The UAE now offers more than the traditional employer‑sponsored residence visa, and the two most discussed long‑term options are the Green visa and the Golden visa, each designed for different types of professionals, investors and talented individuals. This article is aimed at non‑UAE nationals evaluating medium‑ to long‑term residence, as well as HR teams and relocation advisers who must explain these options clearly and accurately to others.
According to the official UAE Government portal, both visas allow self‑sponsorship and longer residence, but they differ significantly in eligibility thresholds, target groups and family‑related security. Below, we explain what the UAE Green visa is, the precise categories and conditions, how it compares with the UAE Golden visa, and how to decide which route may best align with your circumstances.
What Is The UAE Green Visa
The UAE Green visa is a residence visa that allows its holders to sponsor themselves for five years, without needing a UAE national or employer as a sponsor. This is a significant departure from standard work residence visas, which are usually tied to an employer who acts as the visa sponsor and controls renewal and cancellation.
The Green visa is valid for five years and is renewable for the same term, provided that the relevant conditions continue to be met at the time of renewal. It is part of a broader policy to attract and retain skilled individuals, flexible workers such as freelancers, and specific categories of investors who contribute to the UAE economy but may not fit neatly into the traditional employer‑employee model.
Who Is Eligible For The UAE Green Visa
The Green visa is not a general open route; it is limited to specific categories of residents who must meet clearly defined professional or investment conditions. At present, three main groups are eligible to apply: freelancers and self‑employed individuals, skilled employees, and investors establishing or participating in commercial activities in the UAE.
Each category has its own set of requirements, and applicants must meet them all to qualify.
Freelancers And Self‑Employed Professionals
For freelancers and self‑employed individuals, the Green visa is designed for people who work independently rather than under a standard employment contract with a UAE employer. The first requirement is to obtain a freelance or self‑employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This permit confirms that you are authorised to carry out your activities on a self‑employed basis within the UAE.
In terms of qualifications, applicants must provide proof of at least a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma. This ensures that the route is focused on individuals with a specific level of professional or academic background, rather than any form of casual or low‑skilled freelance work. The educational requirement applies regardless of the specific field, but in practice, your qualifications should align with your freelance activities.
Financial conditions are also clearly defined. Applicants must either show evidence that their self‑employment income for the previous two years totals at least AED 360,000 or demonstrate financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE. In other words, if you cannot prove the required historic income, you must be able to prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself while living and working in the UAE on a self‑employed basis.
Skilled Employees
The skilled employee route under the Green visa targets mid‑ to high‑skilled professionals who do have an employer in the UAE, but who wish to hold a five‑year self‑sponsored residence visa rather than a standard employer‑sponsored one. The first condition is a valid employment contract in the UAE, confirming that you are legally employed and will be working in your professional capacity here.
Secondly, your role must fall within the first, second or third occupational level as classified by the MoHRE. These levels typically correspond to higher‑skilled occupations, such as managerial, professional and technical roles, rather than lower‑skilled or manual work. Applicants must also hold at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, which again ensures that the Green visa for skilled employees targets a more qualified segment of the workforce.
A key quantitative requirement is the salary threshold. Skilled employees applying for the Green visa must receive a monthly salary of not less than AED 15,000. This minimum income level is a central eligibility criterion and reflects the policy goal of attracting and retaining professionals at a specified economic level. If your salary or occupational level falls below this threshold, you would not qualify for this Green visa category and would need to rely on other residence options.
Investors In Commercial Activities
The Green visa for investors is aimed at individuals who are establishing or participating in commercial activities within the UAE. This category replaces the previous two‑year residence visa that was available to certain investors, offering a longer five‑year horizon instead, again on a self‑sponsored basis.
Eligibility is based on the nature and quality of the investment. One key requirement is approval from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) on the investment, according to the investor rating system applied. This means that not every investment will qualify automatically; the investment must meet criteria set by the ICP under its rating framework. Applicants must also submit proof of the investment itself. Where an investor or partner holds more than one commercial licence, the total invested capital across licences can be aggregated for assessing eligibility.
In addition, approval from the competent local authorities for the investment activity is required. This ensures that the business or commercial activity complies with local regulations in the emirate where it operates. Since each emirate may have its own procedures and standards, it is vital for prospective applicants to confirm details with local authorities.
