Everything You Need to Know about the UAE Green Visa

The prospect of the UAE as a land of work opportunities and a modern lifestyle has a universal appeal, attracting thousands and thousands of people to its shores from around the world. This is evident from the fact that it is one of the most diverse nations in the world, with a significant population of expats and non-residents.

With the rise in the settlement of citizens from foreign nations, several initiatives have been taken by the Government of the UAE to foster positive foreign relations. Among them, perhaps the most notable is the launch of long-term residency visas.

The UAE Green Visa is one such program that has gained significant popularity in the last couple of years, owing to the convenience it provides to foreign nationalities. In this space, we are going to learn about the concept of the UAE Green Visa, its benefits, the eligibility criteria, the requirements, the cost, and the process of applying so that you get all the information you need about it in one space.

About the UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa is a form of residency visa that enables its holders to sponsor themselves for a period of five years without relying on a UAE national or employer sponsor. Applicable to freelancers, self-employed individuals, skilled employees, and investors, this visa can be renewed for the same term upon its expiry, ensuring a hassle-free stay for its holders.

It has played a groundbreaking role in boosting the competitiveness in the job market of the UAE, resulting in better performances and services across varied fields. Furthermore, it also attracts global talents with the option of residing in the safe and modern setting of the UAE. They get the chance to turn their place of work into a long-term home by eventually investing in the country.

Benefits of the UAE Green Visa

The advantages of the UAE Green Visa are far and beyond, and the proof is in the pudding since it is extremely popular and has been applauded immensely for its potential. Take a look at some of its primary benefits.

Long-term Residency

The most prominent benefit of the UAE Green Visa is undoubtedly its long-term residency aspect. You get to stay and reside in the UAE for five years when you hold this visa. That is a significant amount of time for you to not only master your craft but also explore the country.

This allows you to strengthen the pillars of your career and establish stability so that you can eventually plan for a permanent stay.

Accommodating Grace Period

Not only can the UAE Green Visa be renewed for the same term upon its expiry, but you also get the benefit of a grace period with it. This is how it works. Immediately upon the expiry of your current UAE Green Visa, you don’t have to panic since you will still have a grace period of 180 days with you.

During this phase, you can apply for a new one or adjust your status as per your requirements. In case you don’t want to renew your visa, you can also use this time to plan your departure without worrying about incurring any penalty or fine.

Family Sponsorship

The UAE Green Visa has been especially noted for enhancing the family sponsorship concept. It has raised the maximum age limit for sponsoring male children, which it has set to 25, and has completely removed the age limit for unmarried daughters.

Moreover, holders of this visa can now sponsor children of determination irrespective of their ages. It doesn’t end here. It also allows its holders to sponsor first-degree relatives for a residency duration that matches the same as the holder of the visa.

Eligibility for the UAE Green Visa

Freelancers, self-employed, and skilled individuals can apply for this Visa. There is also a dedicated Green Visa for investors. The eligibility criteria for them are as follows.

Freelancers and/or Self-Employed Individuals

Eligible candidates must submit a freelance or self-employed permit approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma.

Besides, they also have to submit evidence of their annual income generated from their self-employment in the past two years. This annual income should not amount to less than AED 360,000. If they can’t provide this, they need to provide proof of their financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.

Skilled Employees

Skilled employees are welcome to apply for the UAE Green Visa. To apply for it, they must have a valid employment contract and be classified at the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.

In addition, they must also hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent and have a monthly salary of not less than AED 15,000.

Investors

Investors who are participating in or establishing commercial activities in the UAE can also apply for the Green Visa. They can reside in the UAE without needing an employer or guarantor. It replaces the previous residence visa that had validity for two years only.

Interested candidates must get approval from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) on the investment as per the investor's rating system. They also need to show proof of their investment. In the event the investor or partner holds more than one license, then the total invested capital will be calculated. Lastly, they also need to get the approval of the competent local authorities.

Requirements for the UAE Green Visa

Here are the requirements one needs to fulfill to be eligible for the UAE Green Visa.

