According to industry analysts, the UAE’s residency environment has undergone a dramatic change with the recent revision of the Golden Visa.

The UAE’s long-term strategy is strategically aligned with the new framework, which is more inclusive. By paying a set sum of AED 1,00,000 (about Rs 23.3 lakh), international nationals, including Indians, will be able to obtain lifetime residency under the nomination-based Golden Visa scheme.

For Indian real estate investors, this shift has two effects, according to Akash Puri, Director International at India Sotheby’s International Realty.

Indian investors who wanted to preserve their cash and gain immigration benefits were particularly interested in real estate investing because it was historically one of the few ways to obtain permanent status.

Now that the visa is available through more channels, there will probably be less of a rush to invest only for residency, especially for mid-market and entry-level businesses. Puri stated that this could calm speculative purchasing and promote more sensible investing practices.

Now, more importance will be given to fundamentals like location, developer credibility, and long-term value by investors who are still committed to the UAE real estate market, whether they are motivated by rental returns, lifestyle benefits, or diversification.

The new professional-centric criteria will not significantly impact ultra-HNWIs, who will still be drawn to luxury and trophy assets.

“Recalibrating from residency-led transactions to value-led strategies is a sign for Indian investors.” This development may eventually create a more resilient and stable real estate market that favors long-term, strategic involvement over speculative activity, Puri emphasized.

The program makes it easier for foreigners who want to live in the Middle Eastern country. Previously, a 10-year renewable residency visa required a 2 million AED (about Rs 4.7 crore) investment in UAE local real estate.

The new Golden Visa scheme has not yet been formally announced by the UAE government.

Over 5,000 applications will be able to apply for a golden visa in three months, with India and Bangladesh reportedly on the list for the project’s first phase.