A UAE Green Visa authorizes the holder to sponsor themselves for 5 years without needing an Emirati national or employer to sponsor their application. Therefore, it is an attractive employment option for freelancers and skilled and self-employed individuals.

However, certain limitations and criteria are in place for issuing a work permit. Nevertheless, it makes a good option for many individuals to become self-sufficient.

Moreover, a green visa UAE allows the holder to sponsor their family and offer benefits, which are available for other types of passports. Thus, making it a go-to immigration facility for people looking to work in the Arab Emirates for an extended period.

We will outline a detailed introduction and requirements of the GV, so keep reading.

Green Visa UAE Eligibility

Understanding the eligibility criteria for a work permit before you apply for it is essential. Your application will only be accepted if you meet the penned-out criteria.

So, only those belonging to one of the categories below can apply for one.

Skilled employees
Freelancers and Self-employed individuals
Investors or partners in business

Let us now explore each of the above categories in more detail.

1. Skilled Employees

All those employees who meet the below-mentioned requirements can apply for a 5-year Green Visa UAE.

You must be employed in the Middle East and have a valid employment contract.
You must hold a job position at the first, second, or third occupational level outlined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
You must have obtained a minimum of a graduation-level degree or equivalent.
You must draw a monthly salary of AED 15,000.

2. Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals

Freelancing is rising; thus, the government has also started issuing permits to self-employed individuals for 5-year stays without a sponsor.

However, they must meet the criteria below.

You must possess a freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
You must provide proof of self-employment, including a business license, tax return, or business receipts.
You must have a graduation-level degree or a specialized diploma certificate.
Your annual income from self-employment or freelancing services should accumulate to AED 360,000 during the past two years.
You must demonstrate your financial solvency and remain financially stable during your stay in the country.

3. Investors or Partners in Business

Investors can also get temporary residency by fulfilling the below-mentioned criteria.

You must promote investment in the Gulf by engaging or developing commercial enterprises.
You must bear proof of investment and approval from a competent local authority.
Relevant municipal authorities’ approval.
Total investment by each partner.

Green Visa UAE Requirements

If you belong to any of the previously mentioned categories, consider the requirements below before applying for a Green Visa UAE.

A valid passport with a minimum expiry of 6 months
Passport-size photograph with a white background
Medical reports from competent local authorities
Health insurance or a health card
A valid entry permit
Proof of qualification
Freelancing permit from MOHRE or proof of employment
A duly filled application form

Additional Required Documents

However, you may also have to provide below mentioned documents.

Proof of rental contract
A copy of the sponsor’s passport having a valid resident permit
A valid job contract by a sponsor
Birth certificate for the sponsored
Attested marriage certificate in Arabic or English

How to Apply for Green Visa UAE Online

Now that you know you meet the residency card requirements, the next step is to apply. However, knowing that you must first get an entry permit for your family members if you bring them in with you in the UAE is important.

Here is the detailed step-by-step guide to applying for a Green visa in UAE.

Step 1: Visit the GDFRAD Website

Once you have determined that you are eligible for an investor card, you can start the process by visiting the UAE immigration system by clicking here: GDRFA Dubai.

Step 2: Entry Permit

Click on the services option from the homepage and then select entry permits.

Step 3: Issuance of Green Visa

Under the Entry Permit section, find and select the option for issuing a green visa.

Step 4: Green Visa Type

In the next step, select the relevant permit type from the three options provided in this section.

Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (Investor/Partner)
Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (High Skilled Worker)
Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (Self-Employment

Step 5: Start the Application

Once you have selected your visa type, click ‘Start Services’ to formally start your application.

Step 6: Create Account/Login

You must also create an account to begin the application process.
Select Individuals from the tab and log in using your GDRFA account details or UAE Pass account.

Step 7: New Application

You will be redirected to your account once you log in.
Click the ‘New application’ button to apply and choose the ‘Green residence for’ option.

Step 8: Complete Green Visa UAE Application

Once you have created your account, you will start filling out the form by selecting your visa type. Generally, the form contains the following information.

Name
Emirates ID number
Residential address
Passport number
Phone number
Email address

Step 9: Upload the Documents

Once you have completed the form, the next step is to upload relevant documents.
The list of documents depends on the type of your immigration status.
You can scan and upload these documents in either JPEG or PDF format.

NOTE: You can upload missing documents within 30 days of receiving notification, but only if you do so within that period.

Step 10: Pay Fee & Get Visa

Upon successfully uploading documents, the next step is to pay the fee.
You can make the payment through cash, debit, or credit card.
Meanwhile, you will keep getting updates on your phone and email regarding the status of your application.
Once approved, you can collect your travel document from the designated office.

