UAE Debunks Lifetime Visa Myth

The United Arab Emirates has officially dismissed claims that it has introduced a “lifetime” Golden Visa for certain nationalities, including Indian citizens. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) clarified that no such visa category exists, labelling the circulating reports as false and misleading. Authorities confirmed that there is no legal provision for a lifetime residency permit through a one-time payment of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh).

 

 Golden Visa Policy Remains Unchanged

The Golden Visa program, launched in 2019, continues to operate under established rules that grant long-term residency—typically for five or ten years—based on specific eligibility criteria such as investment, academic achievement, or specialised professional roles. While property investors with a minimum investment of AED 2 million may qualify for a 10-year visa, this does not grant permanent or lifetime residency.

 

There have been no recent amendments to the structure of the Golden Visa. No nationality has been granted a special category, and residency decisions continue to follow UAE’s federal laws. The application process remains merit-based, and there is no option to secure long-term residency through payment alone.

 

 Authorities Warn Public Against Misinformation

In response to viral posts and promotions suggesting the availability of a lifetime visa, the UAE government urged the public to rely only on official platforms such as the ICP portal and authorized centres like Amer for visa-related services. Reports indicate that misleading offers have been circulated through social media and third-party agencies, falsely claiming that individuals could bypass standard procedures through lump-sum payments or real estate purchases.

 

Officials emphasized that any such offers should be treated as fraudulent, and warned against sharing personal details with unverified entities. The public is encouraged to verify information and seek assistance only from government-approved channels.

 

No Lifetime Visa: Only Official Procedures Apply

Authorities reiterated that there is no such thing as a “lifetime” Golden Visa in the UAE. The long-term residency scheme remains available to eligible individuals through the official application process. Residents and prospective applicants are advised to remain cautious, avoid misinformation, and follow the correct legal steps outlined by the UAE government.

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