Introduction: The Illusion of Affordable Residency
In early July 2025, social media was flooded with posts claiming that Indians could secure a lifetime UAE Golden Visa for just ₹23.30 lakh. This “too good to be true” offer spread like wildfire,
making headlines, filling WhatsApp groups, and sparking hope among aspiring Indian migrants. Unfortunately, it turned out to be entirely fake.
This comprehensive investigation explores:
- What is a UAE Golden Visa?
- The truth behind the ₹23 lakh claim
- Why Golden Visas are not for the middle class
- The role of fake consultancies and viral media
- How other countries offer similar visas to the wealthy
- UAE Golden Visa price in INR, ₹23 lakh UAE Visa scam, fake Golden Visa scheme, Golden Visa eligibility, high net worth Golden Visa
What Is a Golden Visa?
Definition and Purpose
A Golden Visa is a government-issued residency-by-investment program that allows foreign nationals to obtain long-term residency by making significant investments in the host country’s economy.
Key Features
- Long-term residency (5–10 years or more)
- No need for local sponsorship
- Access to local services (schools, health care, business setup)
- Renewable as long as investment conditions are maintained
UAE Golden Visa: Who Is It Really For?
Official Requirements for UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa was launched in 2019 to attract top talent and investors. The 10-year visa is given to:
- Investors in real estate worth AED 2 million (~₹4.5 crore)
- Entrepreneurs with successful startups
- Highly skilled professionals (scientists, doctors, tech experts)
- Outstanding students and graduates
- Humanitarian pioneers and frontline workers
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The ₹23 Lakh Golden Visa Rumour: Origins and Fallout
The Viral Rumour
The story began when a press release by Rayad Group, a Dubai-based firm, claimed Indians could obtain a lifetime UAE Golden Visa by paying just ₹23.30 lakh. The news agency PTI picked up the story, which was later amplified by major Indian media outlets and influencers.
How It Went Viral
- Shared widely on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube
- WhatsApp forwards compared it to the cost of a Mercedes-Benz
- Influencers called it a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity
UAE Government Responds: Scam Confirmed
Denial and Warning
Within 48 hours, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) issued an official denial:
- Called the ₹23 lakh Golden Visa claim “baseless”
- Reiterated that only official government channels can process Golden Visa applications
- Warned the public against falling for unauthorized offers
Why the ₹23 Lakh Golden Visa Was a Scam
Expert Analysis
Andri Boiko, CEO of international advisory firm Garant In, told Business Standard:
“These visas are not immigration pathways for the general population; they are exclusive to High Net-Worth Individuals and Ultra High Net-Worth Individuals seeking to expand their global footprint.”
Entry Barriers
Boiko emphasized:
- Investments must be in the range of $545,000 or more
- Applicants need to prove legal income sources
- Must hold the investment for a minimum number of years
- Clean criminal record required
- Not available through a flat “fee” like ₹23 lakh
How Consultancy Firms Exploited Public Sentiment
Playing on Aspirations
Ajmera Law Group founder, Prashant Ajmera, explained that middle-class Indians are particularly vulnerable:
“The UAE is seen as a dream destination. The idea of a ₹23 lakh shortcut to tax-free living is compelling—but fake.”
Role of Shady Consultancies
- Some consultancies claimed to “process” Golden Visas at budget prices
- They preyed on the public’s lack of understanding
- Many operate in legal grey areas without official government links
Golden Visa Programs Around the World
1. Portugal
- Minimum €500,000 investment in real estate (previously)
- New routes include job creation and capital transfers
- Residency after 5 years, followed by citizenship
2. Greece
- Property-based visa for €250,000
- Rising to €400,000 in prime locations
- Popular with Chinese and Indian investors
3. Italy (“Dolce Visa”)
- Investment in startups, public-interest projects, or bonds
- Minimum: €250,000
- Promotes lifestyle and business innovation
4. Singapore
- SGD 2.5 million investment required
- Routes: Business expansion or Global Investor Programme
- One of the strictest, most elite programs
5. Grenada
- Citizenship-by-donation: $235,000
- Real estate option: $270,000
- Visa-free access to 140+ countries, including Schengen Area
6. UAE
- AED 2 million (~₹4.5 crore) property investment
- 10-year residency
- No job requirement but needs asset proof
7. United States (Upcoming)
- Former President Donald Trump is reportedly planning a “Gold Card” visa for $5 million
- Aimed at ultra-wealthy foreigners
Real Price vs Fake Price: Breaking Down the Numbers
| Country | Investment Needed | ₹ Equivalent (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | AED 2 million | ₹4.5 crore |
| Greece | €250,000 | ₹2.25 crore |
| Portugal | €500,000 | ₹4.5 crore |
| Singapore | SGD 2.5 million | ₹15 crore |
| Grenada | $270,000 | ₹2.25 crore |
| Trump’s Plan | $5 million | ₹41 crore |
The ₹23 lakh offer was just 5% of the minimum cost required in the UAE.
Why This Fake News Was So Believable
Psychological Factors
- ₹23 lakh sounds achievable to upper-middle-class Indians
- The idea of a “lifetime residency” created urgency
- Promoted heavily by influencers and news portals
The Role of Media
Ajmera added:
“The media failed to verify facts. When people saw it in print, they assumed it was true.”
- PTI, a major Indian news agency, published the release without verifying
- Top news outlets replicated the story
- Social media algorithms pushed it further
Official Reactions and Backtracking
UAE Government
- Issued warnings through official channels
- Reminded public that only government sites handle Golden Visa applications
- Highlighted no consultancy is authorized to issue or guarantee Golden Visas
Rayad Group’s Apology
- Withdrew the press release
- Apologized for “inaccurate statements” by Managing Director Rayad Kamal Ayub
- Admitted the claim was misleading
Red Flags in the ₹23 Lakh Scheme
Signs It Was Fake
- No government documentation or official link
- No legal clarity on investment class
- Vague terms like “lifetime visa” without explanation
- Offered through unauthorized channels
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How to Apply for a Real Golden Visa (Legally)
Official UAE Process
- Visit the ICP Smart Services website
- Choose the Golden Visa category
- Submit application with supporting documents
- Wait for background checks and approval
- Make qualifying investment
- Receive 10-year residency
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Use official government websites
- Consult with licensed immigration lawyers
- Research eligibility before applying
Don’t:
- Pay fees to unknown firms
- Believe viral forwards without verification
- Share personal data with unofficial agents
What Can the Indian Public Learn?
Lessons from the Scam
- Always verify immigration news from official embassies
- Understand that residency-by-investment is a luxury, not a shortcut
- Stay cautious of “limited-time” offers
- Middle-class migration is usually via skilled-worker routes, not Golden Visas
Final Thoughts: An Expensive Dream or a Dangerous Illusion?
The idea of getting a Golden Visa for ₹23 lakh may sound attractive, but it was nothing more than a well-packaged scam. Golden Visas are meant for the global elite—those with millions to spare, not middle-income professionals hoping for a better life abroad.
