The UAE government has officially refuted widespread social media claims that it was offering lifetime Golden Visas exclusively to citizens of certain countries, including India and Bangladesh. In a statement released today by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), authorities clarified that no such policy change has been approved, urging residents to rely only on official announcements.
This exclusive:
✔ Government’s full statement
✔ How the rumor spread
✔ Actual Golden Visa rules (2025 updates)
✔ How to verify UAE immigration news
The Rumor vs. Reality
What Was Claimed?
- Viral WhatsApp/Telegram messages suggested:
- “Lifetime Golden Visa for Indians/Bangladeshis”
- “No renewal needed, unlike a standard 10-year visa.”
- “Special discount on fees”
Government’s Response
ICP Spokesperson stated:
“The UAE Golden Visa remains a merit-based system open to all nationalities under existing criteria. No lifetime visas or exclusive nationality-based schemes have been introduced. We warn against misinformation circulating on unofficial platforms.”
🔹 Fact Check: The UAE did recently expand Golden Visa categories (investors, scientists, top graduates) but did not remove renewal requirements or favor specific countries.
How the Fake News Spread
Timeline of the Rumor
- July 8: Unverified Twitter/X /X posts claimed “new lifetime visa for South Asians.”
- July 9: Dubai-based influencers amplified the message without fact-checking.
- July 10: ICP issues denial after surge in calls to immigration centers.
Why It Gained Traction
- High Demand: Indians/Bangladeshis make up ~35% of the UAE’s population.
- Precedent: Past visa relaxations (e.g., 2022’s 10-year visa) fueled speculation.
Actual 2025 Golden Visa Rules
Current Eligibility (All Nationalities)
- Investors – Property (AED 2M+) or business (AED 500K+ revenue)
- Professionals – Monthly salary ≥AED 30K in priority sectors (AI, healthcare, etc.)
- Exceptional Talent – Scientists, artists, athletes
- Outstanding Students – GPA 3.8+ in UAE universities
Key Facts
✔ Duration: 10 years (renewable)
✔ Cost: ~AED 9,000 (standard fees apply)
✔ No Lifetime Option: Renewal requires re-verification of eligibility