Getting UAE Green Visa at Customer Happiness Center (Offline)

The Green Visa is a new initiative in the country that allows eligible individuals to live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates without needing a host or sponsor. Here is how to apply at a Customer Happiness Center:

Step 1: Visit Customer Center

Go to the Customer Happiness Centre location closest to you that provides your needed service.

Step 2: Obtain An Automated Ticket

At the ticketing kiosk, grab a ticket for your needed service and sit while you wait for your number to be called.

Step 3: Application Submission

When your number is called, go to the counter and give the customer service representative your application or documents. Make sure you fill all parts out wholly and correctly.

Step 4: Make Payment

The representative will inform you of the applicable fees upon submitting your paperwork. Moreover, keep a copy of your receipt as proof of payment.

Step 5: Receive Visa

You will receive an email with your UAE green permit within a specified period.

Amer Service Centers for UAE Green Visa

Amer Centres provide various government, business, and personal services to UAE residents and visitors. Follow this simple guide to complete your transactions at an Amer location smoothly:

Step 1: Find Nearest Amer Center

Search online or use the Amer app to find the location closest to you. Furthermore, Amer has centers across all Emirates.

Step 2: Queue Ticket

Use the automated ticketing machines to select your service and print a numbered queue ticket.

Step 3: Seating Area Waiting

You must wait until the screens display your number in the waiting area.

Step 4: Counter Service

If a representative calls you, go to the counter and provide any documents or forms you have.

Step 5: Pay Fee

Before leaving, you should pay fees, double-check your paperwork, and retain your receipt.

UAE Green Visa Validity

The recently introduced Green Visa UAE grants freelancers and investors an exceptionally long 5-year validity period. Furthermore, this is a major improvement compared to previous Emirati residency authorizations, which typically required renewal every 1-3 years.

UAE Green Visa Costs

The new UAE Green Pass offers maximum freedom and flexibility to foreign residents – but what price comes with these benefits?

Base Visa Fee

AED 2,280 (around USD 620) per person
It is the upfront application cost

Additional Fees

ID card fee: AED 575 (USD 155)
Medical fee: AED 320 (USD 87) for standard services

Total Estimated Cost

The total initial cost per person ranges from AED 3,175-3,500 ($864- $953)
Fees is applicable for each family member requiring entry

Note: Visa costs may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the applicant or for other reasons.

Benefits of Green Visa UAE

There are numerous benefits to getting a 5-year green card for the UAE. Some of the advantages of getting a permit include the following.

5-Year Validity

Allows you to stay in the Arab Emirates for up to 5 years continuously
A long validity period provides stability and scalability

Family Sponsorship

Can sponsor close family members, including spouse, children, and first-degree relatives
Includes sponsorship options for sons under 25, unmarried daughters, and children with special needs

No Sponsor Required

Freedom from needing an employer or Emirati national as a sponsor
Ability to live and work in the UAE independently

Sponsorship for Other Groups

2-year legal immigration eligibility for students and standard employees
Provides some residency rights for those who may not qualify for the 5-year green card

Renewal Options

Can renew for an additional 5 years after expiry
Renewed visa will have the same validity period as the original one

Flexible Grace Periods

Avails grace periods for document expiration instead of the standard 30 days
Allows flexibility if renewal paperwork is still being processed

FAQs

What is the cost of a Green Card UAE?

Although the cost of a Green visa in the UAE changes over time, the prices are as mentioned below. Moreover, these are one-time costs, and you must repay these when applying for renewals.

Visa fee AED 2,280
Medical tests AED 575
Emirates ID AED 320

What is the Green Visa UAE processing time?

Although there is no defined time, on average, your work document will take approx. 2-3 months. Therefore, you must wait for this stipulated time before checking for an update with authorities.

How to check my Green Visa status?

You can easily check your application status by following the steps.

Visit ICP website
Select passport information
Select the Type of visa
Enter your passport number, its expiry date and nationality
Check the Captcha checkbox
Click Submit

Who is eligible for a green visa in the UAE?

Green travel authorization is available for the three classes of persons below.

Skilled employees
Freelancers and Self-employed individuals
Investors or partners in business

Final Thoughts

Green Visa UAE is an excellent opportunity for freelancers and skilled employees to get a long-term stay permit of 5 years in the Gulf Arabian. Moreover, this type of authorization brings other benefits: you do not need a sponsor and can also sponsor your family.

Furthermore, you can easily apply through an online portal by filling out a form and uploading supporting documents. Generally, you will get your document 2-3 months after application submission. In addition, investors can also apply for immigration and avail similar benefits. So, if you meet the defined requirements for a residency permit, apply today and get your passport, as it is the best route to getting your residence and settling in the land of opportunities.