The UAE green visa aims to increase flexibility in the job market and competitiveness and encourage a strong sense of stability among UAE residents and their families.

UAE residents and families can enjoy several benefits with these 5-year residency permits. Some of the benefits Green Residence visa holders can take advantage of are as follows:

• You do not need a sponsor if you meet the requirements for the green visa.
• You can live up to 5 years in the UAE with this visa.
• A green visa holder can sponsor family members such as spouses, children, and first-degree relatives.
• You can sponsor male children with an age limit of 25 and unmarried daughters of any age.
• Children with special needs can be sponsored without any age limit.
• The validity of your family members' visa is tied to the primary applicant's visa.
• Freelancers, remote workers, and investors can apply for a 5-year green visa - Dubai.
• Whereas students and standard employers can apply for a 2-year green visa.
• A green residence holder can be renewed for the same period if you meet the same requirements upon the expiry of your visa.
• You get longer flexible grace periods instead of the usual 30 days grace period. You and your family can apply for a new green visa in 90 days or up to six months

For anyone to be able to apply for the UAE green visa, they must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Skilled employees that meet the following criteria can apply for a 5- year Dubai Green Visa

• To apply for green residence for skilled employees, you must be employed in the UAE and must provide a valid employment contract
• According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, you must hold a job at the first, second, or third occupational level
• You must hold a minimum educational level of a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
• Your monthly salary must be at least AED 15,000

Freelancers and self-employed individuals can apply for a 5- year Dubai Green Visa:

• You have a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
• Proof of self-employment, such as business licenses, tax returns, and business receipts.
• You must hold a minimum educational level of a bachelor's degree or a specialized diploma evidence.
• Your annual income from self-employment for the past two years must be at least AED 360,000
• And if you demonstrate your financial solvency or that you will remain financially stable while in the UAE.

Investors or Partners in business in the UAE can apply for a Dubai Green residency for 5 years:

• If you promote investments by engaging or developing commercial enterprises in UAE.
• You must have the approval of the investment from competent local authorities in UAE and proof of investment.
• The total invested capital will be determined if the investor or partner has more than one license..
• It is necessary to have the relevant municipal authorities' approval

Green residence for freelancing and self-employment

Since the freelancing industry and flexible work models are multiplying worldwide, a new Green residence allows freelancers and self-employed individuals to reside in the UAE for five years without the need for sponsors or employers.

Green residence for investor or partner

Investors or partners can now live in the Green Residence to encourage investment. A five-year residency permit is provided to investors who establish or participate in commercial activities. In addition, the validity of this category has been extended from two to five years.