The Green visa in Dubai is a type of residence visa that allows individuals to sponsor themselves for up to five years. The Green Residency visa eliminates the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor the visa holder. This makes it an attractive option for various categories of workers, including freelancers, self-employed individuals and skilled employees. Let’s explore the process of issuance of a Green visa in Dubai.
Who Can Apply for a Green Visa in Dubai?
The following worker categories can apply for a Dubai Green visa.
Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals
Freelancers and self-employed individuals who wish to apply for a Green visa need to meet the following requirements:
- Acquire a freelance or self-employment authorisation from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Submit proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma.
- Provide evidence of an annual income of at least AED 360,000 from self-employment over the past two years or demonstrate financial solvency during their stay in the UAE.
Skilled Employees
To qualify for a Dubai Green visa, skilled employees must:
- Have a valid employment agreement.
- Have occupational categorisation in the first three levels specified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000.
Issuance of Dubai Green Residence Visa
To apply for the issuance of a Green visa in Dubai, you must follow these steps:
For Self-Employment
The Green visa for self-employment is issued to a foreigner allowing them to remain in the UAE for 60 days from the date of entry. This period’s validity is until the processes for issuing residence have been completed.
Required Documents
The following documents are required to apply for the issuance of a Green visa in Dubai:
- A personal photo
- Passport copy
- A self-employment permit
Service Steps
You can apply for a Green visa for self-employment either through the GDRFA digital channels, Customer Happiness Centre or Amer Customer Service Centre.
GDRFA Digital Channels:
- Access the digital services system of GDRFA through UAE Pass or login credentials.
- Complete the necessary application form.
- Submit the required documents.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Finalise the application submission.
Customer Happiness Centre:
- Go to the nearest Customer Happiness Centre.
- Obtain an automated turn ticket and wait for your number to be called.
- Submit the application with all required documents to the customer service employee.
- Pay the service fee, if applicable.
Amer Service Centre:
- Go to the nearest Amer Service Centre.
- Obtain an automated turn ticket and wait for your number to be called.
- Submit the application with all required documents to the customer service employee.
- Pay the service fee, if applicable.
Service Fees
The Dubai Green visa fee for self-employed individuals is detailed below:
- Work Visa Fee: AED 200 (plus 5% VAT)
Additional fees if the sponsored person is inside the country:
- Knowledge Fees: AED 10
- Innovation Fees: AED 10
- Fee for processing inside the UAE: AED 500
Note: The total visa fee may vary depending on individual circumstances or other factors.
For Investors/Partners
A UAE Green Residence Permit allows investors or partners in commercial projects to reside in the country for up to five years without the need for a guarantor or employer. This permit is renewable under the same terms as the initial issuance.
Required Documents
The following documents are required to apply for issuance of Green Residency in Dubai:
- A personal photo
- Passport copy
- Partnership or MoA (Memorandum of Association) or investment contract.
- Trade licence
Service Steps
Investors can also apply for Green Residency in Dubai through the GDRFA digital channels, Customer Happiness Centre or Amer Customer Service Centre by following the same steps as discussed above for issuance of Green Residency for self-employed individuals.
Service Fees
- Work Visa Fee: AED 200 (plus 5% VAT)
Additional fees if the sponsored person is inside the country:
- Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
- Innovation Dirham: AED 10
- Fee for processing inside the UAE: AED 500
- Delivery: AED 20
Note: The issuance fee increases by AED 100 yearly if the residency is more than two years.
For High Skilled Workers
Similar to investors or partners, skilled workers can get a Green Residency in Dubai without needing an employer or guarantor, for up to five years. Also, the visa is renewable as per the same terms on which it was initially issued.
Required Documents
The following documents are required from highly skilled workers to apply for the issuance of a Green visa in Dubai:
- An employment contract in case the company is governmental, semi-governmental or is in free zones.
- Passport copy
- Permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Service Steps
High-skilled workers can also apply for Green Residency in Dubai through the GDRFA digital channels, Customer Happiness Centre or Amer Customer Service Centre.
Service Fees
- Work Visa Fee: AED 200
Extra charges are applied if the customer is inside the country:
- Knowledge Fees: AED 10
- Innovation Fees: AED 10
- Fee for processing inside the UAE: AED 500
- Delivery: AED 20
Note: The issuance fee increases by AED 100 annually if the permit is for more than two years.
Service Channels Availability
The digital service channels are available 24/7, however, the Amer Centres are available during their official working hours
Expected Completion Time
48 Hours
FAQs
What is the Dubai Property Investor Visa?
The Dubai property investor visa, also known as the Dubai partner visa, allows foreign nationals to invest in the city’s property market. Investors can purchase property in freehold areas, with the freedom to resell or lease. These residence visas are valid for three, five or ten years. You may also browse through these properties for sale in Dubai to find the ideal investment opportunity.
What is the cost of a long-term property investment visa in the UAE?
The cost of a five-year property investment visa in the UAE is AED 650, inclusive of AED 150 for application and AED 500 for issuance. Whereas, the cost of a ten-year residence visa is AED 1150, inclusive of AED 150 for application and AED 1000 for issuance.
This was all about the issuance of Green Residency in Dubai and its associated service charges. Potential applicants can take advantage of this opportunity to live and work in Dubai with greater autonomy and security.
Besides, if you want to explore investment opportunities in other emirates, the Golden Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi is also an appealing option. Here is the list of properties for sale in Abu Dhabi for a perfect investment.
For more on buying and selling properties in the UAE, stay tuned to the dubizzle property blog.
