Bollywood has always had a special place in the hearts of UAE residents, and it’s no secret that the cultural bond between India and the UAE runs deep. The UAE, with its vibrant expatriate community and love for the arts, has become a second home for many Bollywood celebrities. But it’s not just about enjoying the sun or indulging in luxury. It’s also about opportunities, especially the coveted UAE Golden Visa.The UAE Golden Visa, introduced in 2019, is more than just a residency permit, it’s a recognition of talent and contribution. Aimed at attracting exceptional individuals from all over the globe, it allows holders to live, work, and thrive without the need for a local sponsor. For Bollywood stars and Indian celebrities, this means not only a long-term home but also a chance to expand their businesses, invest in the country, and even start new ventures.But why are Bollywood celebrities, many of whom already enjoy immense global fame, so eager to obtain a Golden Visa? Beyond the glittering lifestyle and tax advantages, the UAE has become a thriving hub for cultural exchange, tourism, and innovation. The deep-rooted cultural ties between India and the UAE, where Indian expats form the biggest expatriate community, make it a natural fit for Bollywood’s biggest stars. These visas bring not just fame, but the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic, growing economy while enjoying an enhanced quality of life.With the Golden Visa, individuals like Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth, and even rising stars like Varun Dhawan have secured their place in the UAE, becoming part of a broader movement that bridges cultures and enhances mutual growth. It’s not just a visa, it’s a chance to cement lasting partnerships.So, who else has joined the ranks of Golden Visa holders? Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic Indian celebrities who’ve received the coveted status.Shah Rukh Khan (Actor)Shah Rukh Khan was the first Indian actor to receive the UAE Golden Visa, awarded in 2019. The UAE’s decision reflected his immense contribution to global cinema and his special bond with the emirate, where he owns property and is a brand ambassador for Dubai Tourism. Known as the “King of Bollywood,” SRK’s presence boosts Dubai’s cultural outreach. The Golden Visa allows him and his family long-term residency, enhancing his frequent travels for film shoots and business interests, and symbolizing India’s soft power abroad through entertainment.Sanjay Dutt (Actor)Sanjay Dutt received the UAE Golden Visa in May 2021 during his extended stay for cancer treatment and personal recovery. Thankful for the support received in the UAE, Dutt called it a “second home” and expressed a commitment to reciprocate the hospitality he and his family experienced. The visa ensured seamless access to world-class healthcare and professional opportunities, giving him and his family greater flexibility and security for long-term stays in the UAE.Rajinikanth (Actor)The legendary Tamil superstar Rajinikanth was honored with the UAE Golden Visa in May 2024 by the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, highlighting his charismatic pan-Indian and global appeal. He received the accolade for his outstanding cinematic contributions and strong following in the Middle East. Rajinikanth’s Golden Visa cements the UAE’s celebration of Indian film icons and further deepens the cultural bridge between India and the Gulf region.Kriti Sanon (Actress)Kriti Sanon was awarded the Golden Visa in early 2024. The national award-winning actress thanked Dubai authorities for the gesture, stating that Dubai holds a “special place” in her heart due to its vibrant and inclusive arts scene. The visa recognizes her artistic achievements and positions her as a cultural influencer in the UAE, supporting her work in international entertainment and enhancing her connectivity within the region’s entertainment sector.Sonu Nigam (Singer)Playback maestro Sonu Nigam was honored by UAE authorities with a 10-year Golden Visa in 2021. This recognition came as a nod to his decades-long musical accomplishments and widespread fan base among the Indian diaspora. The visa enables Sonu Nigam to perform, reside, and conduct business in the UAE without restrictions, expanding his outreach to fans in the Gulf and strengthening India’s musical influence.Vaishali Sardana (Playback Singer)Vaishali Sardana, celebrated Bollywood play-back singer and composer, was granted the UAE Golden Visa in 2024, facilitated by the Taqreer Group. Heralded for her melodious voice and dynamic versatility, her recognition