If you’re looking to work, live, or invest in the UAE, then the Green Visa is everything you need to know about. The UAE government has launched a new visa scheme called the UAE Green Visa, which offers a wide range of benefits.
The new Green Visa is a residency visa that allows you to live and work in the UAE without needing a sponsor. This new UAE visa category is an extension of the existing UAE residency visa system and has been introduced to attract more skilled professionals and investors to come to the UAE. The visa is valid for five years and is expected to bring a sense of stability among UAE residents and families.
If you’re interested in applying for the Green Visa, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of the Green Visa. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding freelancer, this blog will help you understand how the Green Visa can open up new opportunities for you in the UAE. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of the Green Visa!
I. What is a UAE Green visa?
A. What is a Green Visa?
The UAE government has launched new Green residence visas, which include a range of new options for investors, skilled employees, self-employed individuals, and family members. The launch of the green visa is designed to provide tailored benefits to each category, based on their unique requirements. Green visa will allow, individuals, to choose the type of visa that best suits their needs, and enjoy a range of benefits and privileges that were previously unavailable.
The Green Visa is a game-changer for individuals seeking to live and work in Dubai, UAE. This visa provides numerous benefits that were previously unavailable to workers in the region. First and foremost, it allows skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs to sponsor themselves for a 5-year residency, without requiring a UAE national or employer to sponsor their visa. This means greater flexibility and freedom to pursue career opportunities and live in the UAE for an extended period.
Moreover, it provides a more streamlined process for sponsoring family members, including spouses, children, and daughters who are not married of any age. Children of determination are also granted a residence permit, regardless of their age. This means families can stay together, and children can receive an education in Dubai, without worrying about visa issues.
B. Difference between Green Visa and other UAE residence visa
There are several differences between the Green Visa and other visas in the UAE. Here are some of the key ones:
Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for the Green Visa are more flexible compared to other residency visas. It is available to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers, while other residencies are typically tied to specific job titles and industries.
Duration: It is valid for up to 5 years, while other residencies may only be valid for two or three years.
Grace period: It offers a more flexible grace period compared to other residencies. Green residency holders have up to 60 days to renew their visas, while other residencies may have a shorter grace period.
Sponsorship: Holders of Green Residency can sponsor their first-degree relatives, including unmarried daughters and male children under the age of 25, while others may have more restrictive sponsorship rules.
Financial solvency: Green Visa holders must demonstrate it throughout their stay in the UAE, while others may not have as strict financial requirements.
Flexibility: It offers more flexibility in terms of work and residency options compared to other residency visas. Green Visa holders can work in any industry and participate in commercial activities, while others may have more limitations.
In summary, the Green Residency is a more flexible and accessible option for individuals looking to live and work in the UAE than other residency visas. Its eligibility criteria, duration, sponsorship rules, and flexibility make it an attractive option.
II. Eligibility criteria for UAE Green Visa 2024
Who can apply for a Green visa?
The Green Visa in the UAE is a great opportunity for many individuals who want to reside in the UAE and contribute to its growth and development. However, not everyone is eligible to apply for it. So, who can apply for the Green Visa? Let’s find out.
The Green Visa is open to various categories of highly skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors. It is designed to attract highly skilled individuals with the ambition and drive to make a positive impact on the country’s economy and society, while also providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed
A. Green Residence for Skilled Employees
The applicant must have a valid employment contract and should be classified at the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the salary should not be less than AED 15,000 per month.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has defined 9 professional levels of jobs based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) developed by the International Labour Organization. These levels include:
Level 1: Includes legislators, managers, and business executives.
Level 2: Comprises professionals in scientific, technical, and humanistic fields.
Level 3: Encompasses technicians in scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields.
Level 4: Involves professionals in writing.
Level 5: Includes occupations related to sales and services.
Level 6: Consists of skilled workers in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
Level 7: Comprises craftsmen in construction, mining, and other areas.
Level 8: Involves operators and assemblers of machinery and equipment.
Level 9: Encompasses jobs that require basic skills and knowledge.
Labour is considered to be skilled work if it meets the following criteria:
The worker is at a professional level within the first five levels listed above.
The worker holds a certificate higher than a secondary school certificate or an equivalent certificate.
The certificate must be attested by the relevant authorities.
The worker’s monthly salary (excluding commission) must not be less than AED 4,000.
B. Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals
The apply for the freelancer visa applicants must obtain a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The minimum educational level should be a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma, and the annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should not be less than AED 360,000 or prove financial solvency throughout their stay in the country.
C. Investors or Partners
The Green Residence for Investors or Partners is a remarkable opportunity for those who want to establish in Dubai, UAE. With a validity of 5 years, it replaces the previous residence that was only valid for 2 years. To be eligible, applicants must receive approval of their investment plan and provide proof of their investment. If the investor has more than one license, the total invested capital will be taken into account. Furthermore, approval from competent local authorities is mandatory. This visa offers a great chance to investors to pursue their business ventures and contribute to the growth of the UAE’s economy.
D. Green Visa for Family Members
The new residence permit system offers additional benefits for family members, enabling residents to easily obtain residence for their family members, including spouses and children. Under the new system, the age limit for sponsored children has been increased to 25 years, with unmarried daughters having no such criteria. Additionally, children with disabilities are granted residence without regard to their age. Green Residences holders are also eligible to apply for residence for their first-degree relatives, and the duration of the family members’ residency will be the same as that of the original residence holder.
The residence visa can be renewed for the same duration upon its expiry.
III. Required Documents for the Green Visa application in UAE 2024
To apply for UAE green residency, certain documents need to be submitted. These documents are essential to ensure the eligibility requirements are met and the application process is smooth.
Required documents to apply for UAE green visa as a
A. Highly skilled employee
The entry permit is granted to highly skilled workers, allowing them to stay in the UAE for 60 days from the date of entry. During this time, they can complete the necessary procedures for obtaining their residency permit. Documents required to apply for the required visa
To apply for a Green visa, skilled employees must have
- Passport copies of the applicant
- Passport-size photographs of the applicant
- A valid employment contract
- To be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the (MOHRE)
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Proof of salary of not less than AED 15,000 (USD 4,083.74). per month.
B. Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed individuals are granted a work entry visa that permits them to stay in the UAE for up to 60 days from the date of entry. During this time, they must complete all necessary procedures for obtaining their residency. Documents required are
- Passport copies of the applicant
- Coloured Passport-size photographs of the applicant
- Proof of Freelance/self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma
- Evidence of an annual income from self-employment for the past two years amounting to at least AED 360,000
- Proof of financial solvency for the duration of their stay in the UAE (if annual income requirements are not met )
C. Investors and Partners
An investor is issued a work entry visa that permits them to live in the UAE for 60 days starting from the date of entry until the required procedures for residency issuance are completed. The Green Residence permit for investors is aimed at encouraging investment and offers a 5-year residency for investors who can establish or participate in commercial activities.
The new permit replaces the previous 2-year residency permit for investors. The partner’s contribution to the company’s capital shall be 1,000,000 AED or its equivalent in other foreign currencies, whether at the time of incorporation of the company or when contributing to an existing company.
To be eligible, investors and partners must have
- Valid Passport copy
- Passport size photos
- Approval of the ICP on the investment as per the investor’s rating system applied
- Receive approval for their investment and provide proof of investment.
- If the investor has multiple licenses, the total invested capital will be calculated.
- Approval from local authorities with competence is mandatory.
D. Green Visa for Family Members
The new system provides more benefits to family members, allowing residents to easily issue residence for their family members, including spouses and children. The age of children who may be sponsored has been raised to 25 years (previously 18 years), with no age limit for unmarried daughters. Green Residences holders are allowed to issue residence for their first-degree relatives, and in all cases, the residency of family members shall be the validity duration as the original residence holder. Documents required for applying for Green residence for family members include.
- Valid Passport copies
- Passport-size photos of the applicants
- Sponsor’s salary certificate if he works in a government entity or semi-government entity
- Marriage contract certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in case the husband wants to sponsor the wife
- Accredited birth certificate to sponsor children
- Attested tenancy contract or ownership of real estate (duly certified)
- Copy of the sponsor’s visa
Terms and conditions:
1. Sponsored person’s passport must be valid (valid for at least 3 months)
2. In the case of the wife sponsoring the children, a no-objection certificate from the husband must be provided
3- Study enrollment letter (for males over the age of 18)
4- Declaration of Non-Marriage (if the daughter is over the age of 18)
IV. How to apply for a Green Visa in UAE?
There are two methods to apply for the UAE green visa application process: using the GDRFA website, which is available 24/7, or visiting one of the AMER Centers during their official working hours.
