UAE Green Visa: A Comprehensive Guide on Requirements, Fees, and Application

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been striving to establish itself as a hub for various industries such as education, entrepreneurship, investment, and work. To achieve this goal, the UAE government has introduced a new residency visa category called the UAE Green Visa, aimed at attracting exceptional talents and propelling economic growth.

The UAE Green Visa is a new type of visa that aims to attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This visa is part of the UAE government’s efforts to diversify the economy and create a sustainable future.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide on the UAE Green Visa, outlining its benefits, eligibility requirements, and the cost of obtaining the visa.

What is the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa is a new residency visa category introduced by the UAE government, designed to distinguish between work and residency permits. The Green Visa is an attractive option for highly skilled people, investors, entrepreneurs, and top students and graduates to sponsor themselves without having to associate themselves with companies based in the UAE.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai offers eligible individuals a 60-day entry permit to come to the UAE to complete the necessary procedures for issuing residency.

What are the benefits of the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE government has announced new types of entry visas and residence permits and has expanded the Golden Visa categories. The new system of entry and residence has been introduced to attract and retain global talents and skilled workers from all over the world, boost the competitiveness and flexibility of the job market, and foster a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families.

The UAE Green Visa regime came into effect on October 3, 2022, and has several major improvements, including the introduction of new 5-year residence tracks aimed mainly at attracting talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, the UAE government offers longer flexible grace periods that can reach up to six months to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired to facilitate family members’ residence.

Employment Opportunities

The UAE Green Visa provides various opportunities for highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to work in the UAE. This visa allows individuals to work for any company in the UAE without being tied to a specific employer. This means that individuals can easily switch jobs without the need for a new visa.

Entrepreneurship

The UAE Green Visa also encourages entrepreneurship by allowing foreign investors and entrepreneurs to set up their own businesses in the UAE. This visa provides a great opportunity for investors to invest in the UAE’s growing economy and tap into its potential.

Education

The UAE Green Visa also facilitates access to quality education in the UAE. This visa allows foreign students to study in the UAE’s top universities and colleges, providing them with access to world-class education.

Property Ownership

The UAE Green Visa allows foreign investors to own property in the UAE. This is a great opportunity for investors to invest in the UAE’s real estate market, which has shown steady growth over the years.

Retirement

The UAE Green Visa also provides a great opportunity for retirees to enjoy their retirement in the UAE. This visa allows retirees to stay in the UAE for an extended period, providing them with access to quality healthcare, entertainment, and lifestyle amenities.

The UAE Green Visa offers several benefits, including:

The ability to sponsor family members
Access to public services, such as healthcare and education
The ability to invest in the UAE
The ability to start a business in the UAE

Conclusion

UAE Green Visa for Skilled Employees

The new track of the UAE Green Visa for Skilled Employees provides a five-year residency period for skilled employees without a sponsor or employer. The eligibility requirements include having a valid employment contract and being classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the applicant’s salary should not be less than AED 15,000 (USD 4,083.74). Skilled professionals (third level in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification) are eligible for a 90-day extended grace period after the expiry of the Green Residence.

UAE Green Visa for Freelancing and Self-Employment

With the freelancing industry and the concept of flexible work models having considerable growth worldwide, the new Green Residence Visa for Freelancing and Self-Employment provides a five-year residency for freelancers and self-employed individuals without requiring a sponsor or employer in the UAE.

The eligibility requirements include obtaining a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, a minimum educational qualification with a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma, and an annual income from self-employment for the previous two years of AED 360,000 (USD 98,009.86), or the applicant should be able to prove their financial solvency throughout their stay in the country.

UAE Green Visa for Investor or Partner

The Green Residence for Investors or Partners has been introduced to encourage investment. It provides five years of residency for investors establishing or participating in commercial activities. Furthermore, the validity under this category has been increased from the previous two years to five years now. The requirements include the approval of the investment and proof of investment of 1 million AED.

Eligibility for the UAE Green Visa

Requirements for Individuals

To be eligible for the UAE Green Visa, individuals must meet the following criteria:

Be a highly skilled professional, entrepreneur, investor, or retiree.
Have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.
Have health insurance that covers the UAE.
Pass a medical examination.
Provide a police clearance certificate from their country of residence.
Have a minimum salary of AED 30,000 per month or its equivalent in foreign currency.

Requirements for Companies

To be eligible for the UAE Green Visa, companies must meet the following criteria:

Be a registered company in the UAE.
Have a minimum capital of AED 500,000.
Provide health insurance for their employees.
Have a minimum of three employees.

Application Process for the UAE Green Visa

To apply for a UAE Green Visa, follow these steps:

Visit the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
Create an account and complete the online application form.
Upload the required documents, including your passport, health insurance policy, and proof of income.
Pay the application fee of AED 650.
Wait for the application to be processed.

The UAE Green Visa program is an excellent opportunity for highly skilled professionals and investors to work and live in the UAE. By attracting top talent in key sectors, the UAE is positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and sustainable growth. If you meet the eligibility criteria, consider applying for a UAE Green Visa today.

What is the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa is a new residency program designed to attract highly skilled professionals and investors to the UAE.

Who is eligible for a UAE Green Visa?

To be eligible for a UAE Green Visa, you must be a highly skilled professional in healthcare, engineering, technology, or finance, and meet one of the investment criteria. You must also pass a security background check, have a valid health insurance policy, and provide proof of income.

How do I apply for a UAE Green Visa?

To apply for a UAE Green Visa, visit the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, create an account, complete the online application form, upload the required documents, pay the application fee, and wait for the application to be processed.

What are the benefits of the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa offers several benefits, including the ability to sponsor family members, access to public services, the ability to invest in the UAE, and the ability to start a business in the UAE.

What is the processing time for a UAE Green Visa application?

The processing time for a UAE Green Visa application is typically 30 days.

Who is eligible for UAE green visa?

The UAE green visa is a new type of residency visa that was launched by the government in 2021 to attract foreign investors, highly skilled professionals, and students. The visa is designed to provide greater flexibility and long-term stability to the holders, allowing them to live and work in the UAE for a longer period of time.

The eligibility criteria for the green visa are not yet clear, but it is expected to be available to individuals who meet certain requirements such as possessing specialized skills, having a high net worth, and being engaged in sustainable and green activities that contribute to the development of the UAE's economy. It is also expected that applicants will need to pass certain background checks and demonstrate that they have a clean criminal record.

What does green visa mean in UAE?

In the UAE, the term "green visa" is used to describe a new type of residency visa that was launched in 2021. The green visa is designed to attract foreign investors, highly skilled professionals, and students who are engaged in sustainable and green activities that contribute to the development of the UAE's economy. The green visa is part of the UAE's efforts to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility, and to position itself as a global leader in this area. The visa provides greater flexibility and long-term stability to the holders, allowing them to live and work in the UAE for a longer period of time and make a positive impact on the country's economy and society.