UAE’s expat population, especially with a large number of Indians working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. This lifetime visa option, while expensive, is being considered by entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and HNIs (high-net-worth individuals).

At the same time, Indian social media has responded with humour—turning the hefty fee into meme material. From jokes about selling kidneys to imagining UPI payments to the UAE government, the online chatter reflects both curiosity and disbelief.

Tier 2 City Perspective
In Tier 2 cities like Surat, Kochi, Nagpur, and Ludhiana—where families often send members to Gulf countries for work—this news has sparked serious dinner table conversations. Some see it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to settle permanently in a tax-friendly country, while others feel the cost is too high for the average middle-class household.

Local travel consultants report growing inquiries about eligibility and payment plans, especially from small business owners and professionals exploring expansion in the Middle East.

A Smart Move or Strategic Risk?
While the UAE’s golden visa can offer stability and mobility, financial experts caution against jumping in without a long-term plan. The ₹23 lakh fee doesn’t cover living costs, healthcare, or business setup—those would require additional investment. The visa also doesn’t grant citizenship, which means rights are still limited compared to permanent residents in countries like Canada or Australia.

However, for those already earning in dirhams or running Gulf-based operations, the offer could be a game-changer.

Conclusion
The UAE’s ₹23 lakh golden visa has certainly caught India’s attention—from Tier 1 metros to Tier 2 cities dreaming of global access. Whether it’s a smart move or an elite offering for a niche group, the conversation it has triggered speaks volumes about India’s growing global ambitions. As more people explore international lifestyles and business opportunities, offers like these are likely to stay in focus—if not in everyone’s budget, at least in their imagination.