UAE Green Visa (5-Year Self-Sponsored)
A self-sponsored, 5-year renewable residency permit. No employer or UAE national sponsor required. Freedom to change jobs without visa complications.
Overview
The UAE Green Visa, introduced in October 2022 as part of the UAE's comprehensive visa reform, is a 5-year self-sponsored residency permit designed for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors who want to live and work in the UAE without being tied to an employer. Unlike traditional employment visas where your residency depends on your employer, the Green Visa puts you in control of your own status. There are three tracks: Skilled Workers earning AED 15,000 or more per month with a valid employment contract, Freelancers and Self-Employed professionals with a MOHRE freelancing permit and proof of income, and Investors meeting minimum investment thresholds. One of the most significant advantages is the 180-day grace period if your visa expires or is cancelled -- compared to just 30 days for traditional visas. This gives you ample time to find new employment or make arrangements. The Green Visa also allows you to sponsor dependents and change employers freely without needing to cancel and reapply for your visa.
Three Green Visa Tracks
Skilled Worker
- Valid UAE employment contract
- Skill levels 1-3 per MOHRE occupational classification (managers, specialists, technicians)
- Minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Minimum monthly salary: AED 15,000
Freelancer / Self-Employed
- Freelancing or self-employment permit from MOHRE
- Minimum bachelor's degree, specialized diploma, or equivalent
- Annual income from freelancing of AED 360,000+ in past 2 years
- Alternative: proof of stable annual income or financial solvency
Investor / Partner
- Approved investment in UAE meeting minimum thresholds
- Valid trade license or partnership agreement
- Investment must be in an active, operating business
Green Visa vs. Golden Visa
| Feature | Green Visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years | 5-10 years |
| Salary requirement | AED 15,000/month | AED 30,000/month (professionals) |
| Investment threshold | Lower thresholds | AED 2,000,000+ |
| Self-sponsored | Yes | Yes |
| Time outside UAE | Standard rules apply | Unlimited |
| Grace period | 180 days | 6 months |
| Family sponsorship | Yes | Yes, same duration |
| Best for | Mid-career professionals, freelancers | High earners, investors, specialists |
Key Benefits
Application Process
Determine your track
Identify whether you qualify as a Skilled Worker (AED 15K+ salary), Freelancer (MOHRE permit + income proof), or Investor (valid investment).
Create account on e-Visa portal
Register on the UAE e-Visa portal (MOHRE or ICP). Prepare your documents: passport, employment contract or freelance permit, salary certificate, degree attestation.
Upload documents and pay
Upload all scanned documents and pay the initial application fee. Ensure all certificates are attested and translated if not in English or Arabic.
Biometric session
Attend a biometric session at an authorized center (usually within 2 weeks of application). Fingerprints and photo will be captured.
Complete residence process
If issued Green Visa, complete the residence permit process within 60 days. This includes medical examination at an approved health center.
Receive residency card
Receive your Emirates ID and residency card. Total processing takes 2-6 weeks depending on the emirate.
Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work visa application fee | AED 200 + 5% VAT |
| Medical examination | AED 300-700 |
| Emirates ID (5-year) | AED 570 |
| Total processing (varies by emirate) | AED 2,000-5,000 |
| Freelance permit (if applicable) | AED 6,100-15,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for the Green Visa?
The Skilled Worker track requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 with a valid UAE employment contract and a bachelor's degree. You must also be classified in skill levels 1-3 per MOHRE's occupational classification.
Can freelancers get a Green Visa?
Yes. Freelancers need a valid freelancing or self-employment permit from MOHRE, a bachelor's degree (or equivalent), and proof of annual income of AED 360,000+ over the past 2 years, or proof of financial solvency.
What happens if I lose my job with a Green Visa?
You have a 180-day grace period to find new employment, switch to a different visa category, or make other arrangements. This is significantly more generous than the 30-day grace period for traditional employment visas.
Can I sponsor my family with a Green Visa?
Yes. Green Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children. You can also sponsor parents under certain conditions. The family visa duration matches your Green Visa validity.
How is the Green Visa different from the Golden Visa?
The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored permit with lower thresholds (AED 15K salary vs AED 30K for Golden Visa). The Golden Visa offers 10 years and allows unlimited time outside the UAE, while the Green Visa follows standard absence rules. Both are self-sponsored and do not tie you to an employer.
Official Sources
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (icp.gov.ae) – Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
- MOHRE (mohre.gov.ae) – Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation