Thinking of moving to the UAE? Here's how the Green Visa works

The UAE's Green Visa is a five-year residence permit introduced as part of the country's revamped visa system in 2022, aimed at attracting skilled professionals, freelancers, investors and entrepreneurs.

The visa offers greater flexibility than traditional employer-sponsored residency by allowing holders to sponsor family members and providing a longer grace period after residency cancellation.

Who can apply?

The UAE offers Green Residency under three broad categories: skilled workers, self-employed individuals, and investors or business partners with each category having its own eligibility criteria.


The skilled professionals are required to meet employment, qualification and salary thresholds.

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Applicants seeking a Green Visa as a skilled worker must hold a skilled worker permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) under a valid employment contract, or be employed by a government, semi-government or free zone entity.

They must also fall under Skill Levels 1, 2 or 3 in MOHRE's occupational classification system, possess at least a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification, and earn a minimum monthly salary of Dh15,000.

Similarly, freelancers or self-employed workers are required to hold a freelancing or self-employment permit issued by the MOHRE. They must also hold a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree, specialized diploma, or equivalent and provide proof of stable annual income or financial solvency throughout the residency period.

Moreover, they are required to have an annual income from freelancing not less than Dh360,000 in the past two years or equivalent in foreign currencies.

Investors and business partners are required to provide proof of investment or partnership in a project within the UAE and must hold all required licenses and approvals from the relevant authorities.

Documents required and total cost

Applicants must submit the documents relevant to the category under which they are applying; whether as a skilled worker, self-employed individual, or investor or business partner. The supporting documents vary depending on the applicant's category and circumstances.

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The Green Visa work permit application fee is Dh200, in addition to 5 per cent VAT. Applicants who are already in the UAE must also pay a Knowledge Dirham fee of Dh10, an Innovation Dirham fee of Dh10, and an in-country application fee of Dh500. The final amount may vary depending on the applicant's individual circumstances and any additional processing requirements.

Benefits of the visa

One of the key advantages of the Green Visa is that it allows holders to sponsor their first-degree relatives. It also provides a grace period of up to six months after visa cancellation, giving residents additional time to remain in the UAE before making further immigration arrangements.

Those who already hold a UAE residence visa are advised not to cancel it until their Green Residence permit has been approved.