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Green Visa
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
Open

Green Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

From AED 200

Other charges may apply

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 126,000
Quality of Life
169/200
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
Issuance fee (per year)AED 100
recurring
Smart services feeAED 100
TotalAED 200

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

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 AED/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

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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