Visas · Green visa
UAE Green Visa: 5-Year Self-Sponsored Residency
Five years of residency without an employer sponsor, for skilled professionals, freelancers and investors.
5-year residencySelf-sponsoredLonger grace period
Overview
Freedom to work on your own terms
The Green Visa is a five-year residence visa you sponsor yourself. It suits skilled employees, freelancers and self-employed professionals, and investors or business partners who want independence from an employer.
Holders can sponsor family members and enjoy a longer grace period if the visa is cancelled or expires. Eligibility depends on your category, qualifications and income, and we check the latest criteria for your profile.
What you get
Green Visa benefits
Five-year validity
Long-term residence, renewable.
No employer sponsor
Change jobs or clients without losing status.
Family sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse and children, and in some cases parents.
Long grace period
More time to stay after cancellation or expiry.
Freelancer friendly
A route for independent professionals.
Investor route
Available to qualifying partners and investors.
How it works
Applying for a Green Visa
01
Category check
We confirm whether you apply as a skilled employee, freelancer or investor.
02
Evidence
Qualifications, salary or income and permits are collected and attested.
03
Application
We submit the application and track approval.
04
Medical & ID
Medical test, Emirates ID and residence issued.
Checklist
Typical documents
- Passport and photo
- Attested bachelor’s degree (skilled employees)
- Employment contract and salary certificate
- Freelance permit and proof of income (freelancers)
- Bank statements
- Health insurance
Setup cost estimator
Get a free estimate
Starting estimate in AED. A specialist confirms your exact quote within one working day.
Who is eligible for a Green Visa?
Skilled employees meeting education and salary criteria, freelancers and self-employed professionals with a valid permit and proof of income, and qualifying investors or partners.
Green Visa or Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa lasts ten years and targets higher investment or exceptional talent. The Green Visa lasts five years and has lower entry thresholds.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes, Green Visa holders can sponsor their family members.
What happens if I lose my job?
Green Visa holders get an extended grace period to find new work or leave the country.
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