United Arab Emirates · work unsponsored
UAE Green Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors.
- Processing time
- Typically 2–6 weeks.
- Government fees
- AED 2,000+ plus medical and Emirates ID.
- Typical duration
- 5 years, renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
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.
Recent changes to this route
- UAE expands Green Visa eligibility for freelancers and skilled workers1 September 2024
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian freelancers and professionals benefit from the Green Visa's self-sponsorship, removing employer dependency. Bache…
Filipino applicants
Filipino healthcare and hospitality professionals use the Green Visa to maintain status without being tied to a single e…
Pakistani applicants
Pakistani freelancers use the route for remote work and consulting. Degree attestation via HEC and MoFA Pakistan, follow…
Nigerian applicants
Nigerian healthcare and engineering professionals use the Green Visa to escape employer-tied sponsorship after first arr…
Bangladeshi applicants
Bangladeshi skilled workers (engineers, IT professionals, mid-level finance) increasingly use the Green Visa to convert …
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantApply for Green residence ↗
Applicants use this official UAE page to choose the skilled, freelance, or investor Green residence path.
The Official Portal of the UAE Government · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: AED 2,000+ plus medical and Emirates ID.. A decision then typically takes 5 days – 2 weeks. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
Can I get a UAE Green Visa without a job offer or an employer sponsoring me?+
Yes. The Green Visa is self-sponsored, so it does not need a UAE employer. Besides the skilled-worker track, you can qualify via the freelancer track (with a MOHRE freelance permit) or the investor track (commercial licence and minimum capital). Confirm details on the official UAE Government Portal.
What salary and qualifications do I need for the UAE Green Visa skilled-worker track?+
The skilled-worker track requires a minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month, a bachelor's degree, and a qualifying occupation. A salary below this threshold, or an occupation not on the qualifying skilled list, are the common reasons applicants are blocked.
Does the UAE Green Visa lead to permanent residence or settlement?+
No. The Green Visa is a 5-year renewable, self-sponsored residence and is not marked as leading to settlement. For a longer-term route, the Golden Visa is the 10-year residence in this set flagged as leading to settlement.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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