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Types of Permanent Residency Visa
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Skilled Immigration
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  • Points Based
  • Most people below the age of 51 years old, with an occupation (listed on each country’s list), 2+ years of work experience & good English / French are eligible for this
  • It is the most popular way of settling overseas
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Listed below are the popular ones. Most options offer a long term visa for the applicant, his spouse and children. The visa can be converted to citizenship in most cases. Free Education for children, healthcare & retirement benefits & visa free travel are some of the reasons people choose to immigrate.
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https://www.y-axis.ae/visa/green-visa/
Description

Apply for UAE Green Visa in Dubai with Y-Axis. Know 2025 Green Visa UAE cost, eligibility, benefits, and requirements. Talk to our visa experts today.

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Why apply for a Green Visa UAE?

  • Residence permit for 5 years in UAE
  • Easy path for UAE citizenship and permanent residency in UAE
  • No sponsor is required to work in the UAE
  • Sponsor your family members (parents, spouse, and children) for 5 years
  • Longer flexible grace periods

What is the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green visa is a 5‑year, self‑sponsored residence that removes the need for an employer or Emirati sponsor. It is open to skilled employees, freelancers/self‑employed, and investors/partners who meet category‑specific criteria. The visa is renewable for the same term on expiry.

Benefits of the UAE green visa

The UAE Green Visa offers several advantages over standard residence permits. It is designed to provide greater flexibility and security for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors.

Benefit Details
Self-sponsorship Green Visa holders do not need an employer or Emirati sponsor. You apply and sponsor yourself directly through ICP or GDRFA.
Family sponsorship Green Visa holders can sponsor family members, including spouse and children, under UAE family residency rules. Family residency is linked to the Green Visa’s validity.
Grace period after expiry/cancellation Family members (dependents) of Green Visa holders are granted a 6-month grace period to renew, switch, or exit after the sponsor’s permit expires or is cancelled. Grace periods for main permit holders vary by visa type and must be checked via ICP.
Renewability The Green Visa is issued for 5 years and is renewable for the same duration if you continue to meet the category requirements.

Eligibility for a UAE Green Visa by Category

The following categories are eligible to apply for a Green visa:

  • Freelancers/self-employed people
  • Skilled employees
  • Investors or partners
Category You will require
Skilled employee • Valid employment contract • MOHRE occupational level 1–3 • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) • AED 15,000+ monthly salary
Freelancer / Self‑employed • Freelance/self‑employment permit (MOHRE) • Bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma • Income ≥ AED 360,000 from self‑employment over the previous 2 years, or proof of financial solvency for your stay
Investor / Partner • ICP approval under the investor rating system • Proof of investment (if multiple licences, total invested capital counts) • Approval of competent local authorities

Requirements for UAE Green Visa

To apply for or renew a Green Visa, applicants must provide a core set of documents along with category-specific evidence. Below is a breakdown:

Core Documents (for all categories)

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
  • Valid UAE residence permit (if renewing)
  • Recent passport-sized photographs (as per UAE standards)
  • Emirates ID (if applicable)
  • Proof of medical insurance (mandatory in UAE)
  • Completed application via ICP/GDRFA portal

Document Checklist by Category

Category Required Documents
Skilled Employee • Employment contract with UAE-licensed employer
• Proof of occupation in MOHRE levels 1–3
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
• Minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month
Freelancer / Self-Employed • Freelance permit/license from MOHRE or Free Zone
• Proof of income: AED 360,000 over past 2 years OR evidence of financial solvency
• Academic qualification (Bachelor’s degree or diploma) relevant to freelance activity
Investor / Partner • Investment or partnership proof (commercial license or MoA)
• Evidence of investment activity (company ownership/shareholding)
• Proof of financial capacity to sustain investment
• Business registration confirmation from UAE authorities

Green visa UAE cost

The table below has a complete breakdown of the UAE Green visa:

Fee Component Indicative Amount (AED)
Government permit fee (e.g., work visa equivalent) AED 200 + 5% VAT
Knowledge Dirham AED 10
Innovation Dirham AED 10
In-country fee (if changing visa type within UAE) AED 500

Total Estimated Range: From AED 220+VAT up to AED 720, depending on applicant circumstances.

UAE Green Visa — Step-by-Step Application

Step 1 — Check eligibility
Confirm if you qualify as a skilled employee, freelancer/self-employed, or investor/partner based on MOHRE/ICP criteria (salary, qualifications, permits, or investment approvals).

