The UAE Green Visa, also known as the 5-year UAE visa, is one of the UAE’s top initiatives aimed at providing innovative solutions to attract professionals, skilled talents, investors, and entrepreneurs.

This visa is designed to facilitate residency and work for talented individuals in the UAE, allowing them to settle and work without the need for a local sponsor. This opens up vast opportunities for work and investment in a dynamic and diverse market. Continue reading to learn more about the 5-year UAE visa.

What is the UAE 5-Year Visa?

The Green Visa UAE is an ideal option for various groups, including skilled employees, freelancers, and business owners. It offers a long-term residency with the option for renewal, as well as the freedom to travel in and out of the United Arab Emirates without complications. Thanks to this type of visa, the UAE has become an attractive destination for global talent and qualified human resources seeking to join one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Key Benefits of the 5-Year UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa comes with unique features that make residency in the UAE a comfortable and flexible experience, catering to the needs of both individuals and families. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Long-Term Residency: The Green Visa UAE offers a residency period of up to five years, with the option for renewal, making it an excellent choice for those who want to settle long-term. This extended stay reduces administrative procedures, allowing visa holders to focus on their personal and professional goals without the hassle of frequent renewals.
2. Freedom to Work: One of the most significant advantages of the UAE Green Visa is the flexibility it provides in the job market. Holders can work for multiple employers or even start their own businesses without the need for a sponsor. This feature promotes innovation and supports entrepreneurship within the UAE.
3. Family Sponsorship: The Green Visa UAE allows holders to sponsor family members, including a spouse, children, and even parents in some cases. This makes the UAE an ideal place for families to settle, offering stability and a high standard of living.
4. Ease of Travel: The Green Visa UAE provides great travel flexibility, enabling holders to enter and exit the UAE freely throughout the visa’s validity period. This allows them to maintain international connections and travel between countries without worrying about re-entry requirements.
5. Residency Rights: In addition to the benefits mentioned above, Green Visa holders have the right to remain in the UAE for up to six months after leaving the country without the visa being canceled. This extended grace period offers individuals the freedom to plan their travel without the concern of losing their residency status.

These diverse benefits make the UAE Green Visa an ideal choice for individuals and families looking to achieve stability in the UAE. It is part of the UAE’s vision to attract global talent and support economic growth.

Eligibility Criteria for the UAE Green Visa

To be eligible for the UAE Green Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements:

• Professionals and Skilled Workers: Individuals with valid employment contracts in specialized fields like science, engineering, health, education, IT, and business management.
• Freelancers and Self-Employed: Those with self-employment income or freelance licenses in the UAE.
• Investors and Entrepreneurs: Individuals planning to set up businesses or invest in existing companies within the UAE.

How to Apply for the UAE Green Visa Online

The process to apply online for the UAE Green Visa is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) websites.
2. Create an Account: Register using your email and mobile number if you don’t already have an account.
3. Complete the Application: Fill in the online form with the required details. Ensure you upload necessary documents such as your passport, professional certificates, and proof of income.
4. Pay the Fees: Use a credit card to pay the visa application fee online.
5. Await Approval: Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, and you will receive updates regarding your visa status.

Targeted Groups and Eligibility Criteria for the UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa is a versatile option designed to cater to various groups interested in long-term residency and work opportunities in the UAE, while ensuring job flexibility and family stability. It targets specific categories, each with eligibility requirements tailored to their respective economic and professional activities, making it particularly attractive to professionals, investors, and business owners.

Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals

The Green Visa UAE offers freelancers and self-employed individuals the opportunity to settle and work in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor, making it an ideal option for entrepreneurs and professionals who work independently.

Eligibility Requirements for Freelancers:

1. Freelance Work Permit: Applicants must obtain a freelance work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, ensuring they can legally work as independent contractors in the UAE.
2. Educational Qualifications: A minimum of a university degree or specialized diploma is required, reflecting the applicant’s skills and expertise in their field.
3. Proof of Income: Applicants must provide evidence of an annual income of at least AED 360,000 over the past two years or demonstrate financial stability throughout the residency period.

These requirements ensure that freelancers have the necessary financial stability to live and work in the UAE, thereby contributing to the country’s economy by strengthening the independent workforce.

Skilled Employees

The UAE Green Visa is also targeted at skilled employees with high qualifications and exceptional professional experience in advanced fields. This category forms a crucial pillar in the UAE job market, contributing to economic growth and fostering innovation.

Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Employees:

1. Valid Employment Contract: Applicants must have a valid job contract from an accredited company within the UAE, ensuring professional stability.
2. Job Classification: The position should fall under the first, second, or third job levels according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s classification. This includes engineers, doctors, and specialists in various fields.
3. Educational Qualifications: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, reflecting a high educational standard and advanced skills in the applicant’s area of expertise.
4. Minimum Salary: A monthly salary of at least AED 15,000 is required, ensuring the applicant can meet living expenses in the UAE.

These requirements are set to attract highly qualified professionals in vital sectors, helping create a thriving work environment and drawing top talent to the UAE.

Investors and Business Owners

The UAE is an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs, thanks to its flexible economic policies and investment-friendly regulations. The Green Visa UAE provides this category with a long-term residency option, allowing them to manage their businesses and expand investments without needing a local sponsor.

