Why are high-net-worth and professional Indians quietly opting for the UAE Golden Visa?

A clear breakdown of reasons a rising number of Indians are quietly opting for the UAE Golden Visa and how eligibility is won through property investment and tax and residency benefits. You will also learn more about remittance pathways from India, flexible career options in Dubai’s expanding business ecosystem and how many families use this visa as a long-term safeguard.

For decades, Indians have maintained a strong presence in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, as entrepreneurs, senior professionals and second-home buyers. Many wealthy Indian families have treated this city as an offshore base for business, lifestyle and property ownership. However, what has quietly changed now is the nature of this relationship.

Today, high-net-worth Indians and seasoned professionals are not just restricting their exposure in this city to work assignments or holiday homes. They are moving their careers as well as capital, residency and long-term security to the UAE. The decision to move is to build a hedge against currency volatility, tax complexity and unpredictability of global mobility.

Indian investors consistently rank as the top foreign property buyers in Dubai, even ahead of the British and Russians in terms of transaction volumes. The key motivating factor behind this shift is the 10-year residency visa, better known as the UAE Golden Visa.

The AED 2 million rule: Residency backed by assets

At its core, the Golden Visa proposition is straightforward. You invest AED 2 million, which is approximately ₹4.5–4.6 crore, in a qualifying UAE real estate property and become eligible for a 10-year renewable residency visa. This visa covers you and your immediate family.

To put it in a wider perspective, ₹4.5 crore might secure a modest two-bedroom apartment in South Mumbai or a quaint home in some of Delhi’s posh neighbourhoods. In Dubai, the same amount translates into a high-quality apartment in a globally connected city; plus, you unlock long-term residency with no employer dependency.

This is the key psychological shift: the Golden Visa eliminates the need for a local sponsor or kafeel. You do not need to be tied to an organisation to justify your presence in Dubai. In fact, your asset becomes your anchor and gives you autonomy that traditional work visas simply don’t offer.

Zero tax vs. rising complexity

Tax-free income is no longer the only reason people move to the UAE, but yes, it is often the deciding factor. India’s tax system has become increasingly layered for high earners, with income tax, surcharges and compliance complexity weighing heavily on professionals and businessmen. In contrast, the UAE continues to offer zero tax on personal income and does not levy personal capital gains tax.

Indian professionals are taking advantage of the UAE Golden Visa as a part of a broader tax strategy. By spending less than 182 days in India, they qualify as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for tax purposes, which means their income earned outside the country is no longer taxable.

How are Indians moving capital using the LRS?

A frequent question we often get asked is, “How do I actually move the money?”

Most often, the answer lies in India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). As per current RBI guidelines, an Indian resident can remit up to $250,000 per financial year (approximately ₹2.1 crore) for purposes such as overseas property investment. The opportunity is made better when families plan together.

A husband and wife can combine their individual LRS limits and are granted a remittance limit of up to $500,000 (approximately ₹4.2 crore) in a single year, a figure nearly enough to purchase a Golden Visa-qualifying property outright.This route is RBI-compliant and has become the preferred method, especially when paired with professional guidance.

Career flexibility in a global business hub

Dubai’s appeal is no longer restricted to a luxurious lifestyle or tax benefits. It has evolved into a central hub for global businesses. Multinational companies across technology, finance, logistics, consulting and commodities are rapidly setting up regional bases in the UAE, especially in areas such as DIFC, DMCC and Dubai South. Abu Dhabi has also emerged as a major financial leader through ADGM, attracting asset managers, private equity firms and seasoned investors.

Here’s how the Golden Visa outperforms a standard work permit

A traditional work or employment visa is tied to a single employer. You lose the job and residency becomes uncertain. There is a chance you may be sent back to India. A Golden Visa completely changes this equation. It allows professionals to freely switch roles, consult independently, work remotely for global firms and even take career sabbaticals, all without risking their right to stay in the UAE.

From an employer’s point of view, Golden Visa prospects are easier hires. Companies do not need to sponsor long-term residency and can simply issue a work permit. In competitive sectors, this flexibility makes candidates more attractive.

Proximity, safety and everyday convenience

Many Indian families consider the practicality advantage. Dubai is hardly three hours from Mumbai or Delhi, even quicker than domestic travel to some parts of India. This ease of travel makes the UAE an ideal weekend-commute base and allows families to easily travel between both countries.

Safety adds another layer of desirability, especially for women and children. The UAE consistently tops the charts as one of the world’s safest countries, with extremely low crime rates, reliable and prompt legal support and high-quality public infrastructure. Families also prefer this location due to the presence of world-class hospitals, internationally recognised schools offering IB and British curricula and a lifestyle strategically built around efficiency.

Let Benham and Reeves support your UAE journey

For Indians exploring Dubai property investment in 2026, execution is just as important as intent. Benham and Reeves India assists discerning buyers through the property buying and after-sales process. Our on-ground teams in both countries can help with identifying Golden Visa-qualifying properties, purchase structuring and post-purchase rental management, coordinate with the best UAE developers and advise on LRS-compliant remittance.

If you are considering a dual-residency strategy or looking for the best investment avenues outside India, get in touch with our Mumbai and Delhi offices today. You can schedule a one-on-one consultation here.