What is the UAE Green Visa (2025)? Who is eligible: Everything you need to know

TL;DR:

• The UAE Green Visa is a 5‑year, self‑sponsored residence permit that enables skilled workers, freelancers/self‑employed professionals, and small investors/partners to live in the UAE without needing a local sponsor.
• Key eligibility requirements vary by category: AED 15,000/month salary, AED 360,000 annual freelance income, or minimum AED 1 million investment.
• Benefits include self‑sponsorship, ability to sponsor families (children up to 25, no age limit for unmarried daughters or dependents of determination), and a 6‑month grace period after expiry.
• Applications are submitted via ICP smart services or GDRFA portals, with standard fees including AED 200 issue fee, AED 500 entry permit, and nominal innovation/knowledge charges.

The UAE’s Green Visa has established itself as a flexible, self‑sponsorship residency permit, available to skilled workers, freelancers, self‑employed professionals, and small investors. With a 5‑year renewable term, relaxed family sponsorship rules, and autonomy from employer sponsorship, the Green Visa supports the UAE’s ongoing strategy to attract global talent and support economic diversification.

What Is the Green Visa?
The Green Visa is a renewable 5-year residence permit, designed to give professionals, investors, and freelancers greater mobility, autonomy, and long-term residency stability in the UAE. Importantly, it allows holders to self-sponsor their stay without employer or national sponsorship.
This initiative supports the UAE’s broader economic goals of attracting skilled talent, empowering entrepreneurship, and driving innovation. It complements other programs like the Golden Visa and newer Blue Visa by targeting mid‑level professionals and contributors.

Who Qualifies: Eligibility Requirements
The Green Visa supports three main applicant categories, each with distinct criteria:

1. Skilled Employees

• Must have a valid employment contract with UAE-based company or free zone.
• Classified in Level 1, 2, or 3 by MoHRE (e.g., managers, scientists, technicians).
• Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Minimum monthly salary: AED 15,000 (~US$4,080).

2. Freelancers / Self-Employed Professionals

• Must hold a freelance or self‑employment permit from MoHRE.
• Must have a bachelor’s degree or diploma.
• Annual income requirement: AED 360,000 (~US$98,000) for past two years or proof of financial solvency.
• As of 2025, some freelancers report difficulty finding information on obtaining permits. The permit must originate from MoHRE and may require coordination with free zones.

3. Investors / Partners

• Must participate in or own local business(es) with investment amount of at least AED 1,000,000.
• Required to obtain ICP approval pursuant to investor-rating system and prove registered capital across all trade licenses.
• Requires confirmation from relevant local authorities.
  

Benefits of the Green Visa

• Self‑sponsorship: No UAE-based employer or national sponsor needed.

• 5-year residency, renewable upon continued eligibility.

• Family sponsorship allowed: spouse, children (sons up to 25, unmarried daughters unlimited age), and parents in some cases. Children of determination have no age limit. Sponsors receive same visa term.

• Grace period: Earned up to 6 months after visa expiry or cancellation.

• Multiple-entry flexibility: e‑visa is issued early, allowing entry while residence permit processes.
  

How to Apply
Via Online Government Channels

• Log into Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICP) Smart Services portal or GDRFA portal.

• Select the "Green Residency issuance service."

• Choose your category (skilled, self-employed, investor).

• Upload documents (passport, diploma, employment contract or income proofs, freelance permit or investment certificate).

• Pay fees:
  
  • Residency issuance: AED 200
  • Entry permit: AED 500
  • Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
  • Innovation Dirham: AED 10
  • Delivery/service charges as applicable.

• Undergo medical fitness test at authorized centre.

• Receive e‑visa, then proceed with Emirates ID, biometrics and residency stamping.

Via Customer Happiness/Amer Centres

• Request paper application assistance at registered centres.

• Submit documents in person and pay fees after verification and biometric capture.

Typical processing time: 2–4 weeks, depending on application category and verification delays.

The Green Visa stands out as a deliberate step toward a more inclusive and independent residency model, aligning with the UAE’s broader goals of building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy under Vision 2030. By enabling professionals and investors to live and work without employer constraints, it promotes freedom, stability, and flexibility.
Whether you're a high-earning skilled worker, freelancer seeking autonomy, or small investor exploring long-term residency, the Green Visa offers a practical, validated route. Its benefits: family-friendly terms, self-sponsorship, and grace periods underscore the sustainability of this model for both expats and the UAE’s economic future.

FAQ

• 1. What is the duration of the Green Visa?

It’s a 5-year residence permit, renewable upon meeting criteria.

• 2. Can I sponsor my family?

Yes. Benefits include sponsoring spouse, children up to 25, unmarried daughters of any age, and children of determination.

• 3. What income/salary criteria exist?

Skilled: AED 15,000/month. Freelancers: AED 360,000/year over last two years or financial solvency. Investors: AED 1 million+ capital.

• 4. Do I need a sponsor?

No. The Green Visa allows self-sponsorship, no UAE employer or national required.

• 5. How long can I stay after expiry?

Up to a 6-month grace period after visa expiry or cancellation.