Sub-service · Residence visas · Green
Green Visa in the UAE
The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled employees and freelancers/self-employed professionals. Like the Golden Visa, it removes the employer-as-sponsor dependency: holders sponsor themselves and their first-degree family, and can stay in the UAE between jobs without the 30-day grace scramble.
- Validity
- 5 years renewable, self-sponsored
- Skilled track
- AED 15,000+ monthly salary, bachelor's degree
- Freelance track
- Permit + income self-employed professionals
- Family
- First degree spouse, children, parents
Process
How the investor visa process goes
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Confirm eligibility
day 0Skilled track needs the contract + degree + salary certificate; freelance track needs the MOHRE permit and income proof.
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File the entry permit
1–5 daysApplication through ICP with documents for the applicant and family members.
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Change status, medical, biometrics
1–2 weeksAfter entry (or in-country status change): medical insurance, medical test, Emirates ID biometrics.
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Receive the Emirates ID
1–2 weeks5-year residence stamped digitally; renewals follow the same evidence pack.
Typical package sequence in the snapshot: License registration → Establishment card → Investor visa → Corporate bank account (1,833 of 2,047 packages follow this order).
Zones
Where packages include the investor visa
| Route | Who qualifies | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled employee | Valid employment contract, bachelor's degree or equivalent, salary of at least AED 15,000/month | 5 years |
| Freelancer / self-employed | Freelance or self-employment permit from MOHRE, degree or specialised experience, annual income from AED 360,000 | 5 years |
| Family inclusion | Holder sponsors spouse, sons up to 25 (or unmarried), and parents | tied to holder |
Programme rules as of 2026 — confirm current thresholds with ICP or the free zone before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Green and Golden Visa?
Green is a 5-year self-sponsored visa with fixed salary/income thresholds; Golden is 10-year and investment- or talent-nominated. Golden includes support staff, Green covers first-degree family.
Can a freelancer get a Green Visa?
Yes — with a MOHRE freelance permit, a degree or specialised experience, and documented annual income from AED 360,000.
Does the Green Visa require an employer?
The skilled track requires a valid employment contract at filing, but the visa itself is self-sponsored — you can change jobs without losing residency.
Who can I sponsor?
Spouse, sons up to age 25 (unmarried students), unmarried daughters, and parents.
Related
Planning an investor visa for your company?
We match the license package to your visa plan — quota, family sponsorship and bank account in one scope.