Green Residence Visa allows its holder to sponsor themselves to receive permission to stay for five years in the UAE (without the need for an offer from the employer). This visa was explicitly designed for self-employed people wishing to reside permanently in the UAE.
UAE’s immigration strategy is to attract entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, investors and freelancers. The five-year Green Residence visa became available for those prospective applicants who cannot apply for residency via the traditional employer or sponsor route.
Eligibility depends on salary and qualifications. Applicants must provide a bank statement showing earnings of at least 360,000 AED or the equivalent in a foreign currency – for the past two years.
This comes down to a monthly average wage of 15,000 AED to be eligible, provided the earnings were accumulated over two years.
Those with Green Residency visas can extend the benefits to family members for five years and retain their resident status for six months after the visa is cancelled or expired.
Are you eligible for the Green Residence visa?
Green Residence visa for freelancers
You will need to apply for a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), be degree-educated, and have an annual income of 360,000 AED.
Green Residence visa for investors
To get a five-year investor or partner visa, you will need to show both government approval and proof of the investment.