UAE Green Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Eligibility Guide

Everything you need to know about qualifying for the UAE’s 5-year self-sponsored Green Visa, salary thresholds, freelancer requirements, application process, and costs.

Quick Answer: Who Qualifies for the UAE Green Visa in 2026? The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence permit that eliminates the need for employer sponsorship. Eligibility extends to skilled employees earning AED 15,000+ per month in MOHRE Level 1-3 occupations, freelancers with valid permits and an annual income of AED 360,000 over two years, and investors or partners with approved business licenses. The Green Visa offers a 6-month grace period after cancellation, extended dependent sponsorship (sons to age 25; unmarried daughters with no age limit), and 90-180-day renewal grace periods. Total application costs range from AED 2,500 to AED 4,500.

Introduction to the UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa represents a fundamental shift in the Emirates’ approach to workforce residency. Introduced in October 2022 as part of comprehensive immigration reforms, this 5-year self-sponsored residence permit eliminates the traditional employer sponsorship requirement, granting qualified professionals greater control over their UAE residency status.

Under the previous system, all UAE work visas required employer sponsorship, meaning residency was directly tied to employment with a specific company. Job changes, visa cancellations, and visa reissuance create uncertainty and administrative burden for both employees and employers. The Green Visa addresses this by allowing qualified individuals to self-sponsor and maintain residency without being tied to a single employer.

Administered by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in coordination with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Green Visa targets three primary groups: skilled employees meeting salary and qualification thresholds, freelancers and self-employed professionals with valid work permits, and investors or partners holding commercial licenses. This guide provides comprehensive information on eligibility criteria and application steps.

Green Visa vs Golden Visa: Key Differences

The Green Visa and Golden Visa serve different segments of the UAE’s target demographic. Understanding the distinctions helps applicants determine the appropriate pathway for their circumstances.

The Green Visa provides an accessible entry point for mid-career professionals who may not meet the Golden Visa’s investment or salary thresholds. Professionals can later transition to the Golden Visa upon meeting higher eligibility criteria.

Green Visa Eligibility Categories

The UAE Green Visa comprises three pathways, each with distinct qualification criteria tailored to different professional circumstances.

Skilled Employee Requirements

The skilled employee pathway represents the most common Green Visa route, designed for professionals employed by UAE-registered companies who meet specific salary, educational, and occupational criteria.

Core Eligibility Criteria

Required documentation for skilled employees:

• Valid employment contract with a UAE-registered company
• Salary certificate from employer confirming AED 15,000+ monthly salary
• Bachelor’s degree certificate attested by the UAE Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Passport copy with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
• Current Emirates ID (for in-country applicants)
• Passport-sized photographs with a white background
• MOHRE job offer or work permit showing occupational classification
• Medical fitness certificate from an approved UAE health center

Salary Calculation Guidelines

The AED 15,000 salary threshold applies solely to the basic salary, excluding allowances such as housing or transportation. Applicants must verify income through the Wages Protection System (WPS) records maintained by MOHRE, and additional verification may be required for non-WPS payments to ensure clarity on documentation procedures.

Freelancer and Self-Employed Requirements

The freelancer pathway enables independent professionals to obtain long-term UAE residence without employer ties. This category covers consultants, creative professionals, technical specialists, and other self-employed individuals operating under MOHRE-issued freelance permits.

Freelancer Eligibility Criteria

Required documentation for freelancers:

• Valid MOHRE freelance work permit
• Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma (attested)
• Bank statements for the past 24 months showing income deposits
• Signed client contracts demonstrating ongoing work
• Invoice records or payment receipts from clients
• Passport copy with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
• Current Emirates ID
• Professional portfolio or CV demonstrating expertise
• Medical fitness certificate

Income Verification Process

The AED 360,000 annual income requirement translates to AED 30,000 average monthly earnings. ICP verifies income through bank statements showing deposits over the preceding 24 months. Income must be demonstrably earned through freelance activities in the UAE. Foreign income may be considered if the freelancer can document UAE-based professional activities during the same period.

Investor and Partner Requirements

The investor pathway provides Green Visa access to business owners and company partners who hold valid UAE commercial licenses. Unlike the Golden Visa investor category, which requires a minimum investment of AED 2 million, the Green Visa investor pathway has no minimum capital requirement but does require active business operations.

Required documentation for investors:

• Valid commercial or industrial license from DED or the relevant authority
• ICP investment approval letter
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) showing ownership percentage
• Share certificate or partnership agreement
• Company bank statements demonstrating business activity
• Passport copy with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
• Current Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Proof of capital investment (bank transfers, receipts)
• Establishment card from MOHRE (for mainland companies)

MOHRE Occupational Classification System

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) classifies occupations into distinct levels that determine eligibility for various visa categories. Green Visa applicants in the skilled employee category must hold positions classified in Levels 1, 2, or 3.

