BLOGS Business in UAE

How to Get a Green Visa in UAE | Requirements, Costs & Eligibility

by Ishika Bhandari Jan 27, 2026 6 MIN READ

Share
Blog banner image of green visa eligibility UAE.

The United Arab Emirates has long served as an international business centre. The government established the UAE Green Visa as a flexible residency program to attract international talent and assist people who want to stay in the country for extended periods. The Green Visa exists as a crucial aspect of your UAE living and working plans.

This guide contains all the necessary information on how to obtain a green visa in the UAE, including eligibility standards, required documentation, the application process, and answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa permits eligible applicants to stay in the country for five years while working and sponsoring family members without needing employment from a UAE national or their employer. The United Arab Emirates uses this program to attract skilled workers who prefer freelance work and who want to establish their own businesses and make investments in the country.

The Green Visa system enables workers to gain professional independence through its benefits, which include personal freedom and career stability. The Green Visa system works best for present-day business operators and their staff members because it provides them with work authorisation details that they can use to stay in the country permanently.

Who Can Apply for the UAE Green Visa?

The Green Visa targets three main categories:

1. Skilled Employees

Specialized professional workers from technology and engineering, healthcare and finance, and education and science fields can apply through the program when they fulfill both salary and qualification requirements.

2. Freelancers & Self-Employed Individuals

Freelancers, independent consultants, and digital professionals who possess valid permits together with stable income sources can apply for the program.

3. Investors & Partners

People who invest in or establish partnerships with UAE companies can qualify for the program based on their investment amounts, which meet the established investment requirements.

Each category has specific requirements that must be met by all applicants to achieve green visa eligibility, as defined by the UAE authorities.

Green Visa Eligibility UAE | Key Requirements

To achieve green visa eligibility UAE, candidates must typically fulfill these fundamental standards:

  • The applicant must possess a passport that maintains its validity for the upcoming six months.
  • The candidate needs to present educational credentials that apply to their skilled professional designation.
  • The candidate must present documentation that proves their earnings reach the established minimum income requirements.
  • Freelancers must possess a valid freelance permit or professional license to work as independent contractors.
  • The applicant must present evidence of their investment activities that they committed to their business operations.
  • The applicant must possess a clean record, which shows no criminal offenses.
  • The person has to pass the medical fitness test before they can start their job training.

These conditions demonstrate how candidates meet green visa eligibility requirements, which will boost their chances of getting approved.

Documents Required for Green Visa Application

Candidates need to provide complete and precise documents, which include:

  • Passport copy
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Educational certificates (attested if required)
  • Employment contract or freelance permit
  • Salary certificate or bank statements
  • Medical fitness test results
  • Proof of accommodation (if applicable)

Applicants face the main challenge of fulfilling green visa eligibility requirements because they submit documents that contain either missing parts or conflicting information.

Cost of UAE Green Visa

The total cost of obtaining a Green Visa depends on visa type, emirate, and additional services. The average expenses encompass these items:

  • Visa application fees
  • Medical examination fees
  • Emirates ID fees
  • Residency issuance fees

Applicants need to prepare for all government expenses, together with the total professional consultant fees that will occur during their application process. Understanding costs upfront helps avoid surprises during the green visa eligibility UAE assessment process.

Benefits of the UAE Green Visa

The Green Visa provides multiple long-term benefits:

  • 5-year renewable residency
  • No employer or sponsor dependency
  • The ability to sponsor first-degree relatives
  • The visa grace period begins after the normal visa expiration date, which allows extended residence for up to 6 months.
  • The job and business operations now have improved flexibility

The Green Visa offers multiple benefits that create a highly desirable residency option for professionals who meet the Green Visa eligibility UAE requirements.

UAE Green Visa Application Process

  • UAE visa requirements for green visa eligibility must be assessed through category identification to determine your eligibility
  • All required documents must be collected and validated through document verification
  • UAE government portals and service providers must be used for application submission
  • Medical tests must be finalized, and the Emirates ID registration process needs to be completed
  • Your Green Visa becomes active for five years after it receives official approval

Common Reasons for Rejection or Delay

Application processing faces two main problems, which lead to either delays or rejection.

  • The incorrect visa category selection leads to application delays, while incomplete documentation results in rejection.
  • The documentation needs to demonstrate income that meets the established thresholds.
  • The applicant must possess valid freelance permits that remain within their active period.
  • The applicant fails to meet the eligibility criteria that support green visa eligibility for the UAE.

The existence of professional guidance leads to a reduction of potential risks.

How Arnifi Can Help You

Visa regulations and eligibility requirements create complicated challenges that freelancers, entrepreneurs, and investors need to address. Arnifi delivers complete support services that cover all aspects of UAE residency solutions through its Green Visa advisory service. The expert knowledge of green visa eligibility requirements for UAE regulations enables Arnifi to use its expertise in green visa eligibility requirements for UAE regulations to help applicants complete their applications without delays, which increases their approval chances so they can focus on establishing their career or business in the UAE.

Conclusion

The UAE Green Visa provides a strong residency option that helps professionals achieve independence and stability while they build their long-term career paths in one of the most dynamic economies worldwide. The applicants acquire planning abilities through their knowledge of requirements and costs, and the green visa eligibility UAE criteria, which helps them achieve their objectives while preventing typical errors. The Green Visa enables skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors to establish flexible lifestyles that will meet the upcoming requirements of the UAE.

FAQs

1. What is the validity of the UAE Green Visa?

The Green Visa remains active for five years but requires renewal after the holder meets the required eligibility criteria.

2. Is employer sponsorship required for the Green Visa?

The Green Visa process does not require either employer sponsorship or national sponsorship for its applicants.

3. Can Green Visa holders sponsor family members?

Yes, eligible Green Visa holders can sponsor first-degree relatives.

4. Is the Green Visa available to freelancers?

Freelancers who possess valid permits and income proof can meet the green visa eligibility requirements of the UAE.

5. How long does the Green Visa approval process take?

Processing time depends on the circumstances, but when all documents are complete, the approval time decreases significantly.

Top UAE Packages

Book A Consultation Tooltip

Get in Touch

IN
IN
US
SG
AE
SA
GB
OM
Success
Your request has been submitted!
Our team will get back to you within 48 hours with more details to help you move forward.

Top UAE Packages

Get in Touch

IN
IN
US
SG
AE
SA
Success
Your request has been submitted!
Our team will get back to you within 48 hours with more details to help you move forward.
/* 23012026 pasted css from header */