Get Visa Services in Dubai Through EGSH
Authorised One-Stop Government Services Centre
- All government services in one place
- Completed in one visit
- VIP service without queues
- Regulated government fees
Key Benefits Of The UAE Green Visa
The most distinctive benefit of the UAE Green visa is self‑sponsorship. Green visa holders sponsor themselves for residence for a period of five years, renewable for the same duration, without the need for a UAE employer or national sponsor. This can provide greater personal and professional flexibility, particularly for freelancers, self‑employed professionals and investors who may change projects or clients frequently.
The five‑year validity is another significant advantage compared with many standard employer‑sponsored residence visas, which often have shorter durations and must be renewed more frequently. A longer validity reduces administrative overhead and can support longer‑term planning for housing, education and business development.
In relation to family members, Green visa holders are expatriate residents and, as such, are generally subject to the standard family sponsorship rules. These state that expatriate residents with a valid residence visa may sponsor eligible family members if they earn at least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
Under these general rules, dependants’ residence permits are linked to the sponsor’s permit. If the sponsor’s visa is cancelled or expires, the dependants’ visas must also be cancelled, with a 30‑day grace period to adjust status or exit.
Overview Of The UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden visa is a long‑term residence visa intended for selected foreign talents and high‑impact contributors. It allows eligible individuals to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying a set of exclusive benefits that go beyond those associated with standard residence visas. The scheme covers several categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.
From a process perspective, Golden visa applicants can receive an entry visa valid for six months with multiple entries, enabling them to complete the Golden residence issuance procedures while already in the country. Once granted, the Golden visa provides a long‑term residence permit of either five or ten years, depending on the category, and this permit is renewable, subject to continued compliance with the relevant criteria. Like the Green visa, the Golden visa does not require a UAE national or employer to act as a sponsor.
The Golden visa carries additional practical benefits. Holders may remain outside the UAE for more than the usual six‑month limit without their residence being invalidated, which is particularly valuable for investors and internationally mobile professionals. Golden visa holders can also sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, with no restriction on the children’s ages. In addition, Golden Visa holders may sponsor domestic helpers in accordance with the rules and limits set by the MOHRE, which take into account factors such as household composition and eligibility criteria.
Family security is an important distinguishing feature. If the primary Golden visa holder dies, their family members are permitted to stay in the UAE until the end of their residence permit duration. This contrasts with the standard rule under general residence sponsorship, where dependants’ visas are directly linked to the sponsor and typically need to be cancelled if the sponsor’s visa is cancelled.
As an example of eligibility, a ten-year Golden Visa may be available to investors in public investments who meet the criteria set by the relevant authorities. Typically, this involves making a qualifying investment of at least AED 2 million through accredited channels, meeting applicable tax or financial compliance requirements, demonstrating verified equity in the investment and holding valid medical insurance for oneself and one's family members. The investment must also meet the authorities' ownership and funding conditions, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis. These conditions may allow for partial financing in certain categories, subject to verification.
Additionally, a five-year renewable Golden Visa is available to real estate investors who own one or more properties with a combined value of at least AED 2 million. This includes properties purchased with approved mortgage financing from UAE banks, provided the ownership and equity requirements are met.
Entrepreneurs with an economic project of a technical or future‑oriented nature, valued at least AED 500,000 and supported by approvals from an auditor, emirate authorities and an accredited business incubator, may qualify for a five‑year Golden visa. Exceptional students at high school and university level are also eligible based on specified academic performance and recommendation conditions.
Why Choose EGSH for Government Services in Dubai
VIP Service
Personal assistance and priority processing with no queues.
Affordable Fees
Official government rates with transparent, fixed pricing.
All Services in One Place
Comprehensive range of UAE government services under one roof.
One-Visit Completion
Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.
Green Visa Vs Golden Visa: Main Differences
The Green visa and the Golden visa provide self‑sponsored residence and are clearly positioned as tools to attract and retain talent and investment. However, they differ in their underlying policy focus, entry thresholds and the extent of family‑related security they offer.
Sponsorship Model And Validity
In terms of sponsorship, both visas operate on a self‑sponsorship model. Holders do not require a UAE national or employer to sponsor their residence, which offers more autonomy over their immigration status compared with standard work visas tied to an employer.
The key distinction lies in validity. The Green visa is consistently issued for five years and is renewable for another five‑year term, as long as the conditions continue to be met. By contrast, the Golden visa may be issued for either five or ten years, depending on the category—such as five years for certain real estate investors and ten years for some public investment investors—and is also renewable. For individuals seeking the longest possible planning horizon, qualifying for a ten‑year Golden visa can be particularly attractive.
Target Groups And Purpose
The Green visa is tightly focused on three groups: freelancers and self‑employed individuals, skilled employees, and investors in commercial activities. In practice, this means professionals with MoHRE‑recognised skills and income levels, people working independently with proven qualifications and financial strength, and business owners or partners in commercial ventures.
