Abu Dhabi, July 18, 2025 – The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has officially dismissed recent rumors about a new “lifetime” Golden Visa scheme being offered to select nationalities via third-party consultancies. In a statement released on July 8, 2025, the authority emphasized that:
- All Golden Residency applications must be submitted exclusively through authorized UAE channels, such as the ICP website or smart app (JobXDubai, Emirati Times).
- No external consultancy—domestic or international—is legally permitted to offer lifetime or guaranteed Golden Visas (The National).
- False claims, including those advertising a one-time Dh100,000 payment for lifetime residency, have no legal basis and are considered fraudulent (The National).
Scammers Exploiting High Demand
Industry watchdogs have flagged a wave of misleading campaigns by overseas consultants inflating processing fees to Dh40,000—well above the official government charge of around Dh3,000 (excluding mandatory medical exams and Emirates ID fees) (Khaleej Times). Officials warn that this tactic is aimed at exploiting those unfamiliar with UAE’s official procedures (Khaleej Times).
Masiuddin Mohammed of Dubai’s Quality Government Service Centre said:
“On the day we read the news, we knew this was fake. There is no such thing as a ‘lifetime Golden Visa’.” (Khaleej Times)
Strengthened Oversight and Legal Response
The ICP has announced it will initiate legal proceedings against entities promoting false Golden Visa schemes (arabtimes). Applicants are urged to report suspicious offers and refrain from sharing personal documents or payments outside official portals (Emirati Times).
What’s Legit: Golden Residency Eligibility
Despite the rumor turmoil, genuine Golden Residency pathways continue under well-established categories:
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Investors | Property or fixed deposit of AED 2 million + |
| Skilled Professionals | Salary of AED 30,000/month; PhDs, doctors, IT specialists, etc. |
| Educators & Students | Outstanding students, scientists—16,456 awards in education sector recently (The Express Tribune, Reddit, Gulf News) |
| Entrepreneurs & Talent | Innovators, researchers, digital creators, yacht owners, volunteers |
Benefits include 5–10 year renewable residency, no need for local sponsor, family sponsorship, and tax-free income (Reddit).
In March 2025 alone, 16,456 individuals from the education sector were granted long-term residency, including 10,710 top-performing high-schoolers (Gulf News).
Advice from Experts: Stick to Official Channels
Applicants are strongly advised to rely solely on official sources—namely ICP, Amer centers, GDRFA, and relevant emirate-level bodies. Those who follow this guidance can avoid fraudulent schemes and ensure a smooth application process (Khaleej Times).
Bottom Line
The UAE’s Golden Visa remains a transparent, merit- and investment-based long-term residency initiative—not a lifetime offer for sale. Stick to official government portals, avoid unverified agencies, and stay informed on legitimate criteria.
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