United Arab Emirates•Asia

Open

Green Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

AED 200 AED

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

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 for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors who work independently without employer sponsorship. By eliminating the need for a local sponsor, it empowers individuals to pursue freelancing, consulting, or business while maintaining long-term residency and work authorization in the UAE.

qualification requires a bachelor's degree and, for freelancers, annual income of at least AED 360,000. Skilled employees must meet professional classifications set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The visa is renewable with total ICP fees of AED 300 (application + issuance + smart services), plus costs for medical tests and Emirates ID. Processing takes 48 hours.

This visa is ideal for skilled freelancers and entrepreneurs seeking long-term UAE residency with independence from employer dependency.

Cost Breakdown

Application feeAED 100 AED

Issuance fee (per year)AED 100 AED

recurring

Smart services feeAED 100 AED

TotalAED 200 AED

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Arab Emirates

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)

Validity10 years

Processing2–5 days

View Visa Details

United Arab Emirates

Employment Visa

Validity2 years

Processing2 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED 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 residence with no employer dependency required
Fast processing in 48 hours from application to approval
Full work authorization allows career mobility across employers and sectors
Can sponsor spouse and children as dependents on dependent visas
Low transparent application fee: AED 200 plus 5% VAT (additional medical and Emirates ID costs apply)
Renewable indefinitely as long as qualification criteria remain met
Bachelor's degree or equivalent diploma makes it accessible to skilled professionals
No job offer prerequisite — ideal for freelancers and self-employed professionals

Worth Knowing

Minimum annual income requirement of AED 360,000 for freelancers and self-employed applicants
Dependent (spouse) work rights are restricted and require separate work permit from MoHRE
Not a pathway to permanent residency — remains a 5-year renewable visa only
Bachelor's degree or equivalent diploma is mandatory — no pathway for those without higher education qualification

Application Process

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

Prepare documents: Gather income proof and educational credentials

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

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

Medical test: Complete health examination

Security check: Background verification

Receive approval: Green visa approved

Get 5-year visa: Receive green residence visa

Application Forms

Green Visa Application

—

Verified Claims (2)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026

Fee Breakdown

Application fee: 100 AED; Issuance fee (per year): 100 AED; Smart services fee: 100 AED

icp.gov.ae

Processing Estimates

{"minDays":2,"maxDays":2}

gdrfad.gov.ae

Official Information

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

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Overview

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

This visa is ideal for skilled freelancers and entrepreneurs seeking long-term UAE residency with independence from employer dependency.

Requirements

PUBLISHED 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 residence with no employer dependency required
Fast processing in 48 hours from application to approval
Full work authorization allows career mobility across employers and sectors
Can sponsor spouse and children as dependents on dependent visas
Low transparent application fee: AED 200 plus 5% VAT (additional medical and Emirates ID costs apply)
Renewable indefinitely as long as qualification criteria remain met
Bachelor's degree or equivalent diploma makes it accessible to skilled professionals
No job offer prerequisite — ideal for freelancers and self-employed professionals

Worth Knowing

Minimum annual income requirement of AED 360,000 for freelancers and self-employed applicants
Dependent (spouse) work rights are restricted and require separate work permit from MoHRE
Not a pathway to permanent residency — remains a 5-year renewable visa only
Bachelor's degree or equivalent diploma is mandatory — no pathway for those without higher education qualification