However, amidst all this, an X user by the username of Backpacking Daku, who claims to have travelled to 50+ countries and has expertise in areas of visa assistance and travel planning, highlights a sobering reality- the sky-high cost of living in Dubai
High cost of living a major factor to consider
Getting a golden visa by paying around Rs 23 lakh is just the start. According to Daku, a single person living on rent outside the city centre in a 1 BHK and having a car, will incur approximately Rs 2.81 lakh as monthly expenses.
This figure will climb to Rs 3.94 lakh per month for a couple living in similar circumstances, he further explains. Similarly, a couple with 2 kids studying in a private school, living on rent in a 1 BHK outside the city centre with a car will have to dish out Rs 4.97 lakh in monthly expenses, he adds.
While all these calculations, he emphasises, include eating 10% of meals per month outside, car usage, public transport pass, occasional purchase of clothes and many other basic expenses, it does not take into account many other significant expenses such as insurance, healthcare expenses, parking fees, or domestic help.
What is the UAE’s new golden visa policy all about?
Currently in its pilot phase for residents of India and Bangladesh, the UAE’s new policy allows individuals to get a golden visa to the UAE for a lifetime by paying Rs 23.3 lakh. As of July 7, 2025, one AED is equal to Rs 23.39.
Previously, Indians had to have a minimum investment of Rs 4.66 crore, or AED 2 million, in the region’s real estate to secure a golden visa. This visa would become invalid if the property in question were sold.
Under the new policy, applicants can be nominated, depending on their professions and how much they can potentially contribute to the UAE’s economy, particularly when it comes to culture, trade, science, finance or startups. The final decision on whether or not to grant the visa, however, will depend on the UAE authorities.
Although the Indian diaspora in the UAE already makes for the largest expatriate community in the country, many web-based sources like Numbeo and Expatistan, which offer a comparative estimate of the cost of living in various cities across the globe, highlight that on average, Dubai is far more expensive than many Indian metros like Delhi or Bangalore.
According to Numbeo, Dubai is 162.4% more expensive than Bangalore, exclusive of rent. Moreover, rent in Dubai is, on average, 550.2% higher than in Bangalore. Similarly, when compared to Delhi, Expatistan, another crowd-sourced data site for cost of living comparisons, states that the cost of living in Delhi (India) is 68% cheaper than in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).
Why is the UAE’s golden visa so sought-after?
The UAE has zero personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax. The golden visa allows Indians to access residency rights and these benefits in the region, by offering a renewable residency visa for 5 or 10 years, without having to show a local sponsor. Individuals won’t lose their residency status even if they live outside of the UAE for over 6 months. The primary visa holder can sponsor as many of their family members as they like, who can stay back in the UAE even after his or her death.
According to the official website of the Rayad Group, which will be spearheading the visa screening in India along with
VFS Global’s Education, Trade & Migration (VFS ETM) Services, “the application timeline will range between 2 to 4 weeks for qualified applicants”. Moreover, visa holders will be able to enjoy 100% ownership of businesses in the UAE mainland, along with a renewable, long-term residency for 10 years.
This proposition may appeal to many Indians who have global income and want to avoid tax. The cost of living may also come down as a person moves away from the city centre. Therefore, the net financial benefit will vary from person to person. If you are planning to make a move you must evaluate all these factors before going ahead.
