Here’s How You Can Apply for the UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa is a five-year residence permit introduced as part of the country’s updated visa system. It offers greater flexibility than standard employment visas and is designed for skilled professionals, self-employed individuals, and investors/business partners.

Key Benefits

• Valid for 5 years and renewable.

• Allows holders to sponsor first-degree relatives.

• Provides a grace period of up to 6 months after visa cancellation, allowing more time to remain in the UAE.

Who Can Apply?

Green Residency is available under three categories:

• Skilled workers

• Self-employed individuals

• Investors or business partners

Note: If you already have a UAE residence visa, authorities recommend not cancelling your current visa until your Green Residence application has been approved.

Eligibility for Skilled Workers

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold a skilled worker permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) under a valid employment contract, or be employed by a government, semi-government, or free zone entity.

• Be classified under MOHRE Skill Level 1, 2, or 3.

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.

• Earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000.

Required Documents

Applicants generally need:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.

• Recent passport-sized photograph.

• MOHRE work permit.

• Employment contract (for government, semi-government, or free zone employees).

• Salary certificate or recent bank statement.

Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

How to Apply (Dubai)

Applications can be submitted through:

• An Amer Centre.

• The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) online portal.

Fees

Base application fee:

• AED 200

• Plus 5% VAT

If applying from within the UAE, additional charges include:

• Knowledge Dirham: AED 10

• Innovation Dirham: AED 10

• In-country application fee: AED 500

The total fee may vary depending on the applicant’s situation and any additional processing requirements.

One important point: the Green Visa is separate from a standard employer-sponsored residence visa. It offers longer validity and greater independence from an employer, provided the applicant meets the eligibility criteria.