The UAE government will introduce the Green Visa during a prestigious ceremony in Dubai in September 2021. The new visa is one of the first 13 “UAE 50 Proposals.” These key national programs aim to recruit exceptional individuals from around the world and assist the UAE in maintaining its amazing growth for decades to come. Here’s all the government has said so far regarding the UAE Green Visa.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE GREEN VISA IN THE UAE
Before, expatriates needed a sponsor to stay and work in the UAE. But, required employer sponsorship will no longer be a hurdle for Green Visa holders. It allows you to renew documents for 90 to 180 days instead of the usual 30 days.
CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY
For talented professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs, the UAE Green Visa now includes a 5-year residency track. The new visa offers extra perks to expats, such as adjustable grace periods (that reach up to six months).
The new and upgraded admission and residence system seeks to recruit a competent workforce from all around the world.
The following are the criteria for the UAE Green Visa in several categories.
GREEN RESIDENCE FOR SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYEES
The purpose of this visa category is to attract talented individuals. The new route offers a 5-year residency for qualified workers who do not have a sponsor or employer.
- A binding legal employment contract
- Applicants must be classified in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization’s first, second, and third occupational levels.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required for qualified employees seeking a UAE Green Visa.
- The applicant’s pay should not be less than AED 15,000 per month.
FREELANCE AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT GREEN RESIDENCE
The new Green Visa for Freelancing and Self-employment is designed for people who have a flexible work schedule. The main benefit of this sort of visa is that you do not need a sponsor or an employer.
The following are the eligibility requirements for the UAE Green Visa for Freelancing and Self-employment:
- Get a self-employment or freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE)
- A specialized certification or a bachelor’s degree should be the minimum level of education.
- The previous two years’ self-employment income should not have been less than AED 360,000.
- Instead, an applicant must show financial stability throughout their stay in the nation.
INVESTOR OR PARTNER GREEN RESIDENCE
The investor Green Visa UAE, as the title suggests, is designed for potential investors. The program provides a 5-year visa for investors who establish a fresh company or engage in commercial operations. The Investor or Partner Green Visa, which has a two-year validity period, replaces the previous visa. The following are the qualifying requirements for this visa:
- Investment approval and paperwork ( if the investor has more than one license)
- The total investment capital will be computed.
- The approval of the necessary municipal authorities is required.
FAMILY MEMBER BENEFITS
The visa’s intended audience includes highly qualified workers, investors, and company owners. Successful applicants can obtain residence permits for their male offspring up to the age of 25, while unmarried females have no age limit. Also, children of determination (those with exceptional needs) are granted resident permits regardless of age. Further information may be found in our guide on the new Family Visa rules.
The holder of a Green Residence may invite their first-degree relatives. It should be noted that in all circumstances, family members must reside for the same period of time as the original residence holder. It’s an ideal choice for individuals wishing to relocate their entire family.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN WAS THE GREEN VISA ANNOUNCED BY THE UAE GOVERNMENT?
On September 5, 2021, the project was originally announced. The UAE Green Visa has undergone various changes in 2022 to improve its appeal to all parties.
HOW CAN I GET A GREEN VISA IN THE UAE?
After the project has been completed, you will be able to establish your eligibility and how to apply.
ARE ENTRY PERMITS AND RESIDENCE VISAS IN THE UAE THE SAME?
No, our article on the differences between entry permits and residence visas has all of the information.
That brings us to the end of our UAE Green Visa guide. If additional information becomes available, we will update this post.
As you wait for further details about the new visa, you may learn how to apply for a UAE visa or a long-term golden visa. The Dubai government has recently begun providing visas to freelancers in order to encourage the gig economy. Read our Freelancers Visa guide to see whether you qualify.