Dubai Golden Visa Indians: Why Are So Many Leaving India?
By Northeast Press Digital Desk | July 8, 2025
Dubai Golden Visa Indians—Dubai’s latest Golden Visa policy has sparked renewed interest among Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals, offering an attractive pathway to long-term residency in the UAE. At a one-time cost of AED 100,000 (approximately INR 23 lakh), eligible Indians can now secure lifetime residency — without the need for purchasing real estate or committing large capital investments.
While the program may seem like a procedural update, its broader implications are strategic and powerful. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is positioning itself not only as a destination for wealth but as a magnet for global talent. This approach is resonating strongly with India’s growing upper-middle class, many of whom are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad for a more predictable, dignified, and efficient lifestyle.
Dubai’s Golden Visa: An Affordable Global Gateway
The revised Golden Visa scheme has reduced the entry barriers for residency, making it more accessible than ever for Indian citizens. At a cost comparable to a mid-range SUV or luxury gadget in India, the visa now sits comfortably within reach for tech professionals, startup founders, senior executives, and even salaried individuals from urban India.
In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru, the amount needed for the visa wouldn’t even buy a car parking space in premium housing societies — a stark reminder of India’s urban cost-versus-value imbalance. In contrast, the UAE offers modern infrastructure, global connectivity, and efficient governance, making it a compelling alternative for those seeking a better quality of life.
Why Are Indians Choosing Dubai Over India?
The answer lies in systemic friction — India’s highly complex bureaucratic systems, unpredictable regulations, and underdeveloped urban infrastructure often frustrate even the most committed professionals and investors.
In contrast, the UAE has crafted a business environment that champions:
- Low regulatory hurdles
- Favorable tax structures
- Stable civic services
- High-quality infrastructure
This has drawn particular interest from professionals in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Web3, Fintech, and Quantum Computing. In India, these sectors often face ambiguous regulations and limited institutional support, pushing innovators to explore countries that offer clarity, support, and a thriving peer ecosystem.
The Silent Exit: What the Numbers Reveal
According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024, more than 4,300 Indian millionaires are expected to relocate abroad this year, after 5,100 exits in 2023. Data from India’s Ministry of External Affairs shows that over 1.6 million Indians have renounced their citizenship since 2011, with a notable spike in the past year.
In addition, findings from Kotak Private and EY highlight that 1 in 4 ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs) in India are actively exploring international relocation options.
These are not merely economic emigrants — many of them are the very drivers of India’s startup boom and business growth, and their departure raises critical questions about the domestic environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.
What India Must Learn
Dubai’s Golden Visa model showcases how good governance, investor-friendly policies, and modern civic planning can create a competitive advantage in today’s global talent race. Rather than labeling those who leave as “unpatriotic,” India must interpret this as a strategic alert.
To retain its top talent, India needs to make significant reforms, including:
- Investment in urban infrastructure and liveable cities
- Tax policy reforms to encourage enterprise
- Ease of doing business improvements
- Stronger institutional support for innovation
- A culture of governance that respects competence and ambition
If left unaddressed, this steady outflow of India’s best minds and capital could grow into a long-term economic challenge.
UAE Golden Visa: A Symbol of Aspiration
The UAE has turned its visa system into a strategic tool for nation-building — attracting not just wealth, but intellect, credibility, and global ambition. For India, this moment must serve as a pivot point — an opportunity to rethink how it treats its most productive citizens, not just as taxpayers, but as partners in nation-building.
Follow northeastpress.in to get the latest updates first.