underscores her impact on Bollywood as well as her growing international acclaim. The honor allows her to engage with the UAE’s cultural sector, inspire global audiences through her music, and serve as a bridge between Indian and Gulf entertainment industries.Sania Mirza (Tennis Player)Renowned tennis champion Sania Mirza was awarded the UAE’s 10-Year Golden Visa alongside her husband, cricketer Shoaib Malik, in 2022. The award recognized her international sports achievements—including six Grand Slam titles—and her role in promoting Indo-UAE sports ties. The Golden Visa ensures long-term residency and supports her professional endeavors, coaching engagements, and community participation within the UAE’s diverse expat society.Sunny Leone (Actress)Sunny Leone, known for her prolific work in Bollywood, received her Golden Visa in 2021 due to her significant popularity and permanent fanbase in the region. The visa allows the actress to work and reside in the UAE, participate in regional film projects, and contribute to the entertainment ecosystem, symbolizing the country’s openness to diverse cultural talent.Mammootty (Actor)Malayalam film legend Mammootty was awarded the Golden Visa in 2021 for his iconic presence in Indian cinema and enormous fan base in the Middle East. He is celebrated as one of the region’s most respected actors, often visiting Dubai for film events and personal vacations. The visa provides residency privileges to him and his family, allowing them to participate in the UAE’s cultural programs and entertainment industry.Suniel Shetty (Actor/Producer)Suniel Shetty, a prominent Bollywood actor and wellness entrepreneur, received the Golden Visa in 2021 for his contributions to entertainment. The UAE recognized his success in cinema and business, and the visa allows him to extend his fitness and media ventures into the Gulf. Shetty’s visa further supports cross-border collaborations in health, sports, and film production.Neha Kakkar (Playback Singer)Bollywood pop sensation Neha Kakkar received her Golden Visa in 2022. Her popularity in both India and the Middle East, combined with her prolific career as a singer, made her a prime candidate. The recognition supports her live performances, music releases, and collaborations in the UAE, enhancing her global reach.Sania Mirza (Tennis Player)Tennis champion Sania Mirza received a 10-year UAE Golden Visa in 2021. The honor acknowledges her international sports achievements and her strong influence in the South Asian sporting community. Mirza, who has long called Dubai her “second home,” uses the visa to advance regional sports academies and youth tennis development in the UAE.Tanisha Crasto (Badminton Player)Teen badminton star Tanisha Crasto was awarded the Golden Visa in July 2022. As a Dubai-raised Indian, she is among the youngest recipients. The visa, endorsed by Dubai Sports Council, rewards her rising international success, facilitating training, travel, and participation in global tournaments from Dubai. It also underscores the UAE’s commitment to nurturing sports talent.Mohanlal (Actor)Mohanlal, a leading figure in Malayalam cinema, received the Golden Visa in 2021 for his creative achievements and close ties to the expatriate community. His frequent visits for cultural events bolster the film industry’s links to the UAE. The long-term residency opens doors for further collaborations in the region.Varun Dhawan (Actor)Bollywood superstar Varun Dhawan joined the ranks of Golden Visa recipients in 2022, recognized for his contributions to film and his immense popularity with young audiences. Dhawan has participated in Gulf events and productions, reflecting Bollywood’s growing influence in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.Farah Khan (Choreographer/Director)Celebrated filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan received the Golden Visa in 2021. Known for blockbuster hits and iconic dance numbers, Khan uses her residency to engage in regional creative projects, workshops, and entertainment ventures, further linking Bollywood with the UAE’s thriving talent ecosystem.Ranveer Singh (Actor)Energetic Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh was honored with a UAE Golden Visa in 2022 for his dynamic film career and influence on contemporary pop culture. Singh’s work appeals widely to expatriate audiences, and he serves as a cultural connector between India and the Gulf.Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Actress/Producer)International star Priyanka Chopra Jonas is listed among Indian celebrities who have received the UAE Golden Visa, reflecting her worldwide impact in film, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. Chopra’s recognition helps her navigate global projects based out of the UAE and expands her philanthropic work in the region.Sachin Tendulkar (Cricketer)Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian cricket legend, was awarded the UAE Golden Visa in 2022.for transforming global perceptions of Indian sports and his continued role in youth development. Tendulkar’s presence supports the UAE’s ambitions in cricket events and sports infrastructure.Shikhar Dhawan (Cricketer)Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan received his Golden Visa in 2022. His frequent tours, leagues, and charity events in the Emirates contributed to the selection. Dhawan’s residency allows flexible travel for matches and personal ventures.Tovino Thomas & Prithviraj Sukumaran (Actors)Both Malayalam actors were awarded Golden Visas in 2022, recognizing their powerful influence on contemporary South Indian cinema and the enthusiastic Gulf audiences they attract. Their honors enable expanded partnerships with regional studios and cultural exchanges.Salman Khan (Actor)Salman Khan was awarded the UAE Golden Visa in June 2022 during the IIFA Weekend on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Bestowed by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, this 10-year visa recognizes his immense influence in Indian cinema, his frequent shoots in the UAE (notably “Tiger Zinda Hai,” “Bharat,” “Race 3”), and his strong connections to the region. Khan described Abu Dhabi as a second home and looks forward to greater professional work within the UAE’s film industry thanks to the flexibility and privileges the visa provides.Johny Lever (Comedian/Actor)Johny Lever, one of India’s most celebrated comedians, received the UAE Golden Visa in June 2022. The 64-year-old was honored by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) for his contribution to comedy and decades-long presence in Bollywood. Lever frequently performs for the Indian community in the UAE and expressed deep gratitude for the distinction, highlighting it as a privileged recognition for his lifelong work in arts and his significant fame among South Asian expats in the Gulf.Ali Zafar (Singer/Actor)Ali Zafar, a renowned Indo-Pakistani singer and actor, was conferred the UAE Golden Visa in late 2021. Recognized by Gulf press as one of the first Pakistani celebrities to receive it, Zafar credits his longstanding connection with the UAE, live performances, and efforts to build harmony through music and culture. He highlighted that the visa allows him easier travel, greater artistic collaborations, and stronger networks in the cosmopolitan environment of Dubai. Zafar also uses his status to promote diverse South Asian music and cinema in the MENA region.Riteish Deshmukh & Genelia Deshmukh (Actors)Riteish Deshmukh and his wife Genelia also received the UAE Golden Visa in June 2022 during the IIFA Weekend alongside Salman Khan. The couple was recognized for their contributions to Indian cinema and strong cultural footprint in the Gulf through frequent visits and collaborative projects. Their Golden Visas symbolize the UAE’s commitment to building ties with Bollywood personalities who have significant resonance in the region.Bhushan Kumar & Divya Kumar (Producer & Actress)Prominent film producer Bhushan Kumar and his actress/wife Divya Kumar received the UAE Golden Visa during the same IIFA Weekend (June 2022). The Abu Dhabi Film Commission honored them for their entrepreneurism and significant impact through T-Series, Bollywood’s global outreach, and musical collaborations. The visa enables both to manage cross-border entertainment and business initiatives with ease.Sanjay Kapoor (Actor)Sanjay Kapoor was awarded the UAE Golden Visa in September 2021, recognizing his contributions to Indian cinema and long-time engagement with the UAE, especially the Indian diaspora community. He publicly thanked the UAE government, mentioning childhood memories of visiting Sharjah for cricket matches and expressing excitement about now being a UAE resident. The long-term visa allows him flexible travel and enhanced professional ties with the region’s growing film industry.John Abraham (Actor)John Abraham received the UAE Golden Visa (as well as the “Al Saada Card” for privileged residents) for his widespread influence in Indian cinema and sports, and frequent visits to Dubai for shoots and business. Official video evidence from Golden Visa ceremonies and celebrity media confirms John’s status. This visa offers him long-term residency