Why apply for a Green Visa UAE?

• Residence permit for 5 years in UAE
• Easy path for UAE citizenship and permanent residency in UAE
• No sponsor is required to work in the UAE
• Sponsor your family members (parents, spouse, and children) for 5 years
• Longer flexible grace periods

What is the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green visa is a 5‑year, self‑sponsored residence that removes the need for an employer or Emirati sponsor. It is open to skilled employees, freelancers/self‑employed, and investors/partners who meet category‑specific criteria. The visa is renewable for the same term on expiry.

Benefits of the UAE green visa

The UAE Green Visa offers several advantages over standard residence permits. It is designed to provide greater flexibility and security for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors.

Benefit	Details
Self-sponsorship	Green Visa holders do not need an employer or Emirati sponsor. You apply and sponsor yourself directly through ICP or GDRFA.
Family sponsorship	Green Visa holders can sponsor family members, including spouse and children, under UAE family residency rules. Family residency is linked to the Green Visa’s validity.
Grace period after expiry/cancellation	Family members (dependents) of Green Visa holders are granted a 6-month grace period to renew, switch, or exit after the sponsor’s permit expires or is cancelled. Grace periods for main permit holders vary by visa type and must be checked via ICP.
Renewability	The Green Visa is issued for 5 years and is renewable for the same duration if you continue to meet the category requirements.

Eligibility for a UAE Green Visa by Category

The following categories are eligible to apply for a Green visa:

• Freelancers/self-employed people
• Skilled employees
• Investors or partners

Category	You will require
Skilled employee	• Valid employment contract • MOHRE occupational level 1–3 • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) • AED 15,000+ monthly salary
Freelancer / Self‑employed	• Freelance/self‑employment permit (MOHRE) • Bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma • Income ≥ AED 360,000 from self‑employment over the previous 2 years, or proof of financial solvency for your stay
Investor / Partner	• ICP approval under the investor rating system • Proof of investment (if multiple licences, total invested capital counts) • Approval of competent local authorities

Requirements for UAE Green Visa

To apply for or renew a Green Visa, applicants must provide a core set of documents along with category-specific evidence. Below is a breakdown:

Core Documents (for all categories)

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
• Valid UAE residence permit (if renewing)
• Recent passport-sized photographs (as per UAE standards)
• Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Proof of medical insurance (mandatory in UAE)
• Completed application via ICP/GDRFA portal

Document Checklist by Category

Category	Required Documents
Skilled Employee	• Employment contract with UAE-licensed employer
	• Proof of occupation in MOHRE levels 1–3
	• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
	• Minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month
Freelancer / Self-Employed	• Freelance permit/license from MOHRE or Free Zone
	• Proof of income: AED 360,000 over past 2 years OR evidence of financial solvency
	• Academic qualification (Bachelor’s degree or diploma) relevant to freelance activity
Investor / Partner	• Investment or partnership proof (commercial license or MoA)
	• Evidence of investment activity (company ownership/shareholding)
	• Proof of financial capacity to sustain investment
	• Business registration confirmation from UAE authorities

Green visa UAE cost

The table below has a complete breakdown of the UAE Green visa:

Fee Component	Indicative Amount (AED)
Government permit fee (e.g., work visa equivalent)	AED 200 + 5% VAT
Knowledge Dirham	AED 10
Innovation Dirham	AED 10
In-country fee (if changing visa type within UAE)	AED 500

Total Estimated Range: From AED 220+VAT up to AED 720, depending on applicant circumstances.

UAE Green Visa — Step-by-Step Application

Step 1 — Check eligibility
Confirm if you qualify as a skilled employee, freelancer/self-employed, or investor/partner based on MOHRE/ICP criteria (salary, qualifications, permits, or investment approvals).

Step 2 — Gather documents
Prepare passport, photo, UAE residence details, and category-specific documents such as employment contracts, freelance permits with income proof, or investor approvals.

Step 3 — Submit application
Apply online through the ICP (federal) or GDRFA (Dubai) portal. Investors typically require an entry permit before residence issuance.

Step 4 — Complete medical & Emirates ID
Undergo the mandatory medical fitness test (for applicants 18+) and provide Emirates ID biometrics.

Step 5 — Pay fees
Settle the government fees as shown in the ICP/GDRFA application portal.

Step 6 — Receive visa approval
Once approved, your 5-year Green Residence is issued electronically, with the Emirates ID serving as proof of residency.

UAE Green Visa Processing Time & Renewal  

Processing Time

• According to ICP, standard processing for residence visa issuance or renewal is about 2 to 5 working days, provided all documents are complete and no additional checks are required.
• In peak periods or if further verification is needed, processing can take longer. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before visa expiry to avoid penalties.

Renewal Guidance

• The UAE Green Visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for the same duration if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria (skilled employee, freelancer, investor/partner).
• Renewal applications must be submitted through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs), depending on the emirate of residence.
• Required documents include: a valid passport, Emirates ID, proof of continued eligibility (employment contract, freelance permit, or investment license), and proof of residence in the UAE.
• Family members’ residence permits can be renewed along with the main Green Visa holder, provided their sponsor’s permit remains valid.

UAE Green Visa Validity

The validity for a UAE Green visa is 5 years, eliminating the need for an employer or a UAE national to sponsor the visa. This also allows his/her family to sponsor for the same number of years.

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