Green Visa UAE

UAE Green Visa: overview

The UAE Green Visa is a new type of residence permit that was introduced by the Government in 2022 to make the UAE a more attractive destination for highly skilled talent.

The visa is designed to attract top talent from around the world and to encourage them to stay in the UAE for the long term. Also, this visa provides a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to establish their presence in the United Arab Emirates and grants the freedom to reside in the country for five years without the need for sponsorship from an employer or company, and allows them to sponsor their family members. This type of visa can sometimes be called the UAE Silver Visa, but it is not its official name.

Benefits of the UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa provides far more than just permission to live in the country — it offers an upgraded model of residency that supports independence, security, and long-term planning. Designed to empower skilled professionals, self employed individuals, and entrepreneurs, the Green Visa redefines what it means to live and work in the UAE.

Beyond work flexibility, the green residence pathway includes enhanced family privileges, visa independence, and broader access to public and private services, positioning it as one of the most forward-thinking residency options in the region.

Unique advantages of a Green Visa

One of the key differences between the Green Visa and traditional visas is that it removes the need for a local sponsor or employer. This gives applicants direct control over their own residency and the freedom to pursue new opportunities without being tied to a single job or company.

Key benefits include:

• 5-year residency that is renewable
• No need for employer sponsorship
• Ideal for self-employed professionals, skilled employees, and investors
• Ability to sponsor family members on the same terms
• Access to the UAE's healthcare, education, and financial systems
• Greater mobility and work flexibility across sectors

This makes the Green Visa UAE a practical option for freelancers, consultants, and international professionals looking for stability without corporate dependency.

Family sponsorship

One of the most attractive features of the UAE Green Visa is the ease of sponsoring family members. Holders can bring their spouse, children, and even unmarried daughters up to the age of 25 (with no age limit for daughters if unmarried). Sons can also be sponsored until age 25, a notable upgrade from the previous age cap of 18.

Family sponsorship benefits:

• Dependents receive the same residency period as the primary applicant
• No need for separate employment-based sponsorship
• Access to schools, healthcare, and financial services for the whole family
• Protection of family members’ status even if the main visa holder loses theirs

These improvements allow families to settle in the UAE with long-term stability and legal clarity.

Work and lifestyle flexibility

The Green Residency program is ideal for those pursuing self-employment or shifting careers without the restrictions of job-linked visas. Holders can work across various industries, start their own business, or take on project-based contracts. This is particularly beneficial in fields like digital media, consulting, tech, healthcare, and education.

You also gain the ability to apply for multiple freelance permits or work permits without being limited to a single company, allowing full use of the UAE’s freelance and remote work ecosystems.

Practical examples of Green Visa’s benefits

To understand the real-world impact of the Green Visa in the UAE, consider these practical scenarios:

• A self-employed graphic designer from Europe uses the Green Visa to legally live in Dubai while serving international clients online, without the need to be employed by a local firm.
• A tech consultant working remotely for U.S. companies moves to Abu Dhabi under a Green Visa, enjoying tax advantages, lifestyle benefits, and full family sponsorship.
• A medical specialist applies under the skilled employees category and secures a 5-year residency without needing to commit to a long-term contract with one hospital.
• A divorced father sponsors his two unmarried daughters, ensuring they can legally reside and study in the UAE without individual visas tied to universities or employers.

These cases show how the Green Residency offers not only professional freedom but also life planning stability and inclusive opportunities for a wide range of people.

Who is eligible for a Green Visa?

The Green Visa is open to freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled employees who meet the specific criteria.

Freelancers and self-employed individuals

If you are a freelancer or self-employed and interested in applying for a Green Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A freelance or self-employment permit obtained from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• Proof of a bachelor's degree or a specialized diploma.
• Evidence of annual income from self-employment for the past two years, totaling at least AED 360,000. Alternatively, you can demonstrate financial solvency throughout your stay in the UAE.

