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Green Visa
VisasUnited Arab EmiratesGreen Visa
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
Open

Green Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

4,000 AED

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 140,400
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors without employer dependency.

The UAE Green Visa is a five-year, self-sponsored residence permit introduced to attract and retain global talent by providing greater flexibility and independence from traditional employer-sponsored residency. This visa category is specifically tailored for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors who wish to live and work in the UAE without being tied to a single employer. By eliminating the need for a local sponsor or guarantor, the Green Visa empowers professionals to manage their own career paths, whether through freelancing, consulting, or independent business ventures, while enjoying long-term stability in the country.

Eligibility for the Green Visa varies by category but generally requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree or a specialized diploma. Freelancers and self-employed professionals must demonstrate an annual income of at least AED 360,000 over the past two years or provide proof of financial solvency. Skilled employees must be classified within specific professional levels by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and meet set salary thresholds. The visa also offers enhanced benefits, including the ability to sponsor first-degree relatives and extended grace periods after visa cancellation. The application fee is approximately AED 200 plus 5% VAT, though total costs including medical tests and Emirates ID issuance will apply.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)

Validity10 years
Processing2-5 days
View Visa Details
Employment Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Employment Visa

Validity3 years
Processing7-20 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree or diploma

Annual income AED 360,000+ (freelancers)

Valid passport

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

180,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Freelance license

Income proof

Educational credentials

Medical test

Police clearance

Proof of residence

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Self-sponsored
  • 5-year validity
  • Job mobility

Worth Knowing

  • Must meet income threshold
  • Not permanent

Application Process

1

Get freelance permit: Obtain freelance/self-employment license from MoHRE

2

Prepare documents: Gather income proof and educational credentials

3

Submit application: Apply for green visa online or in-person

4

Provide financial proof: Submit evidence of AED 360,000+ annual income

5

Medical test: Complete health examination

6

Security check: Background verification

7

Receive approval: Green visa approved

8

Get 5-year visa: Receive green residence visa

Application Forms

Green Visa Application—

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