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  1. Home/
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  3. UAE expands Green Visa eligibility for freelancers and skilled workers

1 September 2024·United Arab Emirates·Material change·In force

UAE expands Green Visa eligibility for freelancers and skilled workers

By Sam Parks · Last reviewed: 1 June 2026

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.

What changed

  • Policy claim 1

    Freelancers and self-employed applicants can qualify for the Green Visa with proof of professional qualification and minimum income thresholds set by ICP, without an employer sponsor.

    Claim ID: ae-2024-green-visa-expansion#claim-1·Cite this claim

    Source: ICP — Green Residence (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP))·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026

  • Policy claim 2

    Skilled-employee Green Visa applicants require a valid employment contract classified in ICP occupational skill level 1, 2 or 3, plus a minimum monthly salary and a bachelor-level qualification.

    Claim ID: ae-2024-green-visa-expansion#claim-2·Cite this claim

    Source: ICP — Green Residence (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP))·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026

  • Policy claim 3

    Green Visa holders can sponsor first-degree relatives and children up to age 25, broader than the standard employment-visa family sponsorship window.

    Claim ID: ae-2024-green-visa-expansion#claim-3·Cite this claim

    Source: ICP — Green Residence (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP))·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026

Routes affected

  • UAE Green Visa
  • UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa
  • UAE freelance permit with residence

Primary source

Primary source

ICP — Green Residence ↗ · Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)

Link last verified: 1 June 2026

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This is not legal advice

We publish neutral, sourced information about immigration routes. Rules and thresholds change often — always verify details on the official government source linked on this page and consult a regulated immigration advisor before applying.