Dubai's real estate market just logged over 120,000 property deals in one year. That number is not just market heat; it is a clear signal of a global wealth migration, and it is being led by investors from India.
A new report for 2025 confirms the trend. The UAE's Residence by Investment program, better known as the Golden Visa, is now the second most popular residency option for India's wealthiest families. It has surpassed traditional destinations in the West, now trailing only Australia's National Innovation Visa.
This surge aligns with a record 8,500 Indian millionaires expected to move abroad this year. They are not just looking for business opportunities. They are strategically choosing the UAE as a second home that offers a better lifestyle and solid financial footing.
A Shift in Priorities
The traditional path for wealthy Indian families once led straight to the US, UK, or Canada. Today, their reasons for moving have changed.
The new checklist includes climate resilience, better healthcare, easier global travel, and a safe haven from political uncertainty. While India's own economic policies are a factor, Dubai's pull has become the dominant force. The city directly answers these new priorities with its stable politics, modern infrastructure, and reputation as a safe, international hub. Its close proximity to India is a bonus, not the main attraction.
An expert from 'Gateway Global Migration Services' puts it plainly: "The UAE offers residency fast. Combine that with Dubai's luxury real estate and international community, and you have a package that Indian HNWIs find impossible to ignore."
How the Golden Visa Works
For Indian investors, the most direct path to residency is through real estate. The requirements are straightforward.
The main rule is a minimum investment of AED 2 million (around $545,000 USD) in residential property. Investors have flexibility here, as the amount can be spread across one or more properties. This includes:
- Off-plan properties from government-approved developers.
- Completed properties that are ready to move into.
- Mortgaged properties, as long as the amount paid to the bank is at least AED 2 million.
A successful application grants a 10-year renewable visa for the investor and their family. The benefits are significant, especially the tax advantages and the freedom to operate without a local sponsor. This offers a level of financial control that few other countries can match.
It is also important to stick to the facts. Recent rumors of a "lifetime" Golden Visa for a one-time AED 100,000 fee were officially shut down by UAE authorities. The established investment rules are the only way forward.
The UAE's strategy is no longer just about attracting money. It is about attracting talented people who plan to stay. For India's elite, that message is crystal clear. Dubai has become the new frontier.