Green Visa
5-year self-sponsored UAE residency for skilled employees, freelancers and qualified self-employed. No employer required. Higher salary threshold than Employment Visa.
What Is the Green Visa?
The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year residency introduced in 2022 to retain skilled professionals long-term without tying them to an employer. Unlike the Employment Visa, the Green Visa is self-sponsored — you don't need a UAE employer or company. Three tracks qualify: skilled employees (professional level 1-3, AED 15,000+/month), freelancers/self-employed (AED 360,000+/year income or AED 360,000+ financial guarantee), and investors.
Green Visa suits established professionals who want longer residency stability than the 2-year Employment Visa, without committing to the 10-year Golden Visa criteria. It's also the freelancer's preferred path once income exceeds AED 360K/year — more economical than annual Freelance Visa renewals and longer validity. The trade-off: 5 years is shorter than Golden Visa (10), and requires meeting income/credential thresholds upfront.
Who Can Apply
- Skilled employee track: Bachelor degree + first-, second-, or third-level professional classification (MOHRE) + AED 15,000+/month salary
- Freelancer track: MOHRE freelance permit + Bachelor degree + AED 360,000+/year income (last 2 years) OR financial solvency proof
- Investor track: 5-year self-sponsorship for entrepreneurs (similar to Investor Visa but longer)
- Clean medical fitness
- Health insurance coverage
- No prior UAE visa violations
Cost Breakdown
Government fees + Insight service fee. No hidden costs.
Estimates only. Final quote depends on dependents, urgency and current government fees. We confirm in writing within 24 hours.
Step-by-step Application
-
01
Eligibility & track assessment
We confirm you meet one of the 3 Green Visa tracks (skilled employee / freelancer / investor) and gather the required income/credential proofs.
-
02
Documentation
Collect: degree certificate (legalised), MOHRE skill classification or freelance permit, salary certificate or 2-year tax returns / bank statements.
-
03
Application via ICA
Submit application through ICA portal under Green Visa scheme. Self-sponsorship section.
-
04
Entry permit / status change
Entry permit issued in 5-10 days. If inside the UAE, status changes to Green Visa.
-
05
Medical, biometrics, Emirates ID
Standard medical fitness + biometrics. Emirates ID issued as 5-year card. Visa electronically issued.
What You Need to Provide
- Passport copy (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photo with white background
- Entry permit / current UAE visa copy
- Emirates ID (if existing UAE resident)
- Medical fitness test result
- Application form signed by sponsor / self
- Bachelor degree certificate (legalised + UAE attested)
- Salary certificate AED 15,000+ (skilled employee track)
- Bank statements showing AED 360K+ annual income (freelancer track, 2 years)
- MOHRE skill level certificate (1-3) or freelance permit
Green Visa vs Other UAE Visas
| Visa | Validity | Cost from | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Visa this visa | 5 years | AED 5,200 | Skilled freelancer / employee | |
| Golden Visa | 10 years | AED 9,500 | Top talent / AED 2M+ investor | Details |
| Employment Visa | 2 years | AED 5,000 | Standard employer-sponsored | Details |
| Freelance Visa | 2-3 years | AED 12,500 | Solo creative entry-level | Details |
Green Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
Employment Visa is 2 years, employer-sponsored, cancelled if you leave the job, requires no minimum salary for issuance (just whatever your contract states). Green Visa is 5 years, self-sponsored (you keep it if you change jobs), requires AED 15K+/month salary and Bachelor degree for skilled track.
Yes — the freelancer track. Requirements: MOHRE freelance permit, Bachelor degree, AND proof of AED 360,000+/year income for last 2 years (bank statements or tax returns) OR financial guarantee. Higher bar than the Freelance Visa but 5-year validity.
Yes — Green Visa holders can sponsor spouse, children, and parents, subject to standard income thresholds. Family visas match your 5-year validity.
Yes — since you sponsor yourself, the visa is not tied to your employer. You can change jobs, become a freelancer, or leave employment altogether without affecting visa validity.
Standard 180-day absence rule applies — leaving the UAE for 6+ consecutive months cancels the visa. Unlike Golden Visa which survives unlimited absences.
Yes, fully renewable for another 5 years subject to continuing to meet the income/credential threshold. Renewal process is online via ICA, similar to standard residency renewal.
Apply for Green Visa
