The UAE green visa falls under the work/residence visa category, allowing visa holders to sponsor themselves for a period of five years. The visa eliminates the need for an employer or UAE national to sponsor their visa. It is highly beneficial for international talents to apply for a green visa and work and live in the UAE for an extended period. The validity of a green visa in the UAE is five years and is available for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and talented workers.
One of the most popular residency visas among foreigners is the green visa in the UAE, due to its convenience. However, professionals and investors must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for a green visa in the UAE. Let us discuss how professionals and freelancers can apply for the UAE’s green residency visa.
Who Can Get a UAE Green Visa?
A green visa application is open to
- Self-employed individuals
- Freelancers
- Skilled employees
The eligibility requirements for each category are as follows,
Freelancers, Self-employed Individuals
- Self-employed individuals and freelancers need to submit the following along with their green visa application,
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma
- A self-employment or freelance permit form from the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Proof of annual income from self-employment for the past two years, adding up to AED 360,000, or financial capacity during their stay in the UAE.
Talented Employees
If a talented employee wants to apply for a green visa, they need to,
- Hold an employment contract
- Have a classification of first, second, or third occupational level according to the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
- Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Have a salary of AED 15,000 per month.
What are the necessary steps for a UAE Green Visa Application?
The authorities grant a work entry visa under the category of a high-level skilled employee. The entry visa allows the holder to stay in the country for 60 days (starting from the date of entry) or until they get the residency.
The application process is straightforward, and you can submit it through one of the following three methods.
Digital Portals
You can submit your UAE Green Visa application through online portals, which include the following steps,
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- Please submit the required documents, which vary by category.
Pay the Fee
After submitting your application, the authorities will notify you whether it is accepted or not.
Amer Service Center
Visit one of the Amer Service Centers and follow the given steps,
- Get your automated ticket and wait for your turn.
- Please complete the application, along with the supporting documents, and ensure that you have fulfilled all the requirements.
- Pay the applicable Fee (if any).
Customer Happiness Center
Visit one of the Customer Happiness Centers and follow the given steps,
- Get your automated ticket and wait for your turn.
- Fill out an application form along with the required documents and fulfill all conditions.
- Pay the applicable Fee (of any)
Requirements
The requirements include the following,
- A passport-sized photograph.
- A copy of the applicant’s passport with a validity of at least 6 months.
- A permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- An employment contract is required if the applicant is working in a free zone, government, or semi-government sector.
What is the Cost of a UAE Green Visa?
The cost of obtaining a UAE Green Visa is AED 200, which may vary depending on the category. For more information regarding the Fee, contact Al Riyady.
- Additional Fee (if applicant is inside the country)
- Innovation Dirham. AED 10
- Knowledge Dirham. AED 10
- Fee inside the country. AED 500
Benefits of a UAE Green Visa
The Green Visa in the UAE offers numerous benefits, including extended residency and the ability to sponsor family members. The key advantages include,
- A Green Visa holder can sponsor their family members, which include spouses, children, and parents.
- Visa holders can sponsor their unmarried daughters (of any age) and sons for up to 25 years (previously 18 years).
- If a visa holder has a special child, they can sponsor them for a residence visa irrespective of their age.
- If a residence permit or visa is cancelled or expires, visa holders get a grace period of approximately six months to remain in the UAE.
- The family member’s stay period is the same as that of a Green Visa holder in the UAE.
- Processing Time of Green Visa Application
- The Green Visa application process usually takes 48 hours to complete. However, it can vary if there is a problem with documentation or qualifications.
What is the Validity of a UAE Green Visa?
A Green Visa is a long-term residency visa that allows individuals to stay in the UAE for up to five years. Additionally, you can renew the visa upon its expiry.
Renewing the Green Visa
If the Green Visa expires, you can renew it under the same terms as before.
Service Centers
The service centers for the green visa in the UAE are,
- GDRFA Website (available 24/7)
- AMER Centers (available during official working hours of each service center)
Top UAE Visas You Should Know About
Along with a Green Visa, the UAE government offers several other residency visas to attract foreign talent and professionals to the country. Here are some of the major UAE visas among them.
UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year residency program that attracts top-talented foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE, while enjoying exclusive benefits.
It is open to various types of individuals from different categories, such as
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Scientists
- Talented students and graduates
- Humanitarian pioneers
- Frontline heroes
- Exceptional teachers
UAE Blue Visa
The Blue Visa UAE is a 10-year visa for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the sustainability and protection of the environment, both in the UAE and globally.
UAE Standard Work Visa
Foreign citizens working in the government sector, private sector, or free zone can apply for a standard work visa in the UAE. A normal employment visa’s validity is two years.
Are the UAE Green Visa and the UAE Golden Visa the same?
No, they are not the same; both visas are long-term residency programs, but they are for different types of individuals and have other eligibility criteria. Although both visas offer residency in the UAE, the green visa provides a five-year residency, while the golden visa offers a 10-year residency, which provides greater stability.
Endnotes
All in all, a UAE Green Visa is one of the top visa options for talented foreigners, freelancers, investors, and self-employed individuals who do not require a local sponsor. Visa holders can significantly benefit from the city’s strategic location, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly policies, and thrive in the city.
At Al Riyady, we are committed to providing expert assistance to ensure a smooth visa application process. Our expert team can assess your application and guide you through the whole process. We also offer Digital Marketing, Business Setup, Bookkeeping Services, and more.
