Key Highlights:

• Live and work in the UAE independently without company sponsorship – gain complete career flexibility.
• Minimum investment starts at AED 1 million for business investors or AED 360,000 annual income for freelancers for the UAE Green Visa.
• 5-year renewable residence permit with fast 48-hour processing through official UAE portals.
• Sponsor your spouse, children, and first-degree relatives under your Green Visa.

Are you thinking about moving to the UAE to create a safe future? The Green Visa could be your gateway. It was launched to attract skilled professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, and it allows you to live and work in the UAE without the need for company sponsorship. 

In 2025, it continues to gain momentum as a flexible residency option, especially for those seeking long-term opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. 

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, investor, or remote worker, understanding the investment requirements of the Green Visa is your first step toward making the Emirates your next home. Let’s examine the requirements for 2025 eligibility.

What is the UAE Green Visa? (2025 Update)

In 2025, the UAE Green Visa might be just what you need if you want better career flexibility in the UAE without being restricted by a single company. This special visa category was created to encourage economic flexibility and aid in the nation’s long-term development by drawing in top talent and independent individuals from around the globe.

The UAE Green Visa allows you to live and work in the Emirates on your own, unlike conventional work visas that need corporate sponsorship. It is a fantastic choice if you want to live a more secure and independent life in the United Arab Emirates.

Who is Eligible?

In 2025, the Green Visa will be available to several categories of individuals, including:

• Investors and business partners.
• Skilled employees with high educational qualifications and salaries.
• Freelancers working in fields such as media, design, tech, and consulting.
• Self-employed professionals with verifiable credentials and income.

This flexibility enables you to get the most from the UAE’s booming business environment, whether you’re starting your own company, working from home, or advancing your career in a high-demand sector.

Key Differences from Standard Work and Golden Visas

The Green Visa gives you control, unlike the typical UAE work visa, which is employer-sponsored and restricts your freedom. To get started, you don’t require a job offer or corporate sponsor.

The UAE Golden Visa is often geared toward high-net-worth individuals, property investors, or exceptional talents. The Green Visa is more accessible and targeted at working professionals, small business owners, and freelancers.

Minimum Investment Requirements for the UAE Green Visa (2025)

If you’re planning to apply for the UAE Green Visa in 2025, it’s important to understand the specific investment and income requirements based on your professional background. 

Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, skilled employee, or freelancer, each category has its criteria you’ll need to meet.

For Investors and Business Partners

If you’re an investor or a partner in a UAE-registered business, here’s what you need to qualify:

• Minimum Investment Amount: You must invest at least AED 1 million in an existing or new UAE business.
• Acceptable Business Structures: Your investment can be in a limited liability company (LLC), joint stock company, or partnership.
• Valid License: Your business must have a valid commercial or industrial license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority.
• Proof of Investment: You’ll need to submit proof of capital investment and your ownership stake in the business.
• Cumulative Investment: If you hold stakes in multiple businesses, your total investment across all licenses can be combined to meet the AED 1 million threshold.
• Government Approval: Final approval is required from the relevant government authorities to confirm the legitimacy of your investment.

For Real Estate Investors

If you’ve invested in UAE property, you may also be eligible for the Green Visa under certain conditions:

• Minimum Property Value: The property must be valued at no less than AED 1 million.
• Acceptable Property Types: Only freehold residential properties are accepted; commercial and leasehold properties typically do not qualify.
• Ownership Structure: You must be listed as the legal owner; mortgaged properties may be considered if a significant percentage of the loan is paid off.
• Off-Plan Properties: Some off-plan (under-construction) investments may be accepted, but they must be from government-approved developers and meet minimum payment thresholds.

For Entrepreneurs

If you’re an entrepreneur building a new business in the UAE:

• Capital Requirement: You’ll need to show proof of at least AED 500,000 in capital for your startup or venture.
• Tax Payment Alternative: In some cases, proof of paying a minimum of AED 100,000 in corporate taxes to the UAE government over the past year can be submitted as an alternative to the capital requirement.

For Skilled Employees

As a skilled professional, you can qualify for the Green Visa by meeting the following:

• Minimum Monthly Salary: AED 15,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency).
• Educational Qualifications: You must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification recognized by the UAE.
• Occupational Classification: Your job must fall under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)-approved skill levels with specific educational requirements:
• Skill levels (1 & 2): Bachelor’s Degree or higher required

• Skill Levels (3 & 4): Diploma graduate or higher required

• Skill Level (5): High School Certificate required

• Skill levels 6-9: No certificate requirement, but workers earning less than AED 4,000 per month are not considered skilled.

For Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals

If you work independently or on a freelance basis:

• Proof of Annual Income: You must provide documentation showing a minimum annual self-employment income of AED 360,000.
• Alternative Qualification: If you don’t meet the income threshold, you may still qualify by showing strong academic credentials, relevant work experience, and proof of consistent project work or long-term client contracts.