Eligibility Requirements for Investors and Business Owners:

1. Proof of Investment: Applicants must present evidence of their investments in business projects within the UAE, including financial documents such as business plans, share certificates, and partnership agreements.
2. Local Approvals: Applicants must obtain approval from the relevant local authorities overseeing investment projects to ensure compliance with UAE regulations.
3. Total Capital Investment: For those holding multiple investment licenses, the total invested capital will be assessed to determine the scale of investments and their economic impact.

These conditions aim to ensure that investments align with the UAE’s economic goals and contribute to local economic growth and sustainable development.

How to Apply for the UAE Green Visa

Applying for the UAE Green Visa involves several detailed steps to ensure a smooth and successful submission. Whether you’re a freelancer, skilled employee, or investor, following these steps will help you meet all the requirements efficiently. Below is a step-by-step guide to the application process.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

The first step in applying for the UAE Green Visa is to confirm your eligibility based on your category. The targeted groups include:

• Freelancers: Ensure you meet the freelance permit and income proof requirements.
• Skilled Employees: Verify that you fulfill the required salary and professional classification criteria.
• Investors and Business Owners: Provide proof of investments and obtain approval from relevant authorities.

Once you identify your category, it’s advisable to review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all the requirements before starting the application process.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

After confirming your eligibility, gather and update the necessary documents for your application. Ensure that all documents are current and accurate to avoid delays. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Personal Documents: Passport and Emirates ID (if applicable).
• Financial Documents: Bank statements or income proof.
• Educational Qualifications: University degree or specialized diploma based on the applicant’s category.
• Professional or Investment Documents: Employment contracts, freelance permits, or investment documentation.

Step 3: Submit the Green Visa Application

Once you have prepared all your documents, you can proceed with the application through one of the available channels:

Online Application:

• Visit the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) portal or the “Amer” online platform.
• Create an account or log in.
• Complete the application form with accurate details.
• Upload your documents in a clear format.
• Review all details before submission to ensure accuracy.

Applying at Service Centers:

Alternatively, you can apply in person at an “Amer” center:

• Collect the application form and fill it out with the required information.
• Submit your documents to the relevant staff.
• Verify the accuracy of your information with the staff to complete the application.
• Receive a submission receipt after completing the process.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

The application process requires the payment of fees, which vary based on your category and visa type. Here’s how you can pay:

• Online Payment: Use a bank card to pay through the online portal.
• In-Person Payment: Pay by cash or card at “Amer” centers.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

After submitting your application and paying the fees, monitor the status of your application via the online portal. You can check for updates on approval or additional requirements. Once approved, you will receive a printable electronic confirmation of your visa.

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Required Documents for UAE Green Visa by Category

The required documents differ based on the applicant’s category. Below is a summary of the essential and supporting documents:

Tips for a Successful UAE Green Visa Application

To increase your chances of a successful application, consider the following tips:

1. Review Eligibility: Double-check that you meet all requirements, especially regarding documents and qualifications.
2. Update Documents: Ensure all your documents are up-to-date, as outdated documents may slow down the processing time.
3. Online Application: For faster and more convenient processing, apply online. Use the “Amer” service centers if you need direct support.

Following these steps and tips can greatly enhance your chances of a successful application, allowing you to benefit from the flexibility and stability offered by the UAE Green Visa.

Fees for the UAE Green Visa and Payment Options

The fees for the UAE Green Visa vary based on the applicant’s category, which may include freelancers, skilled employees, or investors. Additional charges may apply for administrative processes or specific transactions.

• Application Fees: This includes processing and service fees required by the authority. Always check the official ICA portal for updated fees.
• Additional Fees: There might be extra fees for document verification or work permit transfers, depending on your category.

Payment Methods:

• Online Payment: Use bank cards through the official portal for quick processing.
• In-Person Payment: Applicants can pay by cash or card at “Amer” centers, where they can also get immediate assistance.

Renewing and Cancelling the UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa allows for renewal upon the expiration of the five-year term, provided that the eligibility requirements are still met. In certain cases, the visa may also be canceled, either voluntarily or due to legal reasons.

1. Renewal Process:

To maintain your visa, apply for renewal well before your current residency period ends. Follow these steps:

• Eligibility for Renewal: Ensure you continue to meet the eligibility criteria for your category. For instance, skilled employees must maintain their required salary and professional classification, while freelancers and investors must prove ongoing income or investments.

Steps to Renew:

• Online Renewal: Log in to the ICA portal, complete the renewal form, and submit the required documents.
• Service Center Renewal: Visit “Amer” centers, submit the renewal form, and provide supporting documents. Pay the required fees and receive a renewal receipt.

2. Reasons for Cancelling the UAE Green Visa:

In certain circumstances, the visa may be canceled due to:

• Legal Violations: If the visa holder breaches UAE laws, the visa may be immediately revoked by the authorities.
• Loss of Eligibility: If the applicant no longer meets the requirements, such as job classification or minimum salary for skilled employees, or financial stability for freelancers, the visa may be canceled.
• Prolonged Absence: Staying outside the UAE for more than six months without a valid reason may result in visa cancellation.

Summary of Visa Fees, Renewal, and Cancellation

FAQs about UAE Green Visa