Green Visa UAE Eligibility, Requirements, Procedure To Apply

The UAE Green Visa allows the holder to sponsor themselves for 5 years without the need for an Emirati national or employer to do so. Freelancers, skilled workers, and self-employed individuals find Green Visa UAE an attractive employment option.

It is essential to note, however, that certain qualifications and limitations apply to the issuance of a work permit. Nevertheless, it offers many individuals a chance to become independent.

The holder of a green visa UAE can sponsor their family and receive benefits not available with other types of passports. In other words, it is a go-to immigration facility for people looking to work in the Arab Emirates for an extended period of time.

Keep reading to learn more about the GV and its requirements.

Green Visa UAE Eligibility

Before applying for a work permit, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria. In order to be accepted, you must meet the criteria outlined in the application.

Therefore, only those belonging to one of the following categories may apply.

1. Skilled employees
2. Investors or partners in business
3. Freelancers and Self-employed individuals

We will now explore each of the above categories in more detail. You can also apply for the Schengen Visa from Dubai.

1.   Skilled Employees

Employees who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for a 5-year Green Visa UAE.

• It is necessary for you to be employed in the Middle East and have a valid employment contract.
• A graduation-level degree or its equivalent is required.
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation specifies that you must hold a job position at the first, second, or third occupational level.
• AED 15,000 must be your monthly salary.

2.   Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals

Due to the rise in freelancing, the government has also started issuing permits to self-employed individuals for a five-year stay without sponsorship.

In any case, they must meet the following criteria.

• The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation requires you to have a freelance or self-employment permit.
• A bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma certificate is required.
• While in the country, you must demonstrate your financial stability and demonstrate that you are financially solvent.
• A business license, tax return, or business receipts are required as proof of self-employment.
• During the past two years, you should have earned AED 360,000 from self-employment or freelancing.

3.   Investors or Partners in Business

The following criteria can also help investors obtain temporary residency.

• Commercial enterprises must be engaged or developed in order to promote investment in the Gulf.
• Municipal authorities’ approval is required.
• Proof of investment and approval from a local authority are required.
• Investments made by each partner.

Don’t forget to explore UAE Golden Visa.

Green Visa UAE Requirements

Consider the following requirements before applying for a Green Visa UAE if you fall into one of the previously mentioned categories.

• Valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months
• A medical report from a local authority that is competent
• Entry permit that is valid
• Proof of employment or a freelancer’s permit from the MOHRE
• Passport-size photograph with a white background
• An insurance policy or a health card
• Qualification proof
• A duly filled application form

Additional Required Documents

You may also need to provide the following documents.

• Proof of rental contract
• Contracts signed by sponsors that are valid
• A copy of the sponsor’s passport with a valid resident permit
• Marriage certificate attestation in Arabic or English
• Sponsor’s birth certificate

If you plan to visit Turkey, you can have a look at Turkey Visa for UAE Residents.

How to Apply for Green Visa UAE Online

Having determined that you meet the residency card requirements, the next step is to apply. When bringing family members into the UAE, you must first obtain an entry permit for them.

A detailed guide to applying for a Green visa in the UAE can be found here.

Step 1: Visit the GDFRAD Website

You can begin the application process for an investor card by visiting the UAE immigration system here: GDRFA Dubai.  

Step 2: Entry Permit

Select entry permits from the services option on the homepage.

Step 3: Issuance of Green Visa

Select the option for issuing a green visa under the Entry Permit section.

Step 4: Green Visa Type

This section provides three options for selecting the appropriate permit type.

• Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (Investor/Partner)
• Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (Self-Employment)
• Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (High Skilled Worker)

Step 5: Start the Application

Select your visa type and click ‘Start Services‘ to begin the application process.

Step 6: Create Account/Login

1. To begin the application process, you must also create an account.
2. You can log in with your GDRFA account information or UAE Pass account by selecting Individuals from the tab.

Step 7: New Application

1. Once you log in, you will be redirected to your account.
2. To apply, click the ‘New application‘ button and select ‘Green residence for‘.

Step 8: Complete Green Visa UAE Application

After creating your account, select your visa type to begin filling out the form. The form generally contains the following information.

• Name
• Residential address
• Phone number
• Emirates ID number
• Passport number
• Email address

Step 9: Upload the Documents

1. The next step is to upload relevant documents once you have completed the form.
2. Your immigration status determines the type of documents you need.
3. It is possible to scan and upload these documents in either JPEG or PDF format.

