5-Year UAE Residency Without Employer Sponsorship
The UAE Green Visa is a five-year residency permit designed for skilled professionals, freelancers and self-employed individuals who want to live and work in the United Arab Emirates without relying on a traditional company sponsor. It is one of the most flexible residency pathways available in the UAE, offering independence, family sponsorship options and long-term stability.
This comprehensive guide explains:
- What the UAE Green Visa is
- Who is eligible
- How salary and qualification thresholds work
- Required documents
- How the application process works step-by-step
- Costs and timelines
- Differences compared to the Golden Visa and Employment Visa
- How freelancers and remote workers use it in practice
This article is written for:
- Digital professionals
- Consultants and independent contractors
- Entrepreneurs
- Remote workers relocating to UAE
- Highly skilled employees wanting independence
- Existing residents changing status
Primary Calls to Action
→ Check your eligibility in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Speak with an adviser about Green Visa options
UAE Green Visa FAQs
What is the UAE Green Visa?
The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year residency that allows skilled professionals, freelancers and self-employed individuals to live in the UAE without employer sponsorship.
How long is the Green Visa valid for?
Five years, renewable if eligibility requirements are still met.
Can Green Visa holders sponsor family members?
Yes, subject to minimum income and documentation requirements.
Do you need a job offer?
Not necessarily — freelancers and self-employed applicants may qualify without one.
Is health insurance required?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory in most emirates for residency.
Is the Green Visa the same as the Golden Visa?
No — Golden Visa is 5–10 year long-term residency with higher eligibility thresholds; Green Visa is primarily targeted at freelancers and skilled workers.
All UAE Visa and Residency Guides
- UAE Employment Visa (Work Visa)
- UAE Golden Visa (5–10 year residency)
- UAE Green Visa (5 Years)
- UAE Freelancer Visa
- UAE Remote Worker Visa
- UAE Investor / Partner Visa (Company Formation Residency)
- UAE Property Investor Visa
- UAE Family Sponsorship Visa
What is the UAE Green Visa?
The UAE Green Visa is a five-year residency permit for individuals who want to legally live and work in the UAE without needing sponsorship from an employer. Unlike the traditional Employment Visa, Green Visa holders are self-sponsored, meaning their residency is not tied to a single company.
A quick and accurate definition of the UAE Green Visa:
The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled professionals, freelancers and self-employed individuals, providing long-term residence without employer sponsorship.
The Green Visa forms part of the UAE’s strategy to:
- Attract global talent
- Support flexible work models
- Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship
- Make residency more accessible beyond employer-linked systems
Who is eligible for the UAE Green Visa?
You may be eligible for the Green Visa under three primary categories:
- Skilled Professionals
- Freelancers / Self-Employed Individuals
- Investors / Partners in commercial activities
Each category has different requirements, which are summarised below.
1. Skilled professionals
Typically suitable for:
- Engineers
- IT professionals
- Finance specialists
- Doctors and healthcare workers
- Business managers
- Marketing and digital specialists
General eligibility requirements often include:
- Recognised professional classification/occupation
- Minimum salary level (often set by regulation)
- University degree or equivalent qualification
- Valid employment contract in the UAE
This pathway is ideal if you:
- Are highly qualified
- Already have or plan to secure a skilled job
- Want residency not tied to one employer
2. Freelancers and self-employed applicants
This category is one of the most attractive elements of the Green Visa.
The UAE Green Visa suits people who:
- Work independently for multiple clients
- Operate online businesses or services
- Provide professional consulting
- Are remote-first professionals
- Want flexibility to change clients or contracts
Typical requirements include:
- freelance permit or self-employment licence (e.g., from a free zone)
- proof of relevant qualifications or experience
- proof of income or financial solvency in some cases
Examples of eligible professions include:
- designers & creatