UAE Green Visa 2025 – Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process

UAE Green Visa – Complete Guide 2025

The UAE Green Visa is one of the most progressive residency programs introduced by the UAE government to attract skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors who wish to live and work independently in the country.

Unlike traditional residence visas that require a local sponsor or employer, the United Arab Emirate Green Visa allows individuals to sponsor themselves, promoting flexibility, stability, and long-term residency opportunities in the Emirates.

1. What is a UAE Green Visa?

The  Green Visa is a type of long-term residence permit that allows skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors to live and work in the UAE without the need for an employer sponsor.

It is designed to strengthen the UAE’s labor market, attract global talent, and encourage foreign investment by offering extended residency privileges and simplified renewal procedures.

2. Who Can Apply for the Dubai Green Visa?

The  Visa is available to three main categories:

  1. Skilled Employees:

    • Must hold a valid employment contract in the UAE.

    • Occupation must fall under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) Level 1–3 categories.

    • Minimum bachelor’s degree and salary of AED 15,000 per month.

  2. Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals:

    • Must obtain a freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE.

    • Hold a minimum bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma.

    • Proof of annual income from self-employment of at least AED 360,000, or financial stability during stay.

  3. Investors or Partners:

    • Must provide proof of investment or business ownership.

    • Investment documents must be attested and verified by UAE authorities.

3. Duration and Validity of UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa is issued for 5 years, providing greater stability compared to the traditional 2 or 3-year residence visas.

Holders can also renew the visa upon expiration, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

4. Key Benefits of the Dubai Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa offers multiple benefits, making it an attractive option for professionals and entrepreneurs:

  • No local sponsor required – self-sponsorship for all categories.

  • 5-year validity with easy renewal process.

  • Ability to sponsor family members, including spouse, children, and parents.

  • Grace period up to 6 months after visa expiry for renewal or exit.

  • Dependents can stay in UAE as long as the visa is valid.

  • Access to Emirates ID, bank accounts, driving license, and other resident services.

  • Strengthens job flexibility and independence for freelancers and remote workers.

5. Required Documents for UAE Green Visa

Applicants must prepare the following documents to apply for a Green Visa:

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

  • Passport-sized photograph (white background)

  • Educational certificates (attested)

  • Employment contract or freelance permit

  • Proof of income or financial stability

  • Valid UAE health insurance

  • Entry permit (if applying from outside UAE)

For investors, additional documents like trade license, Memorandum of Association (MoA), and bank statements may be required.

6. How to Apply for Dubai Green Visa

You can apply for the Visa both online and offline through official government channels:

Step 1: Visit the official portal of

Step 2: Register and fill in your personal details.
Step 3: Upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format.
Step 4: Pay the applicable visa fee.
Step 5: Wait for application review and approval.

UAE Green Visa

Once approved, you will receive an entry permit (if outside UAE) or residence visa sticker (if already inside UAE).

7. Green UAE Visa(2025)

The UAE  Visa cost depends on visa type and duration, generally ranging from AED 2,000 to AED 2,500, excluding:

  • Medical examination fees: AED 250 – AED 350

  • Emirates ID: AED 170 – AED 370

  • Health insurance: As per provider plan

Freelancers and investors might incur additional costs for license or permit issuance.

8. Grace Period After Dubai Green Visa Expiry

One of the major advantages of the Green Visa is the 6-month grace period after visa expiry or cancellation.

During this time, visa holders can either renew their visa, find new employment, or exit the country without paying overstay fines.

9. Family Sponsorship Under Dubai Green Visa 

Holders of the Green Visa can sponsor family members for the same duration as their visa validity.

Dependents may include:

  • Spouse

  • Children up to age 25 (no limit for unmarried daughters)

  • Parents (under certain conditions)

All family members can legally reside, study, and access healthcare in the UAE during the visa validity period.

10. Renewal Process for Green Visa For UAE

To renew your UAE Green Visa, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure your employment, freelance permit, or business license is active.

