The UAE Green Visa is a residence visa introduced by the United Arab Emirates to attract and retain skilled workers, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. This visa aims to enhance the UAE’s appeal as a destination for global talent while supporting economic diversification and growth across various sectors.

Purpose of the UAE Green Visa

The Green Visa serves multiple strategic objectives:

• Promoting Business Development and Investment: By allowing individuals to self-sponsor without needing traditional employer sponsorship, the UAE encourages entrepreneurs and investors to establish new businesses or invest in existing ones.
• Flexibility for Skilled Workers and Freelancers: The visa caters specifically to freelancers and skilled professionals, enabling them to work with multiple clients or companies, thereby supporting the gig economy.
• Economic Diversification: As part of its strategy to reduce reliance on oil revenues, the UAE seeks to attract skilled professionals from diverse fields, contributing to a more varied economic landscape.
• Retention of Talent: The Green Visa focuses on long-term residency options that help retain talented individuals and their families in the UAE, fostering a stable workforce.

Benefits of the UAE Green Visa

Holders of the UAE Green Visa enjoy several advantages:

• Extended Residence Duration: The visa allows holders to stay in the UAE for up to five years without needing a sponsor. This duration is renewable, providing long-term stability.
• Family Benefits: The visa extends benefits to family members, allowing spouses, children, and first-degree relatives to reside in the UAE alongside the primary visa holder.
• Self-Sponsorship: Unlike traditional visas that require an employer or family member as a sponsor, Green Visa holders can live and work independently.
• Simplified Job Transition: Holders can change jobs without needing a new visa application, which simplifies employment transitions significantly.
• Grace Period: Upon expiration or cancellation of the Green Visa, holders are granted an extended grace period (up to six months) to remain in the UAE while they seek new opportunities or settle their affairs.
• Pathway to Permanent Residence: While not a permanent residency visa itself, it can serve as a stepping stone towards obtaining a Golden Visa if certain eligibility criteria are met in the future.

Eligibility Criteria for the UAE Green Visa

Eligibility varies based on applicant categories:

• Skilled Workers
• Must have a job offer from a UAE-based employer.
• Required qualifications include at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• A minimum salary threshold typically set at AED 15,000 per month.
• Relevant work experience is often necessary.
• Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals
• Must be engaged in freelancing or self-employment activities.
• Should possess relevant educational qualifications (degree or diploma).
• Proof of income from freelancing activities must show minimum earnings around AED 360,000 annually over two years.
• A freelance permit from relevant authorities is required.
• Investors and Partners
• Must invest in or partner with a company based in the UAE.
• Evidence of investment through financial statements or other documentation is necessary.
• Typically requires ownership stakes in companies with specified minimum investment amounts set by local authorities.

Application Process for the UAE Green Visa

To apply for this visa category:

• Gather necessary documents including:
• A valid passport (minimum six-month validity).
• Passport-sized photographs against a white background.
• Submit an application through relevant government portals or authorized service centers along with required fees.
• Await processing which may involve verification of submitted documents and compliance with eligibility criteria before receiving approval.

For more enquiries on a UAE Green visa, book a consultation with a consultant with e-lhr