Why UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa is valid for five years and is renewable if the holder continues to meet the eligibility requirements. After the visa expires or is cancelled, Green Visa holders have an extended grace period of up to six months, allowing them time to renew their permit, switch to another visa, or leave the country.  

The UAE Green Visa is available to these categories of individuals:

Skilled Workers: Professionals with specialized skills in any sector.

Freelancers: Individuals working independently in approved fields.

Investors & Entrepreneurs: Those investing in UAE businesses or starting a company.

Self-Sponsored Talent: Individuals with a valid UAE job offer who want to sponsor themselves.

Specialized Talents: Experts in science, technology, medicine, or the arts.

The requirements for a skilled employee to get a UAE Green Visa are listed below:

• A valid passport
• Must have a valid job offer from a UAE-based employer.
• Minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 (or AED 10,000 with a degree or relevant experience).
• Bachelor's degree or higher from a recognized university.
• Relevant work experience in the field, usually 2–5 years, depending on the job.
• Health insurance coverage in the UAE.
• Clean criminal record certificate from the home country.

Freelancers and self-employed individuals can obtain a UAE Green Visa by following this step-by-step process:

Step 1: Make sure you meet the requirements, such as an approved field of work, minimum income, educational qualification, and health insurance.

Step 2: Collect all the documents

Step 3: Submit your application through the UAE Government portal

Step 4: Pay the required visa processing fees

Step 5: The authorities will review the application

Step 6: Undergo required medical tests and provide a police clearance certificate

Step 7: You will receive the UAE Green Visa electronically once approved.

The requirements for investors and partners to apply for a UAE Green Visa are listed below:

• Must hold at least partner or shareholder status in a UAE-based company.
• A minimum capital investment of AED 500,000 is required.
• The business must be active and licensed in the UAE.
• Demonstrate sufficient income from the business to support yourself.
• Must have valid UAE health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate
• A valid passport
• Trade license
• Shareholder or Partnership documents

The UAE Green Visa offers more flexibility and independence than a regular UAE work visa. Unlike a regular work visa, which is tied to an employer and usually valid for 1–2 years, the Green Visa can be self-sponsored and is valid for up to 3 years. Green Visa holders can work for multiple employers, pursue freelance opportunities, and easily change jobs, whereas regular work visas restrict employment to the sponsoring company. It also allows holders to sponsor family members more easily and supports longer-term career planning, making it ideal for skilled workers, investors, and entrepreneurs.

You can sponsor your family, including your spouse, children, and parents, with a UAE Green Visa, provided you meet the financial and eligibility requirements. Children can be sponsored up to age 25, and there's no age limit for unmarried daughters or children of determination.

The UAE Green Visa offers a grace period of up to 180 days (six months) after its expiry, allowing holders to stay longer and be more flexible in the country. This period provides enough time for individuals with long-term residency and investment in the UAE to arrange their affairs or apply for renewal without causing immediate penalties.

The documents required to apply for a UAE Green Visa are listed below:

• A valid passport
• Recent passport-size photos
• Educational certificates
• Proof of work contract or job offer
• Freelance permit or self-employment license
• Investment or partnership documents
• Proof of income or bank statements
• Health insurance valid in the UAE

The cost for an Indian applicant to obtain a UAE Green Visa ranges from approximately AED 2,000 to AED 3,500(approximately ₹45,300 to ₹79,275 INR), with additional charges for medical tests, Emirates ID, and insurance. The total cost depends on the applicant's category and additional services, so it is important to include these extra charges when calculating the overall expenses.

You can apply for the UAE Green Visa online on the official General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website, the ICP app, or the Dubai Now app. Y-Axis can also help you with applying for the UAE Green Visa. We guide you through every step from preparing and submitting documents to tracking your application and help improve your chances of approval.

A UAE Green Visa application can take a few days to a week to process. However, processing time can depend on the specific application, nationality, and accuracy of the documents submitted. Approval is communicated by email, and the Emirates ID card is received within roughly two weeks after approval.

Yes, having a UAE Green visa makes obtaining a UAE permanent residency visa easier and can be a pathway to UAE citizenship. The Green Visa provides a self-sponsored 5-year residency and supports your path to a more secure future in the UAE.

Under the UAE Green Visa, you can sponsor your children up to 25, while unmarried daughters can be sponsored at any age. Children with disabilities (Children of Determination) also have no age limit for sponsorship. 

To apply for a UAE Green Visa, Indians must follow this step-by-step process.

Step 1: Check your eligibility as a skilled worker, freelancer, or investor.

Step 2: Gather all required documents

Step 3: Obtain a valid job contract or freelance/self-employment permit.

Step 4: Submit your application online at the UAE government portal or approved visa centers.

Step 5: Pay the visa and processing fees as required.

Step 6: Complete medical tests and background checks if requested.

Step 7: Receive your entry permit or visa and complete residency formalities in the UAE.

Step 8: If eligible, Sponsor family members under the Green Visa rules.