Step-by-Step Application Process (2025)

If you’re ready to begin your journey toward obtaining the UAE Green Visa in 2025, understanding the step-by-step application process will help you navigate each phase with confidence. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Pre-Application Checks: Eligibility and Documentation

Before you apply, you should first confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria based on your category, whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, skilled worker, or freelancer. Gather all the necessary documents, which may include:

• A valid passport or travel document with validity of no less than 6 months from the application date
• Proof of investment or income (bank statements, tax records, business contracts, etc.)
• Trade or business license (for investors or entrepreneurs)
• Academic and professional qualifications (for skilled workers)
• Recent passport-sized photos

2. Register and Apply via Official UAE Portals

You’ll need to register through one of the official government platforms:

• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
• GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) for Dubai-based applications

3. Submit Required Documents

Upload all your documents, including:

• Passport copy
• Personal photo with a white background
• Investment or business documents (trade license, ownership proof)
• Proof of income (for freelancers/skilled workers)
• Educational certificates (attested, if necessary)

4. Pay the Application and Processing Fees

Pay the visa processing fee through the online portal. Fees may vary depending on the visa type and emirate but generally range from AED 1,000 to 2,000, excluding medical tests and insurance.

5. Complete Medical Fitness Tests and Obtain Health Insurance

• Undergo a mandatory medical fitness test at an approved UAE health center.
• Purchase mandatory valid UAE health insurance coverage that meets government residency requirements. This is a legal requirement for all UAE residents, not optional based on personal needs.

6. Wait for Approval and Receive Your Entry or Residence Permit

After completing all formalities, your application will be reviewed by UAE authorities. If approved:

• You’ll receive an entry permit (if applying from outside the UAE).
• Or your existing visa status will be updated to a Green Residence Permit (if you are applying within the UAE).
• Processing times are typically 48 hours for visa applications through official UAE government portals, provided all documentation is complete and accurate.

Detailed Cost Breakdown (2025)

Before you apply for the UAE Green Visa, it’s essential to understand the cost involved. While the visa offers long-term benefits and flexibility, there are several costs you’ll need to plan for. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of typical fees associated with the application and approval process in 2025:

Application & Issuance Fees (Variable) 

These are the basic government fees charged during the visa process:

• Green Visa Application Fee: AED 2,000 – AED 2,500
• Residence Permit Issuance Fee (5 years): AED 500 – AED 1,000
• Emirates ID (5 years validity): AED 1,000 – AED 1,500
• Smart Services & Admin Charges: AED 100 – AED 200

Note: Fees vary by emirate and application type. Please refer to the official ICP or GDRFA portals for current fee schedules, as rates are subject to change and may differ based on your specific circumstances.

Medical Examination (Mandatory)

All applicants must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved UAE health center:

• Medical Test Fee (variable): AED 300 – AED 500 (depends on standard or express service)

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all residents:

• Basic Health Insurance: AED 800 – AED 1,200 annually (variable)
• Comprehensive Insurance (optional): AED 1,500 – AED 3,000+ annually (variable) 

Attestation and Document Translation (if required)

If your educational or business documents are issued outside the UAE, you may need to get them attested and translated:

• Document Attestation (per document): AED 150 – AED 300
• Legal Translation (per page): AED 50 – AED 100

Real Estate Valuation (For Property Investors only)

If applying through a real estate investment route:

• Property Valuation Certificate (optional): AED 500 – AED 1,000

Key 2025 Regulatory Updates

Minimum Investment Thresholds: The minimum investment requirement for business investors remains at AED 1 million. This can be fulfilled through ownership in one or multiple UAE-licensed businesses, provided the cumulative investment meets the threshold. 

Eligible Business Structures and Property Types: The UAE continues to recognize various business structures for Green Visa eligibility, including limited liability companies (LLCs), joint stock companies, and partnerships. For real estate investors, the minimum property value requirement is AED 1 million. 

New Documentation and Compliance Requirements: In 2025, the UAE introduced stricter documentation and compliance measures to enhance security and streamline the visa application process. Applicants are now required to:

• Provide comprehensive and accurate documentation to avoid delays or rejections.
• Undergo enhanced security screenings.
• Ensure all submitted documents are up-to-date and verifiable.

Recent Government Announcements: The UAE government has emphasized its dedication to attracting skilled professionals and entrepreneurs through the Green Visa program. Recent announcements highlight the country’s focus on economic diversification and the importance of foreign talent in achieving its long-term goals.

FAQs

1. What is the minimum investment required for a UAE Green Visa in 2025?

The minimum investment required is AED 1 million in a licensed business or self-employment activity.

2. Can I combine investments across multiple businesses or properties to meet the threshold?

Yes, if you hold stakes in multiple businesses, your total investment across all licenses can be combined to meet the AED 1 million threshold, as stated in the investment requirements section.

3. Is the Green Visa renewable after 5 years?

Yes, the Green Visa is renewable upon meeting the eligibility criteria again after 5 years.

4. What are the differences between the Green Visa and the Golden Visa?

The Green Visa is for skilled workers and freelancers, while the Golden Visa targets investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents with higher eligibility thresholds.

5. Can family members be sponsored under the Green Visa?

Yes, Green Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and first-degree relatives.

6. What are the key reasons for application rejection?

Common reasons include insufficient documentation, not meeting financial criteria, or failing background checks.

Final Word

The UAE Green Visa in 2025 offers a valuable pathway to long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and freelancers. To qualify, you must meet specific investment or income thresholds, such as AED 1 million for business or property investors or an annual income of AED 360,000 for freelancers, along with meeting documentation, licensing, and regulatory requirements. 

The application process involves eligibility checks, submission through official portals (ICP or GDRFA), medical testing, and insurance coverage. To ensure a smooth and successful application, prepare your paperwork thoroughly, stay organized, and regularly consult official UAE government sources like ICP or GDRFA for the most up-to-date regulations and procedures. 

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to learn more about securing your green visa in the UAE.