How long is the UAE Green Visa valid?
The Green Visa is issued for five years and is renewable, provided you continue to meet the conditions of your category.
UAE GREEN VISAUAE Green Visa: 5-Year Self-Sponsored Residency
The UAE Green Visa lets skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed people, investors and partners live in the UAE on a renewable five-year residence permit without needing an employer sponsor. We assess which category fits you and prepare your application.
- Validity
- 5 years, renewable
- Sponsor
- Self-sponsored, no employer needed
- Family
- Spouse, children and parents (conditions apply)
- Based in
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
Who Can Apply
The Green Visa is available under several categories. Criteria are set by the UAE authorities and change from time to time.
- EmployeesSkilled professionals
Employees in skill levels 1 to 2 under the UAE classification, typically holding a bachelor's degree or equivalent diploma and meeting a minimum monthly salary threshold, with a valid employment contract.
- IndependentFreelancers and self-employed
People working for themselves who hold a valid freelance or self-employment permit and can show income over recent years that meets the authority's requirement.
- Business ownersInvestors and partners
Investors or partners in a UAE business who meet the minimum investment or capital requirement and hold a valid trade licence.
Benefits of the Green Visa
- Five-year renewable residence, longer than the standard two or three-year employment visa.
- Self-sponsorship: your residence is not tied to a single employer.
- Ability to sponsor your spouse and children, and in many cases parents, subject to the rules.
- A grace period after your permit or employment ends, giving you time to change status or make plans.
- A route that works alongside company formation, freelancing and investment planning.
Documents You Usually Need
Exact lists depend on the category and the issuing authority.
- Valid passport, recent photograph and Emirates ID (if already resident).
- Attested degree or diploma certificates for skilled-professional applications.
- Employment contract and recent salary certificate, or freelance permit and income records.
- Trade licence, share or partnership documents and proof of capital for investors and partners.
- Medical fitness test and health insurance cover.
- Marriage and birth certificates if you plan to sponsor family members.
How We Support Your Application
- Eligibility review
We check your category, qualifications, income or investment against the current criteria.
- Document preparation
We list what you need, check attestations and organise records in the order authorities expect.
- Application and approval
Your application is prepared and submitted through the relevant UAE channel, and we follow up on queries.
- Status change and medical
Guidance on entry permit, status change, medical test and Emirates ID steps.
- Family sponsorship
Preparing dependant applications once your own visa is issued.
Green Visa or Golden Visa?
The Green Visa is a five-year route aimed at skilled workers, freelancers and business people who want independence from an employer. The Golden Visa is a ten-year route with higher thresholds, for investors, specialised talent and exceptional profiles.
If you are unsure which suits you, an advisor can compare them against your situation. See also our UAE Golden Visa and residency visa pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what applicants ask us most.
Do I need an employer to sponsor me?
No. The Green Visa is self-sponsored, although skilled-professional applicants need a valid employment contract when they apply.
Can I bring my family?
Green Visa holders can generally sponsor a spouse and children, and in many cases parents, subject to income and the authority's rules.
What happens if I lose my job?
Green Visa holders are typically given a grace period after the permit ends. Confirm the current length with the authority and plan your next step early.
Is the Green Visa the same as the Golden Visa?
No. The Green Visa is for five years with lower thresholds. The Golden Visa lasts ten years and has higher requirements.
Do you guarantee approval?
No. Only the UAE authorities decide. We assess your eligibility and prepare a complete, accurate application.
Visatrix Global Services is an advisory firm. UAE authorities set their own rules, fees and timelines, which change from time to time, and only they decide the outcome. Always confirm current requirements on the official website before you apply.
Check Your UAE Green Visa Eligibility
Tell us your profession, income and family plans and an advisor will explain which category fits.