The Golden visa encompasses a broader concept of “foreign talents”. The eligible groups include investors in public investments and real estate, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes. In other words, while there is overlap with investment and high‑skill employment, the Golden visa also recognises exceptional academic achievement, scientific contribution and service to society in ways that the more technically defined Green visa categories do not.
Income And Qualification Thresholds (Work Routes)
Where both visas offer work‑related routes, the thresholds reflect different levels of seniority. For the Green visa skilled‑employee route, applicants need to hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, have a valid employment contract in a MoHRE occupational level 1–3 role, and earn a salary of at least AED 15,000 per month.
By comparison, Golden visa categories for executives set higher requirements, including at least a bachelor’s degree, at least five years’ experience in the same position, and a minimum salary of AED 50,000 per month, along with additional conditions. This indicates that the Golden visa is generally aimed at more senior or higher‑impact profiles than the Green visa’s skilled‑employee route, which serves a broader segment of mid‑ to high‑level professionals.
Family Residence Security
Family security is one of the most practically important differences for many applicants. Under the general family sponsorship rules, applicable to standard residence sponsorships, family members’ residence permits are linked directly to the sponsor’s residence permit. If the sponsor’s visa is cancelled or expires, the dependants’ visas must also be cancelled, with a 30‑day grace period for them to obtain a new residence permit or leave the country. Green visa holders, as expatriate sponsors, are typically subject to this general linkage.
Golden visa holders, however, benefit from a specific provision. If the primary Golden visa holder dies, their family members may remain in the UAE until the end of their own residence permit duration. This offers an additional layer of stability for families compared with the standard linkage model and is an important consideration for those choosing between residence options.
Snapshot Comparison: Green Visa Vs Golden Visa
| Aspect | UAE Green Visa | UAE Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship model | Self‑sponsored (no employer or UAE national sponsor) | Self‑sponsored (no employer or UAE national sponsor) |
| Typical validity | 5 years, renewable for 5‑year terms | 5 or 10 years, depending on category, renewable |
| Main target groups | Freelancers/self‑employed, skilled employees, investors in commercial activities | Investors (public and real estate), entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, frontline heroes |
| Sample salary threshold | Skilled employee: at least AED 15,000 per month | Specified executives: at least AED 50,000 per month (plus other conditions) |
| Investment examples | Commercial activities, subject to ICP and local approvals | Public investments ≥ AED 2 million; real estate ≥ AED 2 million (per u.ae) |
| Family sponsorship | Follows general expatriate rules; dependants linked to the sponsor’s visa | Sponsor spouse, children (no age limit) and unlimited domestic helpers |
| Family security on death | Standard linkage: cancellation required under general rules | Family may stay in the UAE until the end of their permit if the main holder dies |
| Time outside the UAE | Standard residence rules apply | May stay outside the UAE > 6 months without losing residence |
Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues
You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.
Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai
Operating hours
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Which Visa Might Be Suitable for Your Situation? Illustrative Scenarios
Although only the competent authorities can confirm eligibility, it can be helpful to map your situation against the broad contours of each visa. Consider an independent professional who holds a MoHRE freelance permit, has at least a bachelor’s degree and can show self‑employment income of at least AED 360,000 over the past two years, or strong financial solvency.This profile aligns closely with the Green visa route for freelancers and self‑employed individuals.
A second scenario is a mid‑career professional employed in a MoHRE level 1–3 role, holding a bachelor’s degree, and earning around AED 15,000 or slightly more per month. For such an individual, the Green visa for skilled employees might be accessible if all conditions are met. However, unless their salary and seniority meet the much higher thresholds (such as AED 50,000 monthly salary and extensive experience) required for specific Golden visa executive routes, a Golden visa based purely on employment may not be realistic.
A third scenario concerns investors. An individual participating in commercial activities via one or more licences, with significant invested capital and the ability to obtain ICP approval and local authority sign‑off, may reasonably explore the Green visa for investors. By contrast, someone able to invest at least AED 2 million in public investments or qualifying real estate, and meet the additional requirements, might instead consider the Golden visa investor categories, which could provide a longer (up to ten‑year) residence horizon and enhanced family benefits.
Key Compliance Notes And Final Reminders
Immigration regulations, thresholds and documentation requirements are subject to change. While this article is based on information drawn from the official UAE Government portal, the most up‑to‑date and legally authoritative criteria are always those published by the competent authorities themselves. Before relying on any particular route—whether Green visa, Golden visa or a standard employer‑sponsored visa—you should review the latest information on u.ae.
