Pakistani applicants · United Arab Emirates
UAE Green Visa for Pakistani citizens
5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors.
This page covers the UAE Green Visa specifically for Pakistani applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Pakistan. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 5 days – 2 weeks
- Government fees
- AED 2,000+ plus medical and Emirates ID.
- Typical duration
- 5 years, renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a United Arab Emirates consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Pakistani nationals are set by ICP and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The UAE Green Visa is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Key figures for Pakistani applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
5 days – 2 weeks
Green Visa self-sponsored residence typically 5–15 days end-to-end where documentation is complete.
Verified 1 June 2026 · UAE Government Portal — Green Visa →
Visa overview
The Green Visa launched in October 2022 as a self-sponsored alternative to employer-sponsored residence. Skilled workers meeting salary and qualification thresholds can apply without an employer sponsor, and freelancers can secure residence on the back of Ministry of Human Resources registration.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Skilled-worker track: minimum salary AED 15,000/month, bachelor's degree, qualifying occupation.
- ✓Freelancer track: MOHRE freelance permit.
- ✓Investor track: commercial licence and minimum capital.
Common blockers
- !Salary below the Green Visa threshold.
- !Occupation not on qualifying skilled list.
Typical evidence
- ·Employment or freelance permit.
- ·Salary and qualification evidence.
Application pathway
Choose track (skilled / freelance / investor)
Each has different documentary requirements.
Apply via ICP/GDRFA
Online application plus in-person biometrics.
Medical and Emirates ID
Standard issuance process.
Renew after 5 years
Renewable subject to continuing eligibility.
Recent policy changes affecting this route
What changed most recently on this route — each linked to its primary government source.
- 1 September 2024In force 1 September 2024
UAE expands Green Visa eligibility for freelancers and skilled workers
ICP widened Green Visa eligibility criteria for freelancers, self-employed workers, and skilled employees, extending the 5-year self-sponsored residence option to a broader profile of applicants.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) →
Other United Arab Emirates routes covered for Pakistani applicants
Not sure United Arab Emirates is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work unsponsored routes that Pakistani nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Pakistani citizens eligible for the UAE Green Visa?+
Eligibility for the UAE Green Visa is set by ICP and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Pakistani applicants typically file the UAE Green Visa?+
a United Arab Emirates consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by ICP — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Pakistani applicants need a tourist visa for United Arab Emirates as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Pakistani nationals are set by ICP and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The UAE Green Visa is a separate application from any tourist entry.
How long does the UAE Green Visa take to process from Pakistan?+
The typical published decision window is 5 days – 2 weeks. Pakistani applicants usually file via a United Arab Emirates consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: UAE Government Portal — Green Visa, verified 1 June 2026.
Can I switch employers on a Green Visa?+
Yes. The Green Visa is self-sponsored, so you're not tied to one employer. This is one of the main operational benefits versus the standard employment-sponsored residence.