The UAE Green Visa represents a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy, offering skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and investors an opportunity to sponsor themselves for 5 years without requiring a UAE national or employer as a sponsor. This visa was launched as part of the UAE’s strategy to attract people from around the world and boost the economy, and since then, it has seen great demand.
Latest Updates on UAE Green Visa (2025)
- As of May 2025, the UAE Green Visa cost stands at AED 5,260, covering entry permit, residency visa, status change, medical checkup, and Emirates ID.
- Individuals with a green visa are now allowed to remain in the UAE for up to 180 days after the visa expires.
- It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for the same length after that.
- Data shows that many talented professionals are now applying for jobs that pay them at least AED 15,000 monthly.
- The government of the UAE is making it easier for people to apply through digital means.
- The new rules now allow families to sponsor male children until they reach the age of 25.
Wondering if you are eligible for this kind of visa? Read on to discover everything you need to know about the UAE Green Visa, from eligibility requirements to application procedures and exclusive benefits.
What is a UAE Green Visa?
The UAE Green Visa is a type of residence visa that allows its holder to sponsor themselves for a period of 5 years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor their visa. The new category of visa was implemented by the UAE to attract top talent worldwide, improve its standing in the job market, and further its strategic goals.
With the Green Visa, foreigners are not tied to one employer and can stay for 3 years. It removes the need for dependents to have an external sponsor by allowing them to work and simply have a residence visa.
This visa is aimed at three different groups of people: Anybody who is self-employed, a skilled employee, or an investor or partner. Each type of visa has various standards and conditions that we’ll go over in this article.
Latest UAE Green Visa Eligibility Criteria in 2025: Updated
The UAE Green Visa is available to specific categories of individuals who meet certain criteria. You should read the requirements carefully before you start the application.
For Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals
Freelancers and self-employed individuals must meet the following requirements to qualify for the UAE Green Visa:
- Apply for a freelance or self-employment permit with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- You need to have a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diplomaÂ
- Show proof that you earned at least AED 360,000 each year in the last two years from self-employment.
- Maintain financial stability during their entire stay in the UAE.
This category is for professionals who want to work individually in the UAE and have the freedom to choose from various clients and projects.
For Skilled Employees
Skilled employees seeking the UAE Green Visa must fulfill these criteria:
- Have a valid employment contract.
- According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, you need to be classified in one of the three employment levels.
- Make sure you have a bachelor’s degree or one similar to a job requirement.
- Receive at least AED 15,000 as monthly income.
It is for professionals in the UAE who hold special licenses but need more freedom over their stay in the country.
For Investors or Partners
Investors or partners in commercial activities can also apply for the UAE Green Visa if they:
- Take part in business activities in the UAE.
- Secure approval from relevant authorities.
- Give evidence of how much has been invested (using the sum of investments from multiple licenses).
This category is designed to get foreign investors to come to the UAE and stay long-term by contributing to economic growth through their businesses.
UAE Green Visa Requirements and Documentation in 2025: Latest Guidelines
Eligible applicants are required to submit different documents related to their category. Find below the different requirements for each kind of applicant:
Common Documents for All Applicants
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Copy of passport with a minimum of 6 months ‘ validity
- The application form was filled out using accurate personal details.
For Freelancers and Self-Employed
- Freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE.
- You must have a bachelor’s degree or another appropriate diploma.
- Yearly income of at least AED 360,000+ for the last two years or an assurance of financial resources.
For Skilled Employees
- Valid employment contract.
- Occupational classification certificate (level 1, level 2, or level 3)
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent qualification.
- A document stating that the monthly income is at least AED 15,00.
For Investors or Partners
- Registration or participation in a real business enterprise.
- Approval from relevant authorities.
- Documentation of investment amount.
Preparing documents carefully and ensuring they are authentic will help the process move faster and possibly result in a positive decision.
UAE Green Visa Cost and Fees in 2025: Expert’s Latest GuideÂ
Understanding the financial aspects of obtaining a UAE Green Visa is essential for planning purposes. Here is an explanation of the respective costs:
Complete Fee Structure for UAE Green Visa in 2025
As of 2025, the total cost for a UAE Green Visa is approximately AED 5,260, which includes:
- Entry Permit: AED 1,035
- Residency Visa: AED 2,200
- Change of Status: AED 570
- Medical Checkup: AED 755
- Emirates ID: AED 700
In some cases, there may be additional fees required, for example, if the sponsored person is already in the country. The total charge for the visa application is AED 200, plus 5% value-added tax.
It’s important to keep in mind that these fees may be adjusted, so applicants should get the most recent information before starting their application.
How to Apply for a UAE Green Visa in 2025? Experts Guide
The application process for a UAE Green Visa involves several steps that must be followed carefully to ensure success:
Latest Step-by-Step Application Process for UAE Green Visa
- Register your interest: Head over to the ICA portal and create an account with them.
- Verify eligibility: Make sure you meet all the requirements for the category you are applying for.
- Prepare documentation: Collect all the important documents, as mentioned earlier in the section.
- Submit application: Complete the form on the ICA portal with your correct information and the correct category.
- Pay fees: Pay for all the necessary fees.
- Undergo medical examination: Complete the mandatory medical checkup
- Receive your visa: Once approved, you’ll receive your UAE Green Visa, valid for 5 years.
You can submit an application by using different methods.
- Click or call on the official website or use the application at any time of day.
- At an Amer Service Centre, face-to-face.
- At a Customer Happiness Centre.
The processing time for UAE Green Visa applications is typically around 48 hours, though this may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Latest Benefits of the UAE Green Visa in 2025
The UAE Green Visa offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive option for eligible individuals:
Key Advantages
- Self-sponsorship: No employer or UAE national sponsorship is required.
- Extended validity: With 5 years of validity, the residence permit is much longer than the usual 2-year work visa.
- Family sponsorship: Family members can be sponsored as well, including:
- Spouses
- Male children who are 25 years old and younger.
- Unmarried daughters (no age limit)
- First-degree relatives911
- Longer grace period: Now, the grace period in the UAE for visa holders is 6 months, whereas earlier it was only 30 days.
- Employment flexibility: Not dependent on one employer and can be changed without problems with the visa.
- Path to long-term residency: May help secure other long-term visa types in the UAE.
Such benefits highlight the UAE’s efforts to attract enterprising people and thus enable the country’s growth and diversification in its economy.
UAE Green Visa vs. Other UAE Visa Types: Comparison 2025
To better understand the value proposition of the UAE Green Visa, it’s helpful to compare it with other visa options available in the UAE:
Comparison with the Standard Work Visa in 2025
| Feature | Green Visa | Standard Work Visa |
| Validity | 5 years | 2 years |
| Sponsorship | Self-sponsored | Employer-sponsored |
| Grace period | Up to 6 months | 30 days |
| Family sponsorship | Extended benefits | Standard benefits |
| Job flexibility | High | Limited |
Comparison with Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is yet another way for scientists, humanitarian leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, top students and graduates, and frontline heroes to obtain residency for around five to ten years in the UAE.
While both allow for long-term residence, the Golden Visa is usually more difficult to obtain, so the Green Visa is preferred by a wider group of skilled immigrants and investors.
Comparison with Blue Visa
The Blue Visa in the UAE allows those who have contributed to sustainability and the environment in the country or elsewhere to live in the UAE for 10 years. The Green Visa has different goals compared to this specialized visa category, focusing on professional assets and economic achievements.
Renewing Your UAE Green Visa
The UAE Green Visa is renewable for the same term (5 years) upon expiry12. Here is some information about the procedure for renewing your documents:
UAE Green Visa Renewal Requirements in 2025
To renew a UAE Green Visa, applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Copy of passport
- Copy of current Green Visa
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
It is best to renew your visa ahead of time to avoid any interruption of your lawful stay in the UAE. Having 6 months after your visa expires gives some leeway, but it is better to renew it ahead of time.
Conclusion
The UAE Green Visa represents a significant evolution in the country’s immigration framework, offering skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and investors an unprecedented level of independence and flexibility. Taking into account its validation for five years, self-sponsorship, and benefits for relatives, this visa category supports the UAE’s plan to become a world leader in talent and innovation.
Anyone who meets the requirements and wishes to live and work in the UAE without an employer may find the Green Visa to be a great option. Having this guide on hand, anyone looking to apply can learn what they need to know and feel confident about the process.
The UAE is introducing the Green Visa, it demonstrates its ongoing efforts to grow its economy by attracting and retaining skilled workers from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the UAE Green Visa?
Ans. The UAE Green Visa is a type of residence visa that allows holders to sponsor themselves for 5 years without needing a UAE national or employer as a sponsor. This is made for freelancers, those working for themselves, skilled employees, and investors.
Q2. How much does the UAE Green Visa cost?
Ans. As of 2025, the total cost for a UAE Green Visa is approximately AED 5,260, which includes entry permit (AED 1,035), residency visa (AED 2,200), change of status (AED 570), medical checkup (AED 755), and Emirates ID (AED 700)3.
Q3. What are the minimum salary requirements for skilled employees applying for the UAE Green Visa?
Ans. Skilled employees must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 to qualify for the UAE Green Visa.
Q4. Can I sponsor my family members with a UAE Green Visa?
Ans. Yes, UAE Green Visa holders can sponsor their family members, including spouses, male children up to 25 years of age, unmarried daughters (with no age limit), and first-degree relatives911.
Q5. When my Green Visa expires, for how long am I allowed to remain in the UAE?
Ans. Those holding a green visa are allowed to stay for 180 days (6 months), even after the visa has expired or been cancelled, so they have time to sort out their future.
