UAE refutes lifetime Golden Visa reports
Government outlines eligibility, warns against false advisory claims
ABU DHABI – The UAE government has officially denied claims that it is offering lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities, clarifying that all applications must meet regulated criteria.
This follows a wave of misinformation spreading through local and international media outlets suggesting relaxed residency rules.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) stated that Golden Visa applications can only be submitted via approved government platforms. No third-party consultants or advisory firms are authorised to process, approve, or fast-track the application process.
The clarification comes in response to press releases issued by a consulting office abroad, which falsely suggested that lifetime Golden Visas could be acquired easily. Media coverage in India and some UAE-based outlets further amplified these unverified claims.
Eligibility criteria
The ICP emphasised that categories, requirements, and regulations for the Golden Visa are clearly defined in UAE law, and any changes would be announced through official channels. Individuals seeking accurate information should refer to the ICP website or smart application.
Authorities stressed that anyone applying for the long-term residency visa should avoid dealing with unlicensed consultants or agencies. Applicants are also warned against submitting personal documents or making payments to such entities.
Legal measures planned
The ICP confirmed that legal proceedings will be initiated against organisations or individuals promoting false information with the intent to mislead the public or extort money. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and safety for all applicants and will continue updating services through verified digital platforms.
Residents and investors have been urged to rely only on official sources – either the ICP website or the call centre at 600522222 – for all Golden Visa-related queries and procedures.