Skilled employees

• For skilled employees looking to apply for a Green Visa, the following requirements must be met:
• Possession of a valid employment contract.
• Classification within the first, second, or third occupational level as determined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• Holding a minimum of a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification.
• A monthly salary of no less than AED 15,000.

Investors or partners

To apply for the UAE Green Visa, this category of applicants must have:

• Approval from the local government to conduct investment activities.
• Proof of investment, the amount of which must be not less than $270,000.

How to apply for the UAE Green Visa

There are two ways to apply for the Green Visa: offline by contacting the migration service, or online.

Online application for the UAE Green Visa

Below is a step-by-step process for the online application:

1. Register on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website and click Individuals.
2. Select the appropriate visa type (Partner Investor, High-Skilled Worker, or Self-Employment) and click Start Service.
3. In the new window, click New Applicant and select the New Entry Permit for Green Residence option. Click Apply.
4. Fill in the forms, attach the necessary documents as requested, and pay the fees (See the list of required documents and the visa cost below).

Once your application has been processed, you will receive an email notification.

Offline application for the UAE Green Visa

You can apply for the UAE Green Visa either at the Customer Happiness Centre or the Amer Service Centre (in Dubai). The process is straightforward:

1. Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Centre or Amer Service Centre.
2. Take an automated turn ticket and wait for your turn.
3. Submit the filled-out application with the required documents.
4. Pay the fees.
5. Wait for your Green Visa to be emailed to you.

If you are applying from another country, you will need an entry permit, such as a temporary work permit valid for two months. If you are already in the UAE on a tourist visa, you will need to change your visa status. To accomplish this, you can contact the registration authority, and they will provide you with a temporary permit document for a fee of $170.

Additionally, in some cases, you may be required to undergo a medical test and provide biometrics at the Typing Office. The results of these tests will need to be submitted to the immigration office. After completing these steps, all that remains is to wait for your Green Visa to be emailed to you.

Processing time

In most cases, Green Visa applications are processed within 5 to 15 working days, depending on documentation completeness and external approvals. Using a qualified consultant can significantly reduce delays and ensure compliance with all Green Visa requirements.

Required documents for the UAE Green Visa

The application process for a UAE Green Visa is relatively straightforward. Applicants must submit the following documents to the UAE government:

• A completed application form
• A copy of their passport
• A copy of their educational qualifications
• A copy of their employment contract (for highly skilled professionals)
• A copy of their salary certificate (for highly skilled professionals)
• A medical certificate
• A police clearance certificate

To learn more about the UAE Green Visa application procedure, visit the website.

UAE Green Visa Cost

In 2024, the UAE Green Visa cost amounted to AED 5,260, including:

• Entry permit - 1,035 AED
• Residency visa - 2,200 AED
• Change of status - 570 AED
• Medical checkup - 755 AED
• Emirates ID - 700 AED

Sponsoring family members

If you're sponsoring family members (spouse, children, unmarried daughters), expect similar fees per person. The Green Visa allows equal-duration visas for dependents, but each application is processed separately with its own cost.

This family-friendly feature of the green residence model makes it easier to calculate predictable long-term residency budgets.

How to renew the UAE Green Visa

Green visas are valid for 5 years. To renew a Green Visa, applicants must submit the following documents to the UAE government:

• A completed application form
• A copy of their passport
• A copy of their Green Visa
• A medical certificate
• A police clearance certificate

Note that you are allowed to stay in the country for 180 days after the expiration or cancellation of the Green Visa.

Smooth and fast Green Visa application with Emirabiz

Emirabiz has extensive knowledge and experience in handling visa applications, ensuring all necessary documentation is prepared accurately and promptly. By leveraging our expertise, we can expedite the Green Visa application, minimizing delays and saving valuable time. Whether it's assisting freelancers, self-employed individuals, or skilled employees, Emirabiz strives to provide a hassle-free experience, ensuring a seamless journey towards obtaining the coveted Green Visa in the UAE.

Contact Emirabiz for assistance anytime.