Holding a residence visa in the UAE also carries ongoing obligations. These include keeping your personal and employment details current, complying with the permitted activities under your visa category, and respecting rules on maximum periods outside the country where applicable. For family members, it is imperative to understand how their residence permits are linked to your own and to plan accordingly, especially in light of the different family security provisions associated with the Golden visa. Early planning and careful reading of official guidance will reduce the risk of unintentional non‑compliance.
Related Services
FAQ: Green Visa UAE And Golden Visa UAE
Who Is Eligible For The Green Visa In The UAE?
The Green visa in the UAE is available to three main categories: freelancers and self‑employed individuals, skilled employees, and investors establishing or participating in commercial activities. Freelancers and self‑employed professionals need a MoHRE freelance/self‑employment permit, relevant higher education and either sufficient historic income or proof of financial solvency. Skilled employees must hold a valid UAE employment contract in a MoHRE level 1–3 occupation, have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and earn at least AED 15,000 per month. Investors must meet specific investment approval and proof requirements set by the ICP and local authorities.
How Is The Green Visa Different From The Golden Visa In the UAE?
Both visas provide self‑sponsored residence, but they differ in focus and benefits. The Green visa offers a five‑year renewable residence primarily for freelancers, self‑employed individuals, skilled employees and commercial investors, with defined income and qualification thresholds. The Golden visa targets a broader range of “foreign talents” including major investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional students and specific frontline and humanitarian roles, and can grant residence for five or ten years with enhanced family benefits and more flexible rules on time spent outside the UAE.
What Is The Minimum Salary For a Green Visa UAE Skilled Employee?
For the Green visa skilled‑employee category, a minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month is required. In addition to meeting this salary level, applicants must have a valid employment contract in the UAE, be classified within the MoHRE occupational levels 1, 2 or 3, and hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. All these conditions must be satisfied. Meeting the salary threshold alone is not sufficient.
What Are The Requirements For the UAE Green Visa For Freelancers And Self‑Employed?
Freelancers and self‑employed individuals seeking the Green visa must first obtain a freelance or self‑employment permit from the MoHRE. They must also provide proof of at least a bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma. Financially, they need to show evidence that their self‑employment income for the previous two years totals at least AED 360,000, or demonstrate financial solvency throughout their intended stay in the UAE.
What Are The Conditions For a Green Visa For Investors In Commercial Activities in the UAE?
For investors in commercial activities, the Green visa is granted to those establishing or participating in businesses in the UAE. Key conditions include: approval from the ICP on the investment according to its investor rating system; submission of proof of investment (with capital across multiple licences being aggregated if applicable); and approval from the competent local authorities for the investment activity.
Can Green Visa Holders Sponsor Family In The UAE?
Yes. Green visa holders are expatriate residents and, as such, may sponsor eligible family members under the general family sponsorship rules. This usually requires a minimum income of AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation, and a valid residence permit. However, under these general rules, dependents’ residence permits are linked to the sponsor’s permit; if the sponsor’s visa is cancelled or expires, their dependants’ visas must also be cancelled, subject to a 30‑day grace period to regularise their status or leave the country.
What Are Golden Visa Benefits For Family Members In the UAE?
Golden visa holders may sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, without a limit on the children’s ages, and may also sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers. Importantly, if the primary Golden visa holder dies, family members are allowed to remain in the UAE until the end of their residence permits. This provision offers enhanced family stability compared with standard residence sponsorship arrangements in which dependants’ visas are closely tied to the sponsor’s visa status.
Should I Apply For a Green Or Golden Visa In the UAE?
The choice between the Green and Golden visa depends on your profile and objectives. If you are a freelancer, self‑employed professional, skilled employee earning at least AED 15,000 per month, or an investor in commercial activities, and you meet the specific conditions, the Green visa may be a suitable five‑year self‑sponsored option. The Golden visa is designed for substantial investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional students or graduates, scientists, and those who qualify under humanitarian or frontline categories. It offers a more extended residence period, more flexible travel, and stronger family‑security features for those who can meet higher investment or income thresholds.
Explained by
Amna Issa Abbas
AMER Consultant at EGSH
Amna Issa Abbas is a dedicated AMER centre service provider with two years of proven experience in delivering immigration and customer services, supporting clients, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
This article is intended to provide general information based on official UAE sources, and does not constitute personalised legal advice. Before acting, applicants should verify the current rules and fees directly with the relevant authority or an authorised service centre.
