UAE Green Visa
How to Apply for Online & Benefits
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What is Green Visa UAE?
The new Green Visa provides greater flexibility to highly-skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to sponsor themselves and explore better career opportunities in the UAE. The government introduced this visa category to clearly distinguish between work and residency permits. The Green visa holders do not require a sponsor to protect their residency status.
Eligibility & Requirements for the UAE Green Visa
Skilled Employees:
The applicants under this category must have a valid contract of employment.
They should be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation (MoHRE).
The minimum educational qualification is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
The applicant should have a minimum monthly salary of at least AED 15,000.
The skilled professionals (in the third level of the MoHRE classification) are eligible for an extended grace period of 90 days after the expiry of the Green residence.
Freelancing and Self-Employment:
The freelancing industry and remote work models provide ample career opportunities for people across the world. The UAE Green Visa requirements for freelancers and self-employed individuals to get a 5-year residency are as follows:
The applicants must obtain a freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation (MoHRE).
The minimum educational qualification is a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma.
The annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should be at least AED 360,000.
The applicants must demonstrate proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
Investors or Partners in a Business:
A 5-year Green Visa UAE is provided to investors or partners who establish or participate in commercial activities. The other requirements are listed below.
The applicants must obtain approval and proof of investment of at least AED 1 million.
The total invested capital shall be considered if the investor or partner has more than one license.
It is mandatory to obtain the approval of the competent local authorities.
What are the Benefits of a UAE Green Visa?
No need for an external sponsor for applicants who fulfil the Green Visa requirements.
The residency status is not tied to any employer. Workers can easily switch jobs without the need to obtain a new visa.
It is easy for Green Visa holders to sponsor their family members, such as spouses, children, and first-degree relatives. The validity of the family members’ visas is linked to that of the primary applicant.
Male children up to 25 years and unmarried daughters of any age can be sponsored. There is no age limit for children with special needs.
The new visa provides a longer grace period of up to 6 months after the expiry or cancellation of the residency permit.
The simplified requirements of the UAE Green Visa make it very easy for eligible applicants to live and work in the country.
Why Did the UAE Government Introduce the Green Visa?
The primary objective behind launching the Green Visa is to attract skilled workers and exceptional talents to contribute to the economic growth & prosperity of the UAE. The simplified requirements and flexibility provided by the new visa would pave the way for investments, entrepreneurship, and innovation to flourish in the region.
The entry of high-quality workers and the flow of financial investments helps to position the UAE as the global business hub. The UAE Green Visa offers a host of benefits to skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to live & work in the country.
Who Can Apply for the UAE Green Visa?
Highly-qualified or skilled workers
Freelancers and self-employed individuals
Investors or business partners
How to Apply for the UAE Green Visa?
Step 1
Visit the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Step 2
On the Services tab, click on 'Entry Permits.'
Step 3
Select 'Entry Permit Services'. Now choose the 'New Entry Permit for Green Residence' option.
Step 4
Select the work category relevant to your application.
Step 5
Click 'Start Service' to move toward the login page.
Step 6
Click 'Individuals'. Login using the GDRFA account and the UAE pass account details. You can also open a new account if you don't have one.
Step 7
After you log in, select the 'Green Residence For' option that is applicable, i.e. high-skilled workers, self-employed/freelancers, or investors.
Step 8
Fill up the application form with all the required details and supporting documents. This will vary based on your work category.
Step 9
Pay the visa application fee and wait for the GDRFA to review your application.
The GDRFA will send a message or email about the status of your application. Any missing documents will have to be submitted within 30 days. You will receive an email notification confirming the approval of your Green Residence Visa UAE application.
How Much Does a UAE Green Visa Cost?
The Green Visa UAE cost is around AED 2,280. But this does not include the ID card fee (AED 575) and the medical services fee (AED 320). The total cost depends on the number of dependants for the primary applicant.
How Travel Insurance Play the Major Role When Travelling Abroad?
Mandatory Requirement
Many countries have made travel insurance compulsory for foreign tourists. Schengen nations have made it a mandatory requirement to obtain a Schengen Visa.
Medical Emergencies
You may unexpectedly fall sick or meet with an unfortunate accident while you are traveling abroad. Emergency hospitalization and related medical bills can cause severe financial hardships.
Loss of Baggage
Travel insurance also covers the expenses due to the loss or delay of checked-in baggage.
Flight Cancellations
Travel insurance covers the cost of food and hotel accommodation due to flight delays & rescheduling. Flight cancellations due to unavoidable circumstances are also covered.
Trip Cancellations
Medical emergencies or natural calamities may force you to cancel your trip. Travel insurance covers the loss due to these unforeseen situations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Visa UAE
The traditional work visas required the expatriates to get a sponsorship from their employers to live and work in the UAE. But the Green Visa program allows skilled workers to get a 5-year residency permit without sponsorship from the employer.
Yes. A Green Visa holder can sponsor his/her family members, including the spouse, children, and first-degree relatives. You can sponsor your male children up to 25 years of age. There is no upper age limit for unmarried daughters.
Yes. The validity of the 5-year Green Residence Visa UAE can be extended by a period of 3 years, depending upon the conditions.
Skilled workers, freelancers & self-employed individuals, and investors or partners in a business who fulfill the specified eligibility criteria can get a Green Visa in the UAE.
Disclaimer: The nations, visa costs, and other information presented here are derived from a variety of sources. This is not a recommendation or promotion from Prominent Insurance Brokers. Before purchasing your tickets or requesting a visa, please confirm the same.