Green Visa (Freelancer / Self-Employed)

The UAE Green Visa for Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals is a 5-year self-sponsored residence permit that allows qualified independent professionals to live and work in the UAE without a local employer or sponsor. Introduced in 2022 as part of the UAE's immigration reforms, it replaced the previous system that relied heavily on employer sponsorship. The program targets freelancers who hold a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and can demonstrate sufficient income or financial solvency.

• Hold a freelance or self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
• Minimum educational qualification of a bachelor's degree, specialized diploma, or equivalent
• Annual self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 (approximately USD 98,000) for the previous two years, or demonstrated financial solvency throughout the residency period
• Comprehensive health insurance valid in the UAE

• Freelance/self-employment permit issued by MOHRE
• Passport copy (valid 6+ months)
• Personal photograph
• Proof of annual income of AED 360,000+ for the previous two years (bank statements) or documentation of financial solvency
• Attested bachelor's degree or specialized diploma
• Medical fitness certificate
• Health insurance copy
• For family sponsorship: attested marriage certificate and children's birth certificates

The visa is granted for 5 years and is renewable for the same period upon expiration, subject to continuing to meet all eligibility requirements including a valid MOHRE permit and income or solvency criteria.

Holders may sponsor their spouse, sons up to age 25, unmarried daughters of any age, and children with special needs of any age. Each dependant requires separate visa stamping, Emirates ID, and medical fitness test, with additional costs of approximately AED 3,000–5,000 per family member. Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory for all dependants.

The UAE does not levy personal income tax. Holders residing 90+ days (with permanent residence) may apply for a Tax Residency Certificate from the Federal Tax Authority via the EmaraTax portal for AED 100.

Applicants must first obtain a freelance or self-employment work permit from MOHRE. Existing visa holders should not cancel their current residence permit before obtaining Green Visa approval. With the MOHRE permit in hand, applications are submitted through the GDRFA smart services portal, ICP portal, or TAMM platform using UAE Pass, or in person at Amer Service Centers.

Fees include AED 200 work visa fee + 5% VAT, plus additional charges if the applicant is inside the UAE (AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, AED 500 in-country fee). Medical fitness test costs approximately AED 300–600, and Emirates ID approximately AED 100–370. Processing takes approximately 48 hours via digital channels.

Upon approval, the holder receives an entry permit valid for 60 days, after which they must complete the medical fitness test, biometric registration, and Emirates ID issuance.

• The MOHRE freelance permit is a prerequisite and must be obtained before applying for the Green Visa
• Free zone freelance permits (issued by individual free zones rather than MOHRE) may have different requirements
• The AED 360,000 annual income requirement over two years can be a barrier for newly self-employed individuals; the alternative "financial solvency" path is less clearly defined
• Green Visa holders do not need an entry permit to re-enter the UAE, but unlike Golden Visa holders, they are not explicitly exempt from the 180-day continuous absence rule
• Green Visa holders receive a grace period of up to 6 months after permit cancellation or expiry
• Overstay fines are AED 50 per day