The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence permit that allows skilled employees, freelancers, and investors to stay in the UAE independently of their employer. Unlike the standard 2-year employment visa — which is cancelled when the employee leaves the company — the Green Visa remains valid for its full term, giving holders up to 180 days to find a new employer after leaving a job. The Green Visa was introduced alongside the Golden Visa under Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2022. Last updated: June 2026.
For the Golden Visa (10-year), see UAE Golden Visa requirements in 2026: who qualifies?. For the freelance pathway, see UAE freelance visa: how to work independently in the UAE.
What is the Green Visa and who qualifies?
The Green Visa is a self-sponsored visa category with three tracks:
| Track | Key requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled employee | Minimum AED 15,000/month salary + bachelor’s degree or equivalent | 5 years |
| Freelancer / self-employed | Valid UAE freelance permit + AED 360,000 annual income (previous 2 years) | 5 years |
| Investor / partner | Share in a UAE-registered business (no minimum capital) | 5 years |
The skilled-employee track is the most popular. It sits between the standard employment visa (2-year, employer-tied, no salary minimum) and the Golden Visa (10-year, AED 30,000/month minimum). The Green Visa’s AED 15,000 threshold makes it accessible to mid-career professionals who don’t yet qualify for the Golden Visa.
How does the Green Visa differ from other UAE visas?
| Dimension | Standard visa | Green Visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years | 5 years | 10 years |
| Sponsor | Employer | Self-sponsored | Self-sponsored |
| Survives job change | No — cancelled on resignation | Yes — 180 days grace period | Yes — unlimited |
| Salary threshold | None | AED 15,000/month | AED 30,000/month |
| Family sponsorship | AED 4,000/month | AED 15,000/month | No minimum |
| Re-entry requirement | Every 6 months | Every 6 months | No limit |
| Government fees | AED 3,000–5,000 | AED 4,000–6,500 | AED 8,500–10,400 |
The Green Visa’s 180-day job-search grace period is its most distinctive feature. If the holder leaves or loses their employment, they have six months to find a new employer, start a business, or exit the UAE — versus the standard visa’s 30-day grace period.
What are the practical benefits?
Three benefits distinguish the Green Visa from the standard employment pathway:
Employment mobility — Green Visa holders can switch employers without cancelling and reissuing their visa. The holder informs MOHRE of the employer change, and the visa remains valid. This removes the single biggest friction point in UAE employment for foreign workers.
Dependent sponsorship — Green Visa holders sponsor dependents under the same rules as other self-sponsored visas, with a minimum salary of AED 15,000/month. This is higher than the standard visa threshold (AED 4,000 with accommodation) but lower than the Golden Visa’s unlimited family benefit.
Business flexibility — Green Visa holders can hold freelance permits, own company shares, or operate as independent contractors simultaneously with employment — a dual-income structure not easily achievable on standard employment visas.
How do you apply?
Applications are processed through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) or GDRFA Dubai. Required documents include valid passport, current UAE residence visa or entry permit, employment contract showing AED 15,000+ salary, attested degree certificate, and health insurance.
Processing takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks. The applicant can apply while on an existing employment visa — the Green Visa replaces the employer-sponsored visa upon approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Green Visa holder get a Golden Visa later?
Yes. The Green Visa does not preclude a future Golden Visa application. When the holder’s salary reaches AED 30,000/month or their investments reach AED 2 million, they can apply for the Golden Visa separately. The Green Visa is cancelled upon Golden Visa issuance.
Does the Green Visa work for freelancers?
Yes — freelancers with a valid UAE freelance permit and AED 360,000 in annual income over the previous two years qualify under the freelancer/self-employed track.
Can Green Visa holders sponsor parents?
Yes, subject to meeting the salary threshold of AED 15,000/month. Parent sponsorship under the Green Visa follows the same documentation requirements as the standard visa pathway.
Sources and further reading
- Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2022 — Entry and Residence of Foreigners
- ICP — Green Visa application (icp.gov.ae)
- GDRFA Dubai — Visa types and eligibility (gdrfad.gov.ae)
- MOHRE — Employment mobility under Green Visa (mohre.gov.ae)