UAE Green visa
UAE Green visa: five years here, sponsored by no one but yourself.
The Green visa lets skilled employees, freelancers and business partners live in the UAE for five years without an employer or sponsor. Each category has its own test: salary, income or investment. We check yours against the official conditions before you pay any fee, then handle the application through to Emirates ID.
- 5 yearsRenewable residence
- No sponsorEmployer not required
- 180 daysGrace period
- FamilySpouse and children
Which category fits you?
Three ways to qualify for a Green visa
Each category has its own conditions. This page follows the federal rules (ICP) and Dubai's GDRFA; we check other emirates case by case.
- You are employed in the UAESkilled employee: a valid work permit and contract, an occupation at MOHRE skill level 1, 2 or 3, at least a bachelor's degree, and a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000.
- You work for yourselfFreelancer or self-employed: a freelance or self-employment permit from MOHRE, a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, and income of at least AED 360,000 in each of the previous two years, or proof of financial solvency. See our freelance visa guide.
- You own part of a UAE companyInvestor or partner: proof of your investment and the company's licences and approvals. ICP lists no minimum amount. See our investor visa service.
Why applications slow down
Where Green visa applications go wrong
The thresholds are clear. Getting the evidence to match them is where time is lost.
- Salary
Contract and permit not agreeing
The salary on your contract and your MOHRE work permit both need to meet the AED 15,000 threshold.
- Occupation
Skill level of the registered job
Eligibility follows the occupation recorded with MOHRE, so check the registered job title before applying.
- Income
Two years of freelance income
AED 360,000 in each of the last two years has to be evidenced, for example with contracts, invoices and bank statements.
- Degree
Unattested certificates
Degrees issued abroad usually need attestation before they are accepted.
How it works
From eligibility check to Emirates ID
You attend in person only where the authority requires it, usually the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
- Step 1
Eligibility check
We match your salary, income or investment to the right Green visa category.
- Step 2
Documents
A checklist for you and your family, including attestation where needed.
- Step 3
Application
Filed with the right authority, fees paid, queries answered.
- Step 4
Medical and biometrics
Booked at times that suit you.
- Step 5
Visa, ID and family
Residence and Emirates ID issued, then family visas and renewal reminders.
The rules, with sources
Green visa conditions from the official sources
Rules change, so each line links to the authority and shows when we last checked it.
| Category | Position | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled employee | Work permit under a valid UAE employment contract; MOHRE occupation level 1, 2 or 3; at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent; monthly salary not less than AED 15,000. Passport valid at least 6 months. | GDRFA Dubai, green residence (high skilled worker)Checked 29 October 2026 |
| Freelancer / self-employed | Freelance or self-employment permit from MOHRE; at least a bachelor's degree, specialised diploma or equivalent; annual self-employment income of AED 360,000 in each of the two preceding years, or proof of financial solvency for the whole stay. Can apply from inside or outside the UAE. | GDRFA Dubai, green residence (self-employment)Checked 29 October 2026 |
| Investor / partner | Proof of investment or contribution to a business venture in the UAE, with the necessary licences and approvals. No minimum investment amount is stated. | ICP, Green Residence guideChecked 29 October 2026 |
| Validity and sponsor | Five-year residence, renewable, without a sponsor or employer. | ICP, Green Residence guideChecked 29 October 2026 |
| Family | Holders may sponsor family members, including the spouse and children. The federal portal states Green visa holders may sponsor first-degree relatives. | u.ae, residence visa for family membersChecked 29 October 2026 |
| Grace period | 180 days to stay in the country after the residence permit expires or is cancelled. | GDRFA Dubai, green residenceChecked 29 October 2026 |
| Government fees (Dubai) | Residence permit fee AED 200, Knowledge Dirham AED 10 and Innovation Dirham AED 10; AED 500 more if the application is made inside the country; AED 20 delivery. The issuance fee rises by AED 100 for each year when the residence exceeds two years. Expected completion 48 hours. Medical test, Emirates ID and insurance are charged separately. | GDRFA Dubai, green residence feesChecked 29 October 2026 |
Fees
Government fees itemised, our fee fixed
Government charges depend on your category, whether you apply inside the UAE and how many family members you sponsor. We itemise them from GDRFA's own fee list and quote our fee separately.
What sets your cost
- Your category: employee, freelancer or partner
- Applying from inside or outside the UAE
- Number of family members
- Attestation and translation needed
Government charges are always shown separately from our fee.
Get your number
Send us your salary, income or company details on WhatsApp or a free call, and you will have an eligibility answer and a fixed quote, with government fees itemised, the same working day.
What we will not promise
Visas are approved by the authorities. We will not promise an approval or a date that is not ours to give. We will tell you which route fits, submit a complete application and keep you updated at every stage.
Client reviews
Clients on working with Aizaa
From the initial consultation through to the completion of the process, the team was very professional and supportive. They explained each step clearly, answered all my questions and kept me updated whenever there was progress. I particularly appreciated how responsive they were whenever I needed clarification. The entire experience was smooth and well organised, and I would be happy to recommend their services to anyone looking for professional assistance in the UAE.
Excellent service and very good communication throughout the process. Everything was explained clearly and handled professionally. I always received quick responses when I had questions, which made the whole experience much easier.
I had a very positive experience working with the team. From the beginning, they took the time to understand what I needed and guided me through the different steps in a clear and practical way. The communication was consistent, and I never felt that I was left without an update. Their attention to detail and willingness to assist made the process much more straightforward than I expected. Overall, I am very satisfied with the service.
Client feedback is published with the respective clients’ permission.
Green visa FAQs
Before you apply
Anything else? Ask on WhatsApp and the person who handles visas will answer.
What is the UAE Green visa?
A five-year, renewable UAE residence that does not need an employer or sponsor. It is open to skilled employees, freelancers and self-employed people, and investors or business partners, each with their own conditions.
What salary do I need for a Green visa as an employee?
GDRFA Dubai lists a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000, an occupation at MOHRE skill level 1, 2 or 3, at least a bachelor's degree and a work permit under a valid UAE employment contract.
Can freelancers get a Green visa?
Yes. You need a freelance or self-employment permit from MOHRE, a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, and income of at least AED 360,000 in each of the previous two years, or proof of financial solvency for the whole stay.
Can I apply from outside the UAE?
For the self-employed category, GDRFA Dubai accepts applications from inside or outside the UAE. The skilled-employee category needs a UAE work permit and contract, so applicants are usually already working here.
Can I sponsor my family on a Green visa?
Yes. Holders can sponsor family members, including the spouse and children, and the federal portal states Green visa holders may sponsor first-degree relatives. See our family visa service.
What happens if my Green visa is cancelled or expires?
GDRFA Dubai lists a grace period of 180 days to stay in the country after the residence permit expires or is cancelled. We track your expiry and renew well before it.
Related services
Often needed alongside this
Free, 30 minutes, no obligation
Get your Green visa eligibility checked
Tell us whether you are employed, self-employed or a partner. You will speak to the person who handles visas and get a straight answer on eligibility, in writing.
You will speak with our team, led by Auj Afreen Ahmad and Tabish Ahmed.
- WhatsApp, fastest+971 55 786 7621
- Call+971 55 786 7621
- Emailinfo@aizaa.ae
- Office, by appointmentAl Shaikh Building 5, Al Khabaisi, Deira, Dubai
- HoursMonday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 GST
Not sure you qualify for a Green visa?
Send us your salary, income or company details and we will tell you, in writing.