Method 1: Via the Website
Go to the website (www.gdrfad.gov.ae)
If you don’t have an account, create a new user account
Select the service you need
Upload the necessary documents
Pay the service fees
Submit your application
You will receive your entry visa via email
Method 2: Via Amer Centers
Visit one of the Amer service centres (check the map to find the nearest centre to you)
Inform the receptionist of the service you require
Provide the service employee with the necessary documents
Pay the service fees
You will receive your entry visa via email
After submitting your application at the Amer Center, you will receive a text message and an email regarding the status of your application. If any required documents are missing, you will be notified to submit them within 30 days to attach them. Failure to attach the missing documents within this period will result in the automatic cancellation of your request.
It is advised that individuals who wish to obtain a Green Residence permit do not cancel their current residence, if any, before obtaining a Green Residence permit issued by (MOHRE).
V. Benefits of Green Visa UAE
Here’s a list of the benefits of the UAE’s Green Visa:
- 5-year residency without the need for a sponsor or employer
- The Green Visa is not tied to a specific job or employer, providing greater flexibility to switch jobs or start a business.
- Easy issuance of residence for family members, including unmarried daughters with no age limit
- Children with special needs can be sponsored without any age limit.
- A longer grace period of up to 6 months to live in the country after the residence permit expires or gets cancelled
- Provides greater independence, flexibility, and opportunities for growth and success for those who wish to live and work in Dubai, UAE.
- Encourages investment with a 5-year residency for investors or partners, to participate in commercial activities subject to the approval of the investment and proof of investments.
FAQs – Green visa in Dubai
Can I apply for the Green Visa if I am self-employed?
Yes, individuals can apply for the UAE’s Green Visa if they meet the minimum educational and income requirements. They must have a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma and an annual income from self-employment for the previous two years of not less than AED360,000 or proof of financial stability throughout their stay in the country. The Green Visa for self-employed individuals provides more flexibility, independence, and opportunities for growth and success in Dubai, UAE.
Do I need a valid Employment Contract to apply for a UAE Green Visa?
If you are applying for a UAE Green Visa as a skilled employee, you need a valid employment contract with a UAE-based company. However, if you are applying for the Green Visa as a freelancer individual, you do not need a contract with an employer. In this case, you need to have a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma and meet the income requirements. If you are applying as an investor or partner, you need proof of investment and approval from the competent local authorities.
How much does a UAE Green Visa cost?
The cost depends on various factors, such as the type and duration of the visa. If the entry permit is issued inside the UAE, an additional fee of 650 AED is added. For a 60-day stay, the fee is around 335.75 AED. Applicants should also expect to pay for medical examinations, insurance, and Emirates ID as necessary.
Is a Green visa the same as a Golden visa, or is there any difference?
The UAE Green Visa and Golden Visa are different. The Green Visa is a 5-year residency permit that provides independence and flexibility to skilled employees, self-employed individuals, and investors or partners. On the other hand, the Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that grants 10-year residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talent in the fields of science, healthcare, engineering, and arts. The Golden Visa also offers additional benefits such as eligibility for family sponsorship.
What’s the difference between a UAE Green Visa and an Employment or work visa?
The main difference between a UAE Green Visa and an employment or work visa is the requirement for a sponsor or employer. A work visa is tied to a specific employer, while a Green Visa provides independence and flexibility, allowing individuals to work or start their businesses without needing a sponsor. Additionally, it offers a longer duration of stay (up to 5 years) compared to a work visa (usually valid for up to 3 years) and allows for more extended grace periods for staying in the country after the visa has expired or been cancelled.
Conclusion: Unlock the Door to Dubai with this new visa system
In conclusion, the Green Visa is a new visa scheme launched by the UAE government that offers a range of benefits to eligible applicants, including freelancers, entrepreneurs, investors, skilled workers, and their families.
The visa aims to promote sustainable development in the country and contribute to the UAE’s economy by attracting foreign talent and investment. The application process is straightforward, and applicants are encouraged to apply online through the website www.gdrfad.gov.ae or via Amer Centers. This residency offers flexible grace periods, and the visa holder can sponsor their family members. The Green Visa offers long-term residency permits of up to 5 years, without the need for a sponsor, and allows holders to work and conduct business in the UAE.
Overall, the Green Visa offers an excellent opportunity for eligible applicants to establish a stable and prosperous life in the UAE and contribute to the country’s development.
