UAE Green Visa 2023: Benefits and Visa Application Process

The UAE government has introduced a variety of new entry visas and residence permits as well as expanded the categories of Golden Visas. And one of these is the UAE green visa.

Entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors can live and work in the UAE with their family members with a 5-year Dubai Green Visa. With this green visa, you can enjoy a lot more benefits and flexibility in UAE.

The goal behind the launch of the Green visa regime is to retain skilled workers and attract exceptional talents and new investments into the country to grow economic wealth. This visa category is lucrative due to the relaxed simplified requirements and ease of application since you do not need a sponsor to apply.

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A UAE green visa is a type of UAE residence permit allowing skilled employees, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs to live and work in the country. The UAE government introduced this visa category in 2022 to differentiate between work and residency permits.

The UAE green visa aims to increase flexibility in the job market and competitiveness and encourage a strong sense of stability among UAE residents and their families.

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UAE residents and families can enjoy several benefits with these 5-year residency permits. Some of the benefits Green Residence visa holders can take advantage of are as follows:

• You do not need a sponsor if you meet the requirements for the green visa.
• You can live up to 5 years in the UAE with this visa.
• A green visa holder can sponsor family members such as spouses, children, and first-degree relatives.
• You can sponsor male children with an age limit of 25 and unmarried daughters of any age.
• Children with special needs can be sponsored without any age limit.
• The validity of your family members' visa is tied to the primary applicant's visa.
• Freelancers, remote workers, and investors can apply for a 5-year green visa - Dubai.
• Whereas students and standard employers can apply for a 2-year green visa.
• A green residence holder can be renewed for the same period if you meet the same requirements upon the expiry of your visa.
• You get longer flexible grace periods instead of the usual 30 days grace period. You and your family can apply for a new green visa in 90 days or up to six months

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For anyone to be able to apply for the UAE green visa, they must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Skilled employees that meet the following criteria can apply for a 5- year Dubai Green Visa:

• To apply for green residence for skilled employees, you must be employed in the UAE and must provide a valid employment contract
• According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, you must hold a job at the first, second, or third occupational level.
• You must hold a minimum educational level of a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
• Your monthly salary must be at least AED 15,000.

2. Freelancers and self-employed individuals can apply for a 5- year Dubai Green Visa:

• You have a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• Proof of self-employment, such as business licenses, tax returns, and business receipts.
• You must hold a minimum educational level of a bachelor's degree or a specialized diploma evidence.
• Your annual income from self-employment for the past two years must be at least AED 360,000.
• And if you demonstrate your financial solvency or that you will remain financially stable while in the UAE.

3. Investors or Partners in business in the UAE can apply for a Dubai Green residency for 5 years:

• If you promote investments by engaging or developing commercial enterprises in UAE.
• You must have the approval of the investment from competent local authorities in UAE and proof of investment.
• The total invested capital will be determined if the investor or partner has more than one license.
• It is necessary to have the relevant municipal authorities' approval.

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You must have the following documents when applying for a UAE green visa:

• Have a valid passport for at least six months
• A copy of your passport-size photograph on white background
• Proof of medical reports from competent local authorities
• Proof of health insurance or health card
• A valid entry permit
• Proof of qualification
• Proof of employment or freelancing permit from MOHRE
• A duly filled application form

Additional documents might be required to sponsor your family members, such as:

• Proof of rental contract (certified) or owning a residence.
• A copy of the sponsor's passport with a valid residence permit.
• A valid job contract in UAE from the sponsor
• Birth certificate for the sponsored.
• Attested marriage certificate in English or Arabic.

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To apply for a UAE green card for you or your family members, you must start by applying for an entry permit that allows them to travel to the country.

So here are the detailed steps on how you can apply for your green visa:

1. Visit The Website:

You start the application on the UAE visa system - Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai website. You can also visit one of the typing centers or customer happiness centers in the UAE to start the application process.

On the ICP website, you can search for 'Issuing Residency Visa' in the search bar. Or search for 'Entry Permits' on the GDRAFD website, then click on 'Entry Permit Services,' and lastly, select the 'New Entry Permit for Green Residence' option.

2. Start The Application:

The next step is to choose the relevant green visa type from one of the following options on GDRFAD:

• Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (Partner)
• Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (Investor)
• Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (High Skilled Worker)
• Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (Self-Employment)

On the ICP website, you must similarly choose the relevant visa type. Once you have selected the visa type, you can click on 'Start Services' to start the application process. Here you will need to log into your GDRFAD website or use your UAE pass to apply on the ICP website.

3. Fill Out The Application:

After signing in, you will be prompted to a new page where you must select the visa type and start filling out the application. First, you must provide the necessary information, such as your name, Emirates ID number, residential address, passport details, etc.

4. Upload The Documents:

Depending on your visa type, the supporting documents that must be submitted will differ. So make sure you are uploading the correct documents.

Any missing documents can be uploaded on the portal or submitted within 30 days of notification. If you fail to submit it, it can result in the cancellation of your visa application.

5. Pay The Visa Fees:

You must review your application and pay the relevant visa fees before submitting your visa application.

6. Processing Of Green Visa:

Once the application has been submitted, you must wait for the visa to be processed. During this time, you will receive notifications on your email and phone number regarding your application status.

Once the visa is approved, you will receive a notification.

You can read our UAE visa guide to learn more about other visa types and how to apply for a Dubai visa.

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The UAE green visa cost of a Green Visa is AED 2280. You must also pay the costs for the Emirates ID, which is AED 575, and AED 320 for routine medical tests.

These are the one-time processing costs and must be paid for renewals. Depending on the number of applicants under the original residence holder, the cost of the entire process will vary.

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