Step 2 — Gather documents
Prepare passport, photo, UAE residence details, and category-specific documents such as employment contracts, freelance permits with income proof, or investor approvals.

Step 3 — Submit application
Apply online through the ICP (federal) or GDRFA (Dubai) portal. Investors typically require an entry permit before residence issuance.

Step 4 — Complete medical & Emirates ID
Undergo the mandatory medical fitness test (for applicants 18+) and provide Emirates ID biometrics.

Step 5 — Pay fees
Settle the government fees as shown in the ICP/GDRFA application portal.

Step 6 — Receive visa approval
Once approved, your 5-year Green Residence is issued electronically, with the Emirates ID serving as proof of residency.

UAE Green Visa Processing Time & Renewal  

Processing Time

  • According to ICP, standard processing for residence visa issuance or renewal is about 2 to 5 working days, provided all documents are complete and no additional checks are required.
  • In peak periods or if further verification is needed, processing can take longer. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before visa expiry to avoid penalties.

Renewal Guidance

  • The UAE Green Visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for the same duration if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria (skilled employee, freelancer, investor/partner).
  • Renewal applications must be submitted through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs), depending on the emirate of residence.
  • Required documents include: a valid passport, Emirates ID, proof of continued eligibility (employment contract, freelance permit, or investment license), and proof of residence in the UAE.
  • Family members’ residence permits can be renewed along with the main Green Visa holder, provided their sponsor’s permit remains valid.

UAE Green Visa Validity

The validity for a UAE Green visa is 5 years, eliminating the need for an employer or a UAE national to sponsor the visa. This also allows his/her family to sponsor for the same number of years.

Y-Axis: Best Immigration Consultants in Dubai

Y-Axis, the leading immigration consultant in UAE, provides unbiased services for every client based on their interests and requirements. Our outstanding services include:

  • Guides you on the eligibility criteria to apply for the Green Visa.
  • Expert guidance/counselling is required.
  • English proficiency coaching
  • Assists you in all the procedures while applying for the visa. 
Visa Country Seo Og Tags
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en_US
type
article
Title
UAE Green Visa: Cost, Eligibility & Benefits | Y-Axis Dubai
Description
Apply for UAE Green Visa in Dubai with Y-Axis. Know Green Visa UAE cost, eligibility, benefits, and requirements. Talk to our visa experts today.
Url
https://www.y-axis.ae/visa/green-visa/
Site Name
Y-Axis Dubai
Article:Modified Time
2022-10-18T05:53:56+00:00
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"text": "The UAE Green Visa is a new category of long-term residency visa introduced to attract skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. Unlike the traditional residency visa, which is typically linked to an employer or sponsor, the Green Visa allows individuals to sponsor themselves, providing greater flexibility and independence. It is part of the UAE’s broader initiatives to create a sustainable economy and attract global talent. With the Green Visa, qualified professionals and entrepreneurs can live and work in the UAE while enjoying benefits such as sponsoring family members and long-term stability."
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"name": "How long is the Green Visa valid and can it be renewed?",
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"text": "The UAE Green Visa is valid for five years, making it one of the longer residency permits in the country. Unlike traditional work visas, which are tied to employers, the Green Visa allows greater flexibility since it is self-sponsored. At the end of the five-year period, visa holders can renew their residency provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria, such as income level and occupational classification. This renewal option makes it a stable choice for professionals and freelancers planning to build a long-term future in the UAE, offering security and consistency for families as well."
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"text": "Yes, one of the major advantages of the UAE Green Visa is the ability to sponsor family members directly. Holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and first-degree relatives without the need for a separate employer-based application. Children can generally be sponsored up to the age of 25, and unmarried daughters may be sponsored beyond this age. Special provisions may also apply for children of determination (those with disabilities). This family sponsorship feature enhances the Green Visa’s appeal for expatriates who want to ensure stability for their loved ones while living and working in the UAE."
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"text": "Holders of the UAE Green Visa will easily be able to obtain residency permits for their children, spouse, and close relatives. They will also be in a position to sponsor their male children who are age above 25 and their daughters, irrespective of their age."
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"text": "Eligible for a green visa in the UAE are people who invest and are business partners in a commercial activity, in addition to freelancers and workers with expertise. The UAE cabinet approved the green visa, according to Decision No 65 for 2022."
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"text": "The step-wise process to apply for a UAE Green Visa is given below:
Step 1: Determine your eligibility category (skilled employee, freelancer/self-employed, or investor/partner) under the UAE Green Visa program.
Step 2: Gather the required documents such as passport, photographs, educational qualifications, financial proof, and permits (if applicable).
Step 3: Apply online through the official ICP or GDRFA portal by creating an account and filling in the Green Visa application form.
Step 4: Upload your documents, pay the visa fees, and complete mandatory steps such as medical examination and Emirates ID registration.
Step 5: Once approved, receive your five-year Green Visa residency permit electronically and begin sponsoring family members if eligible."
}
},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What documents are required for a UAE Green Visa?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The documents required to apply for a UAE Green Visa are given below:
Valid passport – with at least six months’ validity.
Recent passport-sized photographs – meeting UAE specifications.
Educational certificates – bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma (depending on eligibility category).
Employment contract – for skilled employees, issued by a UAE-based employer.
Freelance or self-employment permit – issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), for freelancers/self-employed applicants.
Proof of investment or commercial license – for investors and partners, validated by local authorities.
Bank statements – to demonstrate minimum salary (AED 15,000/month) or income of AED 360,000 over the past two years for freelancers.
Medical examination certificate – confirming health clearance as per UAE regulations.
UAE entry permit – if applying from inside the country."
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"text": "The UAE Green Visa typically costs between AED 2,280 and AED 2,500 for the main application. Detailed information about the cost of UAE Green Visa is given below:
Cost Component
Estimated Amount (AED)
Green Visa application fee
2,280 – 2,500
Medical examination
300 – 500
Emirates ID issuance
370 – 500
Health insurance
1,000+ (varies)
Additional services
100 – 200"
}
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the validity of the Green Visa in UAE?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The UAE Green Visa is issued for 5 years, providing a longer-term residency option compared to the standard two- or three-year work visa. Unlike traditional visas tied to an employer, the Green Visa allows individuals to self-sponsor, providing stability and flexibility. After five years, the visa can be renewed as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements. This long-term validity helps professionals, freelancers, and investors establish stronger roots in the UAE without the frequent need for visa renewals."
}
},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can Green Visa holders sponsor their family in UAE?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes, one of the major benefits of the UAE Green Visa is the ability to sponsor family members. Green Visa holders can sponsor their spouses, children, and first-degree relatives. Children can be sponsored up to the age of 25, while unmarried daughters and children of determination (with disabilities) can be sponsored regardless of age. The residency of family members is linked to the validity of the Green Visa, ensuring they enjoy the same duration of stay. This feature makes the Green Visa an attractive option for professionals who want to bring their families to the UAE."
}
},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the difference between UAE Green Visa and Golden Visa?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The primary differences between the UAE Green Visa and the Golden Visa are given below:
Feature
UAE Green Visa
UAE Golden Visa
Validity
5 years (renewable)
10 years (renewable)
Sponsorship
Self-sponsored (no employer required)
Self-sponsored (no employer required)
Eligibility Categories
Skilled employees, freelancers/self-employed, investors/partners
Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, highly skilled professionals, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers
Minimum Salary Requirement
AED 15,000/month (for skilled employees)
Higher income/professional achievement required depending on category (e.g., AED 30,000+ for some professionals)
Income Proof for Freelancers
AED 360,000 annual income (past 2 years) or proof of financial stability
Not specifically required; eligibility depends on exceptional achievements or investments
Investment Requirement
Proof of business license or partnership investment (validated by authorities)
Significant investment in UAE (real estate, business, or other approved sectors)
Family Sponsorship
Yes – spouse, children up to 25, unmarried daughters, children of determination
Yes – spouse, children, parents, and in some cases domestic workers
Target Group
Mid- to high-skilled professionals, freelancers, and medium-scale investors
High-net-worth individuals, top professionals, innovators, and exceptional talents"
}
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}
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"text": "Yes, a minimum salary requirement applies for skilled employees under the UAE Green Visa. Applicants must earn at least AED 15,000 per month to qualify under this category. This ensures that the Green Visa is granted to professionals with the ability to sustain themselves and their families in the UAE. For freelancers and self-employed individuals, instead of a fixed salary, the requirement is proof of annual income of at least AED 360,000 over the past two years or financial solvency. Investors are assessed based on their business investment value and official approvals."
}
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}
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