Have you heard the amazing news about getting a Dubai Golden Visa for just AED 100,000? This offer (about Rs 23 lakh) went viral and seemed like a dream come true for many wanting to move to the UAE.
However, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The UAE government has officially confirmed this is false and has warned everyone about this misinformation.
This post will break down the rumor, give you the real facts from the government, explain the actual Golden Visa rules, and show you how to avoid scams.
The Source of the Viral Misinformation
The misleading claim came from a Dubai-based company called Rayad Group. They promoted a false deal that promised a “lifetime” visa for a flat fee of AED 100,000. They claimed you didn’t need to buy property or own a business.
The group even mentioned a special “nomination-based” path that doesn’t officially exist for this purpose. After the UAE government stepped in, Rayad Group issued a public apology, took back its statements, and accepted full responsibility for the confusion its director caused.
Official Government Denial: The UAE Sets the Record Straight
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) is the only official group that handles visas. They strongly denied any program offering a Golden Visa for AED 100,000.
The ICP clarified a few key points. First, there is no such thing as a “lifetime” visa; the Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit for 5 or 10 years that you can renew.
Second, you must apply for a Golden Visa only through official ICP channels like their website, smart app, or approved centers in the UAE. Finally, they stated that no outside companies are allowed to process or approve these visas for the government.
The Real Path to a Golden Visa: Legitimate Requirements & Costs
If you want a Golden Visa, you need to follow the official rules. Here’s what you actually need:
Real Estate Investors: You must own property worth at least AED 2 million (about Rs 4.67 crore).
Business Investors: You need to invest at least AED 2 million in approved investment funds in the UAE.
Entrepreneurs: You can qualify if you own a tech or innovative business idea worth at least AED 500,000 that is approved by an official business incubator.
Skilled Professionals: You must have a job contract in a special field, a bachelor’s degree, and earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 (about Rs 6.7 lakh).
Exceptional Talents: Scientists, doctors, artists, and top students can also apply if they meet certain criteria.
The actual government fee for processing the Golden Visa is only around AED 3,000 (about Rs 67,000), plus costs for medical tests and the Emirates ID. This shows how unrealistic the Rs 23 lakh figure promoted by scammers was.
How to Identify and Avoid Visa Scams?
You can protect yourself from scams by watching for these red flags:
- Promises of a “guaranteed” or “lifetime” visa for a large payment.
- Consultants who ask for very high fees upfront, sometimes up to AED 40,000 (Rs 9 lakh).
- Claims of “special shortcuts” that let you skip official rules.
To apply safely, always use the official ICP website (icp.gov.ae) or the ICP Smart App. If you are ever unsure about an offer, you can call the official 24/7 helpline at 600522222 to check if it’s real.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be clear: the “Golden Visa for AED 100,000” is a complete scam with no truth to it. The UAE government has warned that it will take legal action against any person or company spreading these lies or running fake visa schemes.
So, what should you do? Always do your own research and trust only official government sources. If an offer seems too wonderful to be real, you should question it.
Protect your money and your dream of moving to the UAE by staying informed.