Freelancers and/or Self-Employed Individuals

• A copy of a passport with a validity of at least six months.
• A permit of self-employment from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Skilled Individuals

• A copy of a passport with a validity of at least six months.
• A permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• A contract of employment in the event the establishment is government, semi- government, or from the free zones.

Investors

• Personal photo.
• A copy of a passport with a validity of at least six months.
• Partnership/memorandum of association or investment contract.
• Trade license.

Cost of the UAE Green Visa

The residence permit fee for the UAE Green Visa is AED 200. This doesn’t include the extra charges of Knowledge Dirham of AED 10, Innovation Dirham of AED 10, and the fee inside the country which is AED 500.

Furthermore, after including several other relevant expenses, the cost of the UAE Green Visa can come to AED 2,280. However, this doesn’t include the ID card fee of AED 575 and the medical services fee of AED 320. This amount can change, so we suggest you to check the exact amount with the concerned authority at the time of application.

How to Apply for the UAE Green Visa?

The application process for the UAE Green Visa is a pretty simple one. You can apply for one through one of the three following procedures.

Digital Channels (Website/Smart Apps)

• Start with logging into the smart services system through a UAE pass or username.
• Look for the service that you want to apply for.
• Fill out the application data.
• Make the payment of the service fee (if any).

Amer Service Centre

• Go to the nearest Amer Service Centre.
• Get the automated turn ticket and wait for your turn.
• Fill out the application and submit it. Ensure you meet all the conditions and provide documents (if any) to the customer service employee.
• Make the payment of the service fee (if any).

Customer Happiness Centre

• Go to the nearest Customer Happiness Centre.
• Get the automated turn ticket and wait for your turn.
• Fill out the application and submit it. Ensure you meet all the conditions and provide documents (if any) to the customer service employee.
• Make the payment of the service fee (if any).

Major Visas to Look for in the UAE

Along with the UAE Green Visa, several other visas have been initiated by the Government of the UAE to facilitate a smoother settlement of foreign talents and nationalities in the country. Here are some of the most prominent ones among them.

UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows foreign nationalities to live, study, and work in the UAE while exercising exclusive advantages. Scientists, humanitarian pioneers, entrepreneurs, investors, outstanding students and graduates, and frontline heroes are eligible for this visa.

UAE Blue Visa

The UAE Blue Visa is a 10-year residency program that is designed for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the protection and sustainability of the environment, both in and outside the UAE.

Standard Work Visa

Foreign citizens are eligible for a normal employment visa if they are employed in the private sector, the government sector, or the free zone. This visa usually is valid for two years.

To Conclude

The UAE Green Visa is a highly beneficial program that enables the flow of global talents to the UAE. Skilled employees, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and investors can apply for this visa to secure long-term residences in the country. It has a grace period of six months and upon expiry, can be renewed for the same term.

FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions about the UAE Green Visa

What is the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa is a long-term residency program that allows skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and investors to reside in the UAE for a long-term period without relying on a sponsor.

Who Can Apply for the UAE Green Visa?

Skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and investors can apply for the UAE Green Visa.

How to get a Green Visa in the UAE?

To get a Green Visa in the UAE, one has to meet the eligibility criteria that are set for each category of applicants (freelancers/self-employed, skilled individuals, and investors). If they fulfill the eligibility criteria, they have to make their applications through digital channels (websites or smart apps), an Amer Service Centre, or a Customer Happiness Centre.

What is the cost of the Green Visa in the UAE?

The residence permit fee for the UAE Green Visa is AED 200. This doesn’t include the extra charges of Knowledge Dirham of AED 10, Innovation Dirham of AED 10, and the fee inside the country which is AED 500.

In addition, when you include other relevant expenses, the cost of the UAE Green Visa comes to AED 2,280. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t include the ID card fee of AED 575 and the medical services fee of AED 320. For exact total amount, you can check with the concerned authority at the time of application.

How long is the grace period after the expiry of the UAE Green Visa?

A grace period of 180 days is given after the expiry of the UAE Green Visa, during which they can reside in the UAE and plan for the renewal of their visa or departure from the country.

Can the UAE Green Visa be renewed?

Yes, the UAE Green Visa can be renewed upon its expiry for the same term of five years.