Green Visa UAE
Green Visa UAE: Your Path to Self-Sponsored Residency
The UAE Green Visa, officially known as Green Residency, is a renewable 5-year residence permit that allows you to live and work in the UAE without employer sponsorship.
Launched by the UAE government in 2022, this visa is designed to attract skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors who want long-term stability and flexibility in the UAE.
The Green Residency is part of the UAE’s strategic initiative to enhance its competitiveness as a global destination for talent and investment. It supports a knowledge-based economy while providing greater freedom to residents who qualify.
Key Benefits of the UAE Green Visa
The Green Visa offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for professionals and entrepreneurs:
Self-Sponsorship
- You can live and work in the UAE without requiring an employer or company to sponsor your residency. This gives you complete independence and flexibility in your career choices.
5-Year Validity
- The visa is valid for five years and is renewable. This long-term residency provides stability for you and your family to settle and plan your future in the UAE.
Work Flexibility
- Green Visa holders can work with multiple employers simultaneously, freelance, or start their own businesses. You are not tied to a single employer, giving you the freedom to pursue various professional opportunities.
Family Sponsorship
- Green Visa holders can sponsor immediate family members, including:
- Spouse
- Sons up to 25 years of age
- Unmarried daughters (no age limit)
- This extended sponsorship age for male children (up to 25 instead of the standard 18) is a significant advantage for families.
180-Day Grace Period
- If your Green Visa expires or is cancelled, you have a grace period of 180 days (6 months) to remain in the UAE and regularize your status without penalties. This is significantly longer than the standard employment visa grace period, providing greater security and flexibility.
Who Can Apply for the Green Visa?
The Green Visa is available to three main categories of applicants who meet specific requirements.
Skilled Workers
Skilled professionals can apply if they meet these criteria:
- Hold a valid employment contract in the UAE
- Possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 or equivalent in foreign currencies
- Are classified under occupational skill levels 1, 2, or 3 according to the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE)
Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals
Freelancers and self-employed professionals must fulfill these requirements:
- Hold a valid freelancing or self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation
- Possess a bachelor’s degree, specialized diploma, or equivalent qualification
- Provide proof of annual income of at least AED 360,000 from freelancing activities in the past two years, or demonstrate financial solvency throughout the residency period
Investors and Business Partners
Investors and business partners need to meet the following conditions:
- Provide proof of investment or partnership in a project or commercial activity within the UAE
- Hold all required licenses and approvals from the relevant local authorities
- Meet investment thresholds as determined by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
How to Apply for the Green Visa in UAE
The application process for the Green Visa can be completed online or in person through authorized channels.
Online Application
You can apply digitally through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) Smart Services or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portals. The online application process works as follows:
- Log in to the smart services system using UAE Pass or your username
- Search for the Green Visa service
- Fill in the application form with accurate information
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the applicable fees online
- Wait for approval (typically within 48 hours)
The online portal is available 24/7 for your convenience.
In-Person Application
You can visit authorized service centers in Dubai to submit your application:
- Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Center or Amer Service Center
- Take an automated turn ticket and wait for your number
- Submit your application with all required documents to the customer service employee
- Pay the applicable fees
- Receive confirmation and wait for your visa approval
Service centers operate during official working hours.
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Required Documents for Green Visa Application
To complete your application, you need to submit the following documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Personal photograph (passport size, recent)
- Completed application form
- Copy of educational qualifications (bachelor’s degree, specialized diploma, or equivalent)
- Employment contract (for skilled workers)
- Salary certificate showing minimum AED 15,000 monthly income (for skilled workers)
- Self-employment or freelancing permit from MoHRE (for freelancers)
- Proof of annual income of AED 360,000 for the past two years (for freelancers)
- Proof of investment or partnership and required licenses (for investors)
- Medical fitness certificate (may be required during the process)
- Valid health insurance policy (mandatory as of January 1, 2025)
Health Insurance Requirement for Green Visa in Dubai
All Green Visa applicants must have valid health insurance coverage for themselves and their sponsored family members. This is a prerequisite for visa approval and renewal.
Health Insurance Options
Green Visa holders can choose between:
Basic Health Insurance (Essential Benefits Plan): The government-approved minimum coverage plan that meets legal requirements. The basic package costs AED 320 per year.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: More extensive coverage including outpatient services, dental, maternity benefits, and access to a broader network of healthcare providers.
Coverage Details
The basic health insurance scheme provides:
- Coverage for individuals aged 1 to 64 years
- Treatment expenses with co-payment structure
- Valid for two years
- Can be purchased through approved insurance providers
Important: Your health insurance policy must be active and valid for the duration of your residency. The ICP and GDRFA systems automatically verify insurance coverage during the application process. Applications without valid health insurance will be rejected.
Green Visa Cost and Fees
The total cost of obtaining a Green Visa varies based on several factors. Below is the typical fee structure based on official government sources.