Only Levels 1, 2, and 3 qualify for the Green Visa. Occupational classification is determined by the job title and responsibilities listed on the work permit, not solely by the employee’s qualifications. An employee with a master’s degree working in a Level 4 position would not qualify based solely on education.

Verifying Your Occupational Level

Employees can verify their MOHRE classification through the following methods:

• MOHRE mobile application under the “Work Permit” section
• MOHRE website (mohre.gov.ae) using Emirates ID login
• Work permit document showing job classification code
• Employer HR department confirmation
• Amer service centers (Dubai)

Green Visa Application Process

The Green Visa application process differs based on whether the applicant is currently inside or outside the UAE. Both pathways culminate in obtaining a 5-year residence permit with self-sponsorship status.

Application Steps for In-Country Applicants

1. Verify eligibility: Confirm qualification under skilled employee, freelancer, or investor category with all required documentation.
2. Gather documents: Collect attested educational certificates, salary certificates, bank statements, and supporting evidence.
3. Cancel existing visa: If currently on an employer-sponsored visa, coordinate cancellation with current employer.
4. Apply: Apply through the ICP Smart Services portal (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) or GDRFA (Dubai residents).
5. Pay applicable fees: Complete payment for application, processing, and service fees.
6. Complete medical examination: Undergo fitness test at DHA-approved health center.
7. Submit biometrics: Provide fingerprints and a photograph at the ICP/GDRFA service center.
8. Receive Emirates ID: New Emirates ID issued reflecting self-sponsored status.
9. Obtain a residence stamp: the final visa stamp applied to the passport.

Application Steps for Overseas Applicants

1. Verify eligibility: Confirm qualification and prepare all required documentation.
2. Obtain entry permit: Apply for a Green Visa entry permit through the ICP portal (AED 1,250).
3. Enter the UAE: Travel to the UAE within 60 days of entry permit issuance.
4. Complete medical examination: Undergo fitness test within 30 days of arrival.
5. Submit biometrics: Provide fingerprints and a photograph at the ICP service center.
6. Pay residence fees: Complete payment for visa stamping and Emirates ID.
7. Receive the Emirates ID Card issued within 5-7 working days.
8. Obtain residence stamp: the final visa stamp is applied to the passport.

Processing Times

Green Visa Costs and Fees

Total Green Visa costs range from AED 2,500 to AED 4,500, depending on the applicant’s category, processing speed, and whether the application is made from inside or outside the UAE. The following table itemizes standard fees.

Educational document attestation may incur additional costs of AED 150-500 per document if the document has not been previously attested. Attestation through the UAE Embassy abroad typically costs USD 50-150 per document plus Ministry of Foreign Affairs fees.

Green Visa Benefits

The Green Visa offers significant advantages over traditional employer-sponsored residence permits, particularly in terms of employment flexibility and grace periods.

Grace Period Explained

The 6-month grace period represents a significant improvement over employer-sponsored visas, which typically provide only 30 days after cancellation. Green Visa holders who lose employment or cancel their visa retain legal residency status for six months, during which they can seek new employment, establish a business, or prepare for departure without overstay penalties.

Family Sponsorship on Green Visa

Green Visa holders can sponsor family members under expanded eligibility criteria introduced in the 2022 reforms. The sponsorship rules are more generous than those for standard employment visas with respect to the ages of dependents.

Dependent sponsorship requirements:

• Valid Green Visa with a minimum of 6 months remaining validity
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
• All documents attested and translated to Arabic, if applicable
• Medical fitness certificates for each dependent
• Health insurance coverage for each dependent
• Accommodation proof (tenancy contract or property ownership)

Parent Sponsorship Considerations

Parent sponsorship under the Green Visa follows the same rules as standard residence visas, requiring a minimum monthly salary of AED 20,000 for the sponsor. Both parents must be sponsored together unless exceptional circumstances apply. Parent visas are issued as 1-year residence permits requiring annual renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Resources and Links

Verify all requirements and submit applications through official UAE government channels:

Contact information:

1. ICP Toll-Free: 600 522 222
2. GDRFA Dubai Amer Service: 800 5111
3. MOHRE Call Center: 600 590 000

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and reflects regulations in effect as of January 2026. UAE visa policies are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements through official UAE government portals (u.ae, icp.gov.ae, mohre.gov.ae) before applying. Processing times, fees, and documentation requirements may vary by emirate and individual circumstances. This content does not constitute legal or immigration advice.

Last Updated: January 2026 | Sources: ICP, GDRFA Dubai, MOHRE, UAE Government Portal (u.ae)