Wealthy Europeans Are Moving to Dubai: 5 Compelling Reasons Why
December 11, 2025
Mirsatori’s team examines the reasons behind the rush of European HNWIs to Dubai, from low taxes, safety, business opportunities, and more.
UAE Green Visa
This Page is Sponsored by:
Program Type:
Independent Means Visa
Processing Time:
1 month
Citizenship Timeline:
N/A
Permanent Residency Timeline:
N/A
Physical Presence Required:
None
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
184 countries
Minimum Contribution:
None
Contribution Options:
On This Page
Program Overview
UAE Green Visa
The UAE’s Green Visa is a residence visa that allows the holder to self-sponsor for five years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor the visa, provided the applicant earns approximately US$50,000 per year, which can be demonstrated through two pathways.
The visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the applicant continues to meet the conditions.
UAE Green Visa
How to Qualify
Freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled employees are eligible to apply.
Freelancers and/or Self-Employed
Applicants must submit:
- A freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma
- Evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years, amounting to not less than AED 360,000 (about US$100,000), or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE
Skilled Employees
Applicants must:
- Have a valid employment contract
- Be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per MoHRE
- Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Have a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month (AED 180,000 (US$50,000)/year)
UAE Green Visa
Salient Benefits
- Safety and security
- Enhanced education opportunities
- Enhanced business access to large economies
- Short processing time
- Minimal physical presence requirements
- Permits dual/multiple citizenship
- Lower taxes
- Warm climate
UAE Green Visa
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
There is no direct path to UAE citizenship through the Green visa. In general, naturalization in the UAE for foreign residents is highly discretionary and rare.
Citizenship may be granted by exception under the UAE Nationality law to specific categories (for example, individuals with exceptional contributions or meeting emirate-level discretionary criteria), often requiring long-term residence, Arabic language proficiency, a clean security record, and recommendation/approval by the competent authorities.
Routine long-term residence, including under the Green visa, typically does not lead to a standard, time-based naturalization route.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
UAE Green Visa
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications to this program may be directed to:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai)
Legislation upon which this program is based: Cabinet Resolution No. (88) of 2022
UAE Green Visa
IMI Pros Who Can Help You
UAE Green Visa
Recent Stories About This Destination
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UAE Green Visa
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.