Investor green visa UAE: five-year residence without a sponsor

The green visa is a five-year, renewable residence for three groups: skilled employees, freelancers and self-employed people, and investors and business partners. It is meant to give longer, more independent residence than a standard visa, without tying you to one employer.

It sits between the standard visa and the golden visa. For company owners, the relevant route is the investor and partner category, although freelancers and skilled employees use the same permit with different tests.

Green visas are issued by UAE authorities. Each category has separate criteria that are updated from time to time, so confirm yours with ICP or GDRFA before applying.

Green visa categories

Quick rule: Pick the category that matches how you earn. Company owners normally look at the investor and partner route first.

Investor green visa UAE requirements

The ICP guide asks for proof of investment or contribution to a UAE business and the required licences and approvals. GDRFA Dubai sets the share at AED 1 million paid, or the equivalent, at incorporation or contribution, in a company with a recognised legal form such as an LLC, joint stock company or simple limited partnership. The green residence must be maintained and renewed for the investor terms to continue.

• Partnership or investment contract
• Trade licence
• Passport valid for at least six months and a personal photo

Freelance green visa Dubai

Self-employed applicants need a MoHRE freelance or self-employment permit first, a bachelor's degree, specialised diploma or equivalent, and annual income of at least AED 360,000 for the previous two years or proof of solvency throughout the stay. GDRFA lists a 180-day grace period after expiry or cancellation.

Green visa for skilled employees in the UAE

Skilled employees need a valid UAE employment contract, a MoHRE skill level of 1 to 3, a bachelor's degree or higher, and a salary of at least AED 15,000 a month. The salary can be in foreign currency at the equivalent value.

Green visa versus golden visa

Green is five years and has lower thresholds, while the golden visa is up to ten years with an AED 2 million investor threshold. Both do not need a local sponsor. If your licence only shows a smaller holding, the standard investor visa may apply instead.

Green visa processing and family

GDRFA lists processing of about 48 hours once the application is complete, and holders can sponsor a spouse and children under the approved requirements. Apply online or in person at a service centre.

How to apply for the green visa

1. 1

   Choose your category

   Investor or partner, freelancer or self-employed, or skilled employee.

2. 2

   Prepare proof for that category

   Contract and licence for investors, MoHRE permit and income proof for freelancers, employment contract for skilled employees.

3. 3

   Apply through GDRFA or ICP

   Online through the authority's smart services or at a service centre. GDRFA lists a 60-day business entry visa for investors who apply from abroad.

4. 4

   Medical test and Emirates ID

   Standard for any residence.

5. 5

   Receive the five-year residence and renew on time

   The permit renews while the conditions are still met.

Documents you will usually need

• Passport copy valid for at least six months
• Personal photo
• Partnership or investment contract and trade licence (investors)
• MoHRE freelance or self-employment permit and degree (freelancers)
• Employment contract, salary proof and degree (skilled employees)

Things to weigh up

• Thresholds can be updated, and the investor amount appears differently in different official pages, so confirm yours with the authority.
• Green residence for investors depends on keeping the investment and licence in place.
• Authorities review each application and approval is not guaranteed.