NOTE: Missing documents can be uploaded within 30 days of receiving notification, but only if you do so within that timeframe.

Step 10: Pay Fee & Get Visa

1. Following the successful upload of documents, the next step is to pay the fee.
2. The payment can be made with cash, debit card, or credit card.
3. As your application progresses, you will receive updates via email and phone.
4. Travel documents can be collected from the designated office once they have been approved.

You can also explore how to check Travel Ban in UAE.

Getting UAE Green Visa at Customer Happiness Center (Offline)

Green Visas allow eligible individuals to live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates without requiring a sponsor or host. To apply at a Customer Happiness Center, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit Customer Center

To get the service you need, visit the Customer Happiness Centre closest to you.

Step 2: Obtain An Automated Ticket

If you need a ticket for your needed service, grab one from the ticketing kiosk and sit while you wait for your number to be called.

Step 3: Application Submission

Go to the counter when your number is called and give the customer service representative your application or documents. Fill out all parts completely and accurately.

Step 4: Make Payment

Upon submitting your paperwork, the representative will inform you of the applicable fees. As proof of payment, keep a copy of your receipt.

Step 5: Receive Visa

Within a specified period, you will receive an email with your UAE green permit.

Amer Service Centers for UAE Green Visa

Residents and visitors to the UAE can access a variety of government, business, and personal services through Amer Centres. Here’s a simple guide to making your transactions as smooth as possible at an Amer location:

Step 1: Find Nearest Amer Center

To find the nearest Amer location, search online or use the Amer app. Additionally, Amer has centers in all the Emirates.

Step 2: Queue Ticket

Select your service and print a queue ticket using the automated ticketing machines.

Step 3: Seating Area Waiting

In the waiting area, you must wait until your number appears on the screens.

Step 4: Counter Service

Provide any documents or forms you have if a representative calls you.

Step 5: Pay Fee

Pay your fees, double-check your paperwork, and keep your receipt before leaving.

UAE Green Visa Validity

Freelancers and investors can now enjoy a 5-year validity period with the recently introduced Green Visa UAE. This is a major improvement over previous Emirati residency authorizations, which required renewal every 1-3 years.

UAE Green Visa Costs

With the new UAE Green Pass, foreign residents can enjoy maximum freedom and flexibility – but at what cost?

Base Visa Fee

• AED 2,280 (around USD 620) per person
• This is the upfront application fee

Additional Fees

• ID card fee: AED 575 (USD 155)
• Medical fee: AED 320 (USD 87) for standard services

Total Estimated Cost

• The total initial cost per person ranges from AED 3,175-3,500 ($864- $953)
• There is a fee for each family member requiring entry

Note: The cost of a visa may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Benefits of Green Visa UAE

Getting a green card for the UAE for five years has numerous benefits. Permits have the following advantages.

5-Year Validity

• You can stay in the Arab Emirates for up to 5 years at a time
• Long validity periods provide stability and scalability

Family Sponsorship

• It is possible to sponsor close family members, including spouses, children, and first-degree relatives
• Children with special needs, unmarried daughters, and sons under 25 are eligible to sponsor

No Sponsor Required

• You do not need a sponsor from your employer or an Emirati national
• Having the ability to live and work independently in the UAE

Sponsorship for Other Groups

• Students and standard employees are eligible for legal immigration for two years
• Gives some residency rights to those who do not qualify for the 5-year green card

Renewal Options

• After expiration, the license can be renewed for an additional 5 years
• The validity period of a renewed visa will be the same as that of the original visa

Flexible Grace Periods

• Provides grace periods for document expiration instead of the standard 30 days
• Provides flexibility if renewal paperwork is still being processed

It is an excellent opportunity for freelancers and skilled employees to get a long-term stay permit of 5 years in the Gulf Arabian region. Moreover, this type of authorization of Green Visa UAE has other benefits: you do not need a sponsor, and your family can also sponsor you.

Additionally, you can apply online by filling out a form and uploading supporting documents. Generally, you will receive your document within 2-3 months of submitting your application. Investors can also apply for immigration and benefit from similar benefits. Hence, if you meet the residency permit requirements, apply now and get your passport, as this is the best route to settling in the land of opportunities.