UAE Green Visa 2026 — 5 Years, No Employer Needed
A five-year self-sponsored residency for skilled professionals, freelancers and investors — no employer or Emirati partner required, and you can sponsor your family.
Which route fits you?
The Green Visa has three main routes. Pick yours to see the requirements and the next step.
Skilled professional
AED 15,000 monthly salary or more + a bachelor's degree + a valid employment contract (skill level 1 to 3)
Freelancer / self-employed
A freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources + an academic qualification + roughly AED 360,000 annual income, or proof of financial means
Investor / partner
Investment in a licensed commercial activity + investment approval from the competent economic authority
Why the Green Visa?
Self-sponsored
No employer and no Emirati partner — you sponsor your own residency.
Five years
A five-year renewable residency that does not depend on your job or employer.
Family sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse, children and parents on the same visa.
Longer grace period
Up to six months to stay in the country legally after the visa is cancelled or expires.
Each route in detail
Green Visa for skilled professionals
If you are a skilled employee on a valid contract, you can hold a five-year residency without being permanently tied to one employer.
- AED 15,000 monthly salary or more
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- A valid employment contract, occupational classification level 1 to 3
- Change jobs without losing your residency
Approximate costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government visa issuance fee | from AED 2,280 |
| Medical examination | AED 320-700 |
| Emirates ID | AED 370-575 |
| Health insurance | varies |
| Service and processing fee | by route |
Prices are estimates · Free consultation for exact quote
These figures are approximate, based on current tariffs, and can change with the emirate, the route and the specifics of your case.
Green Visa or Golden Visa?
| Criterion | Green Visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Length of residency | 5 years | 10 years |
| Self-sponsored | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum salary (employment route) | AED 15,000 per month | AED 30,000 per month |
| Property investment route | Not required | From AED 2 million |
| Family sponsorship | Yes | Yes |
| Best suited to | Professionals, freelancers, smaller investors | Investors and top-tier talent |
How to get the Green Visa
Assess your eligibility
We identify your route — professional, freelancer or investor — and the documents it needs.
Prepare the documents
Collecting your degree, contract or permit, proof of income and the remaining paperwork.
Submit the application
Filing with the Residency and Foreigners Affairs authority or through an approved channel.
Medical test and Emirates ID
Completing the medical examination and biometric registration for your Emirates ID.
Visa issued
Your five-year Green Visa is issued, and you can sponsor your family.
Frequently asked questions
The Green Visa is a five-year self-sponsored residency issued without an employer or Emirati partner. It is designed for skilled professionals, freelancers and investors.
Further reading
Our detailed guides on this subject.
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Ready to start your five-year residency?
Talk to a Residency24 adviser and we will settle your route and the documents it needs.