Green Visa UAE: The Smart Residency Option for Skilled Professionals

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The Green Visa is one of the UAE’s most flexible and future-forward residency pathways. It was introduced to attract high-caliber talent, skilled professionals, and independent workers by offering long-term residency without the need for a local sponsor.

If you’re a freelancer, specialist, or investor wanting to live and work legally in the UAE without employer dependency, the Green Visa is designed for you.

What is the Green Visa?

The Green Visa is a self-sponsored UAE residence visa that provides a 5-year renewable residency for qualified professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional employment visas, it is not tied to a company or employer.

Key highlights include:

  Long-term validity: 5 years instead of 2–3 years

  No employer or local partner sponsorship required

  Family sponsorship allowed, including children up to age 25

  Extended grace period (6 months) after visa expiry

  Full access to UAE’s lifestyle benefits (banking, utilities, housing, etc.)

Who is the Green Visa Designed for?

The UAE government has created three main eligibility categories:

1. Freelancers & Self-Employed Professionals

If you work independently in creative, tech, or consulting fields, this visa allows you to operate legally from the UAE.

You must have:

  • Freelance license or self-employment permit from a UAE free zone or mainland authority
  • Proof of annual income not less than AED 360,000 (for the past two years)
  • Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma
  • Strong work portfolio or client history

2. Skilled Employees

This category includes full-time professionals with high qualifications and competitive salaries.

Eligibility includes:

  • Being classified under the first, second, or third occupational levels by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE)
  • A valid employment contract
  • A minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month
  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent

3. Investors or Business Partners

Entrepreneurs who own or co-own a business in the UAE can apply.

You must show:

  • Proof of investment (e.g., business license, shares, profit records)
  • Memorandum of Association and shareholder certificate
  • Valid UAE trade license

Benefits of the UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa offers a 5-year, self-sponsored residency designed for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors. Unlike traditional work visas, it doesn’t require employer sponsorship, giving applicants complete flexibility to live and work independently in the UAE.

It allows for multiple client engagements, long-term business setup, and access to essential services like banking, housing, and healthcare. 

Green Visa holders can also sponsor their spouse, children and parents. 

Additional perks include a generous six-month grace period after visa cancellation or expiry, streamlined renewal processes, and eligibility across multiple high-demand sectors.

Required Documents for Green Visa UAE

Document

Purpose

Valid passport (6+ months validity)

Identity and immigration clearance

Passport-sized photographs

For Emirates ID and visa issuance

Degree certificate

Proves educational qualification (attested if needed)

Work contract or freelance license

Validates professional or commercial engagement

Income proof (bank statements or contracts)

Confirms financial eligibility

Health insurance policy (UAE-compliant)

Required for visa processing

Emirates ID application form

For biometric and residency record setup

Entry permit (for applicants abroad)

Enables visa processing inside UAE

Additional documents may be requested based on the applicant category.

How to Apply for a Green Visa UAE: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Your Eligibility Path

Identify whether you’re applying as Freelancer, Skilled worker, Investor or partner
Each has its own document and license requirements.

Make sure to:

  • Get academic degrees attested (if issued outside UAE)
  • Translate documents into Arabic where required
  • Confirm income meets eligibility thresholds
  • Obtain a UAE-compliant insurance policy

If you’re applying from outside the UAE:

  • Submit your application on the ICP Smart Services or GDRFA portal
  • Receive an entry permit valid for 60 days to enter the UAE legally

If you’re already in the UAE, apply for status change instead.

Once in the UAE or after status change:

  • Undergo a medical test (blood test and chest X-ray)
  • Register biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an Emirates ID center

Submit the complete set of documents:

  • Entry permit or medical results
  • ID application form

Professional proof or investment documents
Once approved, your Green Visa is issued, and your Emirates ID is activated.

Cost of Green Visa UAE (2025)

Cost Component

Estimated Price (AED)

Notes

Entry Permit (if outside UAE)

1,000 – 1,200

Required before visa processing

Medical Fitness Test

300 – 700

Mandatory for all applicants

Emirates ID (5 years)

1,000 – 1,200

Depends on urgency and duration

Residency Visa Application

1,200 – 1,500

Includes visa stamping or e-visa

Health Insurance (annual)

800 – 2,000

Depends on age and provider

Typing & Processing Charges

300 – 600

Typing center or consultancy support

Total (approximate)

4,500 – 7,200

May vary based on service selection

Can You Sponsor Your Family with a Green Visa?

Green Visa holders in the UAE can sponsor their immediate family members, including their spouse, children, and parents, under the same 5-year residency validity. 

Sons can be sponsored up to the age of 25, while daughters can be sponsored regardless of age as long as they are unmarried. 

Parents can also be sponsored, provided the visa holder meets the required income level and can provide suitable accommodation. 

To apply, the sponsor must submit essential documents such as Emirates ID, tenancy contract (Ejari), income proof, and valid health insurance for each dependent. Family members receive residency matching the sponsor’s visa duration.

 

Limitations of the Green Visa

While flexible, the Green Visa does have a few constraints:

  • Cannot hire employees or staff under this visa
  • Limited to approved professions and activity types
  • Visa renewal is conditional on ongoing income or licensing status
  • Not intended for low-skilled or labor category workers

Conclusion

The UAE Green Visa offers unmatched independence and flexibility for professionals, investors, and freelancers who want to live and grow in the UAE. 

It’s a smart, future-ready option for individuals building careers or businesses without employer restrictions.

So get ready to apply, our consultancy will manage your Green Visa process end-to-end, from eligibility evaluation and document collection to Emirates ID activation.

How Can Menaherald Help You? 

We simplify the Partner Visa process with:

✔️ Personalized business setup advice
✔️ Government liaison and documentation support
✔️ Transparent cost breakdowns
✔️End-to-end visa and ID handling
✔️Family sponsorship assistance

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