for film, sporting events, and charity initiatives in the Gulf.R Parthiban (Actor/Filmmaker)R Parthiban became the first Tamil actor to receive the UAE Golden Visa in December 2021. He was honored for his significant contribution to cinema, including numerous acclaimed films. The visa was presented by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in Dubai. Parthiban expressed his gratitude publicly, noting the honor as a major milestone in his career.Trishna Krishnan aka Trisha (Actress)Trisha Krishnan received the UAE Golden Visa, awarded in late 2021. The actress shared her excitement about the honor on social media. She is recognized for her extensive work in Tamil and Telugu cinema and received the visa in acknowledgment of her influence and contributions to Indian cinema.K S Chithra (Playback Singer)Indian playback singer K S Chithra received the 10-year UAE Golden Visa in May 2021. Known as the “Nightingale of South India,” she has recorded over 25,000 songs across multiple Indian languages and won numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan and National Film Awards. Her visa award recognizes her outstanding musical achievements and contributions to Indian arts.Mouni Roy (Actress)Mouni Roy received the UAE Golden Visa in November 2021. The actress, known for her roles in films like “Gold” and “London Confidential,” stated that Dubai is her second home as she spends significant time there. She expressed gratitude for the honor and mentioned that the visa enables her to pursue creative opportunities in the UAE, with several of her upcoming films expected to be shot there. The visa also supports her long-term residence and professional activities in the region.Boney Kapoor & Family (Producer)Boney Kapoor was granted the UAE Golden Visa in mid-2021 along with his family members. Verified recipients within the family include:

Boney Kapoor shared his gratitude publicly via social media. The family’s Golden Visas recognize their significant contributions to Indian cinema and their frequent engagement with the UAE’s business and film environments. Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor were present to receive their Golden Visas in Dubai, while Arjun and Anshula Kapoor were to collect theirs later due to scheduling and health reasons. The award enhances their ability to live, work, and invest in the UAE freelyTushar Kapoor (Actor)Bollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor was awarded the prestigious UAE Golden Visa in December 2021 , granting him 10-year residency. He received the visa from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship in the presence of Anil Dhanak, Managing Director of Kanz Jewels. Kapoor expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honoured to receive the Golden Visa and I thank the authorities for considering me worthy to receive this privilege.” He praised Dubai as the best place for creative talents to pursue their dreams and mentioned plans to shoot some forthcoming movies in the UAE. He joins Indian stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Mohanlal in this honor.Urvashi Rautela (Actor)Urvashi Rautela received the prestigious 10-year UAE Golden Visa in October 2021. She was recognized for her exceptional contribution to the arts as a talented actress and international celebrity. This accolade made her the first Indian actress and the youngest Indian to receive the Golden Visa within just 12 hours of application, marking a significant achievement. The visa grants her long-term residency in the UAE and symbolizes the country’s appreciation of her global influence and growing ties with Dubai. Additionally, in early 2024, her entire family was also granted the Golden Visa, making them the first Indian family to receive this honor together. Urvashi expressed gratitude for this recognition, which aligns with her frequent presence and work commitments in Dubai.Sonu Sood (Actor)Sonu Sood received the UAE Golden Visa in April 2022 in recognition of his extraordinary humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was widely praised for helping stranded migrant workers and others reach their homes amid lockdowns, earning him the title “Messiah of Migrants.” On receiving the Golden Visa, Sonu Sood expressed deep gratitude and said, “I am incredibly honoured and grateful to the Dubai government for the Golden Visa. Dubai has been one of my favourite destinations to visit. It is a dynamic place to thrive. I am thankful to the authorities for the privilege.” His statement reflects his humility and appreciation for the recognition extended by the UAE government