Core Government Fees
- Entry Permit Fee: AED 200 + 5% VAT
- Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
- Innovation Dirham: AED 10
- Status Change Fee (if already inside UAE): AED 500
Additional Costs
- Emirates ID Card (5-year validity): AED 575 – AED 1,000
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 320 (if required)
- Health Insurance (Basic Plan): AED 320 per year
- Typing and Processing Services: AED 100 – AED 200(varies by service center)
Estimated Total Cost
- The total cost typically ranges from AED 1,500 to AED 2,500 for the initial application (including basic health insurance). Final costs may vary depending on your circumstances, the emirate where you apply, and whether you choose comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees with ICP or GDRFA at the time of application.
Important Green Visa Residency Rules
Stay Outside UAE Limitations
- Green Visa holders must not stay outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months (180 days). If you exceed this period, your residency visa may be automatically cancelled.
- Return Permit Service: If you need to stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days for valid reasons such as education, medical treatment, or work commitments, you can apply for a return permit through GDRFA or ICP before your visa is cancelled.
Multiple Entry Permit
- The Green Visa is a multiple-entry residence permit, allowing you to exit and re-enter the UAE freely without requiring exit permits, as long as your visa remains valid.
Family Sponsorship Under Green Visa
Green Visa holders enjoy extended family sponsorship privileges. You can sponsor:
Who Can Be Sponsored?
- Spouse: Your husband or wife
- Sons: Up to 25 years of age (extended from the standard 18 years)
- Unmarried daughters: No age limit
Documents Required for Family Sponsorship
To sponsor your family members, you typically need to provide:
- Original entry permit for each family member
- Valid passport copies of family members
- Medical fitness test results
- Passport-sized color photographs
- Your health insurance card (copy)
- Valid health insurance policies for all sponsored family members (mandatory)
- Your Emirates ID (front and back copy)
- Your valid passport copy
- Proof of kinship (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
- Your tenancy contract
- Proof of monthly income
Note: Documents issued by foreign governments must be translated into Arabic and attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).
Green Visa Renewal Process
Your Green Visa is valid for five years and can be renewed. To renew your visa, follow these steps:
- Submit a renewal application through ICP or GDRFA channels before your visa expires
- Provide updated documents including passport copy and your current Green Visa
- Submit valid health insurance coverage for the renewal period
- Complete a medical fitness test if required
- Pay the applicable renewal fees
You have a 180-day grace period after visa expiry or cancellation to remain in the country and complete the renewal process. Use this time to ensure all your documents are in order.
Why Choose JSB Incorporation for Your Green Visa Application
Navigating the visa application process can be complex. JSB Incorporation simplifies the entire journey with expert guidance and professional support.
Our experienced business consultants in Dubai handle all aspects of your Green Visa application. We ensure your documents are prepared accurately, submitted on time, and comply with all UAE government requirements. This reduces processing delays and increases your approval chances.
Whether you are a skilled professional, freelancer, or investor, JSB Incorporation provides personalized assistance to make your Green Visa application smooth and hassle-free. We also help you secure appropriate health insurance coverage that meets UAE government requirements.
FAQs
The Green Visa offers 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled professionals earning AED 15,000+ monthly, freelancers with AED 360,000 annual income, and small- to mid-scale investors. The Golden Visa provides 10-year residency for high-value investors, exceptional talents, and specialized professionals with significantly higher qualifications or investments.
Yes. Green Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, sons up to 25 years of age, and unmarried daughters with no age limit. This is more generous than standard employment visas, particularly for male children who can be sponsored until age 25 instead of 18. You must provide valid health insurance for all sponsored family members.
No. The Green Visa is a self-sponsored residency permit. You do not need an employer or company to sponsor you. This gives you the freedom to work independently, change jobs, or start your own business without visa restrictions.
The typical processing time is 48 hours for online applications through ICP or GDRFA portals. In-person applications at Customer Happiness Centers or Amer Service Centers may have similar timelines. Processing times can vary based on application volume and document verification.
Green Visa holders receive a 180-day (6-month) grace period after visa expiry or cancellation. This is significantly longer than the standard employment visa grace period of 60 days. During this time, you can remain in the UAE and complete the renewal process without penalties.
Yes, valid health insurance coverage is mandatory for all Green Visa applicants and holders. This is a prerequisite for visa approval and renewal. Applications without proof of valid health insurance will be automatically rejected by the ICP and GDRFA systems. The basic health insurance plan costs AED 320 per year.
Yes. One of the key advantages of the Green Visa is work flexibility. Since it is self-sponsored, you can work for multiple employers simultaneously, freelance, or run your own business. You are not restricted to a single employer.
Skilled workers must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 or the equivalent in foreign currencies. This is a mandatory requirement set by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
Green Visa holders must not stay outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months (180 days). Exceeding this period may result in automatic visa cancellation. However, you can apply for a return permit through GDRFA or ICP if you have valid reasons for extended absence, such as education, medical treatment, or work commitments abroad.
Yes. If you are currently in the UAE on a tourist visa or another type of visa, you can change your status to a Green Visa by paying a status change fee of AED 500 and meeting all eligibility requirements. This eliminates the need to exit and re-enter the country.
Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!
We'd Love To Hear From You
contact us
Find us Here
Office 2505, 25th Floor, Regal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE P.O Box 27614
Get In touch
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com