The UAE has recently launched the five-year Green Visa program as part of its efforts to attract skilled workers and investors from around the world. The new visa aims to create a more flexible job market and attract exceptional talents in various fields. It is designed for outstanding talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to reside in the UAE for an extended period. The Green Visa provides a long-term residency solution and more benefits to visa holders and their families than the standard residence visa.
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Benefits of the Green Visa
- The Green Visa allows international talents to sponsor themselves, removing the need for employment to reside in the UAE.
- It provides the ability to sponsor sons up to the age of 25 and unmarried daughters, regardless of age.
- Moreover, it offers a wide range of visa options for professionals, freelancers, investors, and partners.
- The Green Visa is valid for five years, giving visa holders the flexibility to live and work in the UAE for an extended period.
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Green Visa for Freelancers/Self-Employed
Freelancers or self-employed people who have obtained a freelance work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) are eligible to apply for the Green Visa. The minimum educational level required is a bachelor’s degree, a specialized diploma, or equivalent. Annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should be at least Dh360,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies. Alternatively, applicants can provide proof of financial solvency throughout the duration of residency in the UAE.
To apply for the Freelance Visa, applicants need to provide a freelance work permit by MOHRE and proof of annual income of AED 360,000 for the previous two years. Alternatively, applicants can provide proof of financial solvency during their residency period. Green Visa applications can be submitted on the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
Green Visa for Skilled Workers
Skilled workers can apply for the Green Visa if they hold a work permit using an employment contract valid in the UAE. The worker should also assume a position classified as the first, second, or third level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). Moreover, the applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and have a monthly minimum salary of AED 15,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
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To apply for the Skilled Employee category, applicants need to provide a valid employment contract from MOHRE or its equivalent with proof of the job title and monthly income. They should also provide an attested bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Green Visa applications can be submitted on the ICP’s website.
Green Visa for Investors
The Green Visa for investors is given to those establishing or participating in commercial activities in the UAE. It replaces the previous residence visa that was valid for only two years. To be eligible, investors should receive approval from the ICP on the investment as per the investors’ rating system applied. They should also provide proof of investment, and the total invested capital will be calculated if the investor/partner has more than one license. Additionally, they need approval from the competent local authorities.
Green Visa applications for investors can be submitted on the ICP’s website.
The UAE’s introduction of the five-year Green Visa aims to attract talented workers and investors to the country, creating more opportunities for growth and success. The visa offers a long-term residency solution and benefits that go beyond the standard residence visa. Freelancers, skilled workers, and investors can apply for the Green Visa if they meet the eligibility criteria and requirements set by the authorities. Applicants can submit their applications online through the ICP’s website.
