The Green Visa is the UAE's self-sponsored residency for people who do not want their right to live here tied to a single employer. Five years, renewable, no sponsor needed. For saffas on solid salaries or running their own thing, this is worth knowing about.
Who qualifies?
Three routes. You only need to qualify under one.
Route A: Skilled employee
- Valid UAE employment contract
- Basic monthly salary of at least AED 15,000 (base salary only, housing and transport allowances do not count)
- Bachelor's degree or higher, attested by UAE Ministry of Education
- Job classified at MOHRE occupational Level 1, 2 or 3 (covers most professional, managerial and technical roles)
Route B: Freelancer or self-employed
- Valid freelance or self-employment permit from MOHRE or a UAE free zone
- Bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, attested
- Annual income of at least AED 360,000 from self-employment over the previous 2 years (or proof of financial solvency if you cannot show the income history yet)
Route C: Investor or business partner
- Approved business licence from the relevant local authority
- Active trade licence showing the business is operational
- No minimum investment amount is codified, but the business must be generating revenue
Green Visa vs Golden Visa: which one?
Green Visa
- Duration: 5 years
- Salary threshold: AED 15,000/month basic
- Property route: AED 1M investment
- Family sponsorship: sons to 25, daughters any age, parents
- Time outside UAE: standard limits apply
Golden Visa
- Duration: 10 years
- Salary threshold: AED 30,000/month basic
- Property route: AED 2M property
- Family sponsorship: children of any age, unlimited domestic helpers
- Time outside UAE: no time limit
Howzit tip
The Green Visa's AED 15,000 threshold is a stepping stone. Many saffas get the Green Visa on a skilled employee route first, then transition to the Golden Visa later when they hit the AED 30,000 mark or buy property.
How to apply
- Confirm your eligibility route (salary, freelance or investor).
- Gather documents: passport, Emirates ID, attested degree, salary certificate or freelance permit and income proof.
- Apply via icp.gov.ae or GDRFA (depending on your emirate).
- Pay fees (approx AED 1,500-2,500 all in).
- Complete medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
- Collect your 5-year Green Visa residence card.
Information correct as of June 2026. Thresholds verified against 2025-2026 UAE federal regulations.