Green Residence Visa
United Arab Emirates
Last updated: December 19, 2025
5 years (renewable)
$545-$680
1 month
Medium
About this Visa
The UAE Green Residence Visa lets you live and work in the UAE for 5 years without needing an employer to sponsor you. You can use it if you're a skilled professional, freelancer, or business investor. This visa is special because you control it. Unlike normal work visas, you don't depend on a company or person in the UAE. You can change jobs, start a business, or work freelance without permission. You can also bring your family with you. The UAE created this visa in 2021 to attract talented people from around the world. Today, thousands of people use it successfully.
Key Benefits
- Work for yourself or anyone without employer permission
- Bring your family - spouse, children, and parents
- Stay outside UAE freely for months without losing visa
- Work multiple jobs with no restrictions on changing careers
- 6-month grace period after expiry to renew or leave
- Easy renewal for another 5 years without leaving country
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have university degree or specialized diploma for freelancers
- Minimum income: AED 15,000/month (employees) or AED 360,000/year (freelancers)
- Clean criminal record - no convictions
- Pass medical tests - no active TB, HIV, or hepatitis
- Classified in skill level 1, 2, or 3 with UAE labor ministry (for employees)
- Age 18 or older with no maximum age limit
- No active visa violations - never overstayed in any country
Financial Requirement
If working: AED 15,000 per month ($4,100 USD). If freelancing: AED 360,000 per year ($98,000 USD) for past 2 years. If investing: AED 1 million ($272,000 USD) in UAE business. Proof: Bank statements showing regular income deposits.
Documents
- PassportValid 6+ months
- Passport photoColor, white background
- Proof of incomeBank statements, 2 years for freelancers
- Education certificateUniversity degree, attested
- Medical fitness test resultsNo TB, HIV, or hepatitis
- Police clearance certificateNo criminal record
- Job contract or freelance permitContract if employed OR permit if self-employed
- Health insuranceMandatory coverage
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.