United Arab Emirates Green Visa

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 AED 180,000 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, 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/year)

• 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