UAE Green Visa 2024 – Types of Green Visa
The UAE Green Visa is a residence visa that enables its holder to reside in the UAE for five years without the necessity of obtaining a job to sponsor their visa. Green work visas, standard work visas, and domestic worker visas are the three distinct categories of work visas. An employment offer from a company is required to obtain the standard work visa in the UAE. Additionally, there are two types of green visas.
A green residence is available for skilled laborers and a green residence is available for freelancers (self-employment). The UAE Green Visa is an excellent option for skilled workers, freelancers, and businesses that require greater flexibility and freedom to reside and operate in the UAE. The following are the procedures to obtain a UAE Green Visa for employment, as well as the benefits that may be obtained.
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Types of UAE Green Visa:
There are two primary categories of UAE Green Visas:
- Green Visa for Freelancers and/or self-employed people: This visa is available to freelancers and individuals who operate independently, provided that they possess a current self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.
- Green Visa for Skilled Employees: This visa is available to skilled laborers who satisfy specific criteria, including earning a minimum of AED 15,000 per month and possessing a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Requirements for Freelancers and/or self-employed people:
Individuals who are self-employed or freelance must submit the following documents in order to petition for a Green Card:
- Authorization from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization to operate as a freelancer or independently.
- Evidence that you possess a bachelor’s degree or a specific diploma.
- Proof that they have earned a minimum of AED 360,000 annually as a self-employed individual for the previous two years, or evidence that they will be able to pay their expenses while in the UAE.
Requirements for Green Visa for Skilled Employees:
To obtain a Green Card, skilled laborers must:
- workers who possess talents but lack a sponsor or employment.
- The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization specifies that the position should be at the first, second, or third professional level.
- possess a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- receive a minimum of 15,000 AED in monthly compensation.
Documents Required from Freelancer/Self-Employed
- A photograph that is personal to the individual
- A passport photocopy that is valid for a minimum of six months.
- Obtaining authorization from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization to employ oneself.
Required Documents from Skilled Employees
- A personal photograph.
- A passport photocopy that is valid for a minimum of six months.
- Possessing a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.
- An employment contract is required if the building is government, semi-government, or from a free zone.
Benefits of UAE Green Visa:
- Longer Stay and Flexibility: The Green Visa offers a longer stay and greater flexibility than traditional work visas, with a validity of up to five years. This provides greater stability for international workers and their families.
- No Sponsor Requirement: The Green Visa does not necessitate a local sponsor or employer to serve as a sponsor, in contrast to the traditional work visa. This provides expatriates and professionals employed in the UAE with increased autonomy and adaptability.
- Family Sponsorship: Green Visa holders have the ability to sponsor their families, which includes their spouses, children, and dependent parents. This facilitates the cohabitation of families in the UAE.
- Enhanced Job Mobility: Green Visa holders are not restricted to a single employer, which enables them to transition between jobs or employers more readily without the necessity of obtaining a new visa. This improves the opportunities and career mobility of professionals.
- Eligibility for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs: The Green Visa is intended to appeal to a diverse range of individuals, including investors, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, by providing them with the autonomy to establish and operate enterprises in the UAE.
- Public and Private Sector Employment Opportunities: Green Visa holders are granted access to a broader array of employment opportunities by their ability to work in both the public and private sectors.
- Permanent Residency Pathway: Although not a direct route to citizenship, the Green Visa is regarded as a preliminary step toward long-term residency options in the UAE. It establishes a foundation for the extended residence of laborers and their families in the UAE.
- Employment Rights: Green Visa holders in the UAE are granted employment rights, including the ability to transition from one employer to another without the necessity of obtaining a new work permit.
- Attracts highly skilled talent: The visa program is designed to attract top talent from around the globe, with a focus on professionals in fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and research.
- No Wage Cap Requirement for Sponsors: Sponsors of Green Visa holders are not required to adhere to specific wage requirements, which provides companies with greater flexibility and alleviates the financial burden of sponsoring foreign workers.
- Option for Self-Employment: The Green Visa is available to freelancers and self-employed individuals, allowing them to work independently in the UAE without being bound to a specific employer.
- Renewal Ease: The Green Visa allows bearers to extend their stay without encountering complex bureaucracy through straightforward renewal processes.
- Opportunity for Skilled Workers and Investors: The visa is available to skilled workers and investors who meet specific criteria. This initiative is in alignment with the UAE’s objectives to diversify its economy and foster the development of critical sectors such as healthcare, technology, and innovation.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: The Green Visa provides the opportunity to reside in a modern and dynamic country that boasts a high standard of living, access to world-class amenities, and a secure, stable environment.
- Healthcare and Education: The healthcare and education facilities available to Green Visa holders and their dependents are of the highest quality in the region.
Family Sponsorship:
Individuals who possess a green residence are permitted to issue residence permits to their first-degree relatives.
Visa Cost
- AED200
How to Apply for UAE Green Visa?
- If you wish to reside in Dubai, you must apply to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.
- Select the green visa. Enroll in the service and commence utilization.
For additional information regarding the Green Visa, please visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) website by clicking on this link:
Conclusion:
The UAE Green Visa is a unique opportunity for qualified workers and freelancers to reside in the UAE without the need for a job sponsor. The Green Visa offers a high degree of flexibility and freedom to individuals who wish to reside and operate in the UAE, as it has a five-year validity period, family sponsorship options, and a straightforward application process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the UAE Green Visa?
The UAE government introduced the UAE Green Visa as a long-term residency visa to attract skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, and other professionals. The UAE Green Visa, unlike the traditional work visa, caters to individuals seeking to live and work in the UAE without the need for a UAE national sponsor.
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Can freelancers apply for a UAE Green Visa?
Yes, freelancers are eligible for a UAE Green Visa. Freelancers in fields like technology, media, or education can apply by proving their skills and income. Freelancers must show a certain level of financial stability and income to qualify.
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How do I apply for the UAE Green Visa?
You can submit your application online via the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The applicant must provide the required documents, including proof of qualification, salary, and employment status, depending on the category.