Green Residency

What is Green Residency?

The Green Visa is a type of long-term residency permit, valid for five years and renewable, granted through self-sponsorship. It allows the holder to live and work without needing a sponsor within the country. This system is one of the UAE’s strategic initiatives to enhance the living and working environment and attract global talent, investors, and freelancers by providing a flexible long-term residency model that ensures greater stability and flexibility in living within the country.

 

 Strategic Objectives of the Green Residency

  • Enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness and attractiveness as a global destination for talent and investment.
  • Enabling skilled professionals and freelancers to work and settle more flexibly.
  • Supporting a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
  • Facilitating a business environment and providing long-term residency options for employees and investors.

 

Key Benefits

  • A renewable 5-year residency permit.
  • No sponsor required within the country (self-sponsorship).
  • Family members, including spouse and children, can be sponsored according to approved terms and conditions.
  • Greater flexibility upon residency expiry through specified grace periods.
  • Support for highly skilled individuals, innovators, investors, and freelancers.

 

Eligible Categories

The Green Residency is granted to the following categories based on specific criteria:-

  1. Skilled Workers
  • Must have a valid employment contract in the UAE.
  • Classified under skill levels 1 to 3 according to the occupational classification of the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
  • Hold a minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Meet the minimum monthly salary requirement of AED 15,000 or equivalent in foreign currencies.
  1. Freelancers and Self-Employed
  • Must hold a freelancing or self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
  • Hold a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree, specialized diploma, or equivalent.
  • Provide proof of stable annual income or financial solvency throughout the residency period.
  •  Annual income from freelancing must not be less than AED 360,000 in the past two years or equivalent in foreign currencies.
  1. Investors and Business Partners
  • Provide proof of investment or partnership in a project within the UAE.
  • Hold all required licenses and approvals from the relevant authorities.

 

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Last updated on: December 9, 2025 /