  2. Update health insurance and Emirates ID.

  3. Apply through the GDRFA or ICP platform.

  4. Pay renewal fees online.

Renewals can be done 60 days before expiry to avoid service interruptions or grace period delays.

FAQs – Dubai Green Visa (2025)

1. What is the UAE Green Visa?
The UAE Green Visa is a long-term residence permit that allows skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors to live and work in the UAE without needing a local sponsor or employer. It promotes flexibility and independence for residents.

2. Who is eligible for the Dubai Green Visa?
The UAE Green Visa is available to skilled employees, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and investors who meet the minimum qualification, income, and permit requirements defined by UAE immigration authorities.

3. How long is the Green Dubai Visa valid for?
The UAE Green Visa is valid for 5 years, offering longer stability compared to standard residence visas that last 2–3 years. It can be renewed upon expiry if eligibility conditions are still met.

4. What are the benefits of having a UAE Green Visa?
The UAE Green Visa provides benefits such as self-sponsorship, 5-year residency, the ability to sponsor family members, a 6-month grace period after expiry, and eligibility for Emirates ID, healthcare, and banking services.

5. Can freelancers apply for the UAE Green Visa?
Yes. Freelancers and self-employed professionals can apply for the UAE Green Visa by obtaining a freelance permit from MOHRE and providing proof of income or financial stability.

6. What is the salary requirement for skilled workers under the UAE Green Visa?
For skilled workers, the Dubai Green Visa requires a minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month, a valid employment contract, and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

7. Can investors apply for the Dubai Green Visa?
Yes. Investors and business partners can apply for the UAE Green Visa by providing proof of investment and relevant trade or business documents approved by UAE authorities.

8. How can I apply for the UAE Green Visa online?
Applicants can apply for the UAE Green Visa through the GDRFA portal or the UAEICP website, by submitting documents, filling out forms, and paying the required fees online.

9. What documents are required for the Dubai Green Visa application?
To apply for the UAE Green Visa, you need a valid passport, photo, Emirates ID, educational certificates, health insurance, income proof, and work or freelance permit, depending on your visa category.

10. How much does the UAE Green Visa cost?
The cost of the UAE Green Visa ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 2,500, excluding medical tests, Emirates ID, and health insurance fees, which may add AED 500–700 more depending on your circumstances.

11. Can UAE Green Visa holders sponsor family members?
Yes, UAE Green Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children up to 25 years old, unmarried daughters, and parents. Family members receive residency for the same duration as the visa holder.

12. What is the grace period after UAE Green Visa expiry?
After the Green UAE Visa expires, holders have a 6-month grace period to renew, switch visa types, or exit the country without paying overstay fines — one of the longest grace periods in UAE visa categories.

13. How to renew the UAE Green Visa after 5 years?
To renew your Green UAE Visa, ensure your employment or freelance permit is active, health insurance is valid, and Emirates ID is updated. Apply online via GDRFA or ICP and pay renewal fees before visa expiry.

14. Can I convert my current residence visa into a UAE Green Visa?
Yes, eligible residents can convert their existing residence visa to a UAE Green Visa if they meet the qualification, salary, or investment requirements. This can be done through ICP or GDRFA portals without exiting the UAE.

15. What makes the Green UAE Visa different from the Golden Visa?
The Green DubaiVisa is valid for 5 years and targets skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors, while the UAE Golden Visa offers 10 years of residency to high-net-worth individuals, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

The Green UAE Visa is a forward-thinking residency system that promotes economic growth and attracts global talent. It empowers professionals, freelancers, and investors to build long-term careers and lives in the Emirates without dependency on employers or sponsors.

With its five-year duration, flexible renewal policies, and family sponsorship options, the Green Visa for dubai has become one of the most desirable residency programs in the Gulf region.

For anyone seeking independence, stability, and opportunity, applying for a Green UAE Visa in 2025 is a smart step toward a secure and prosperous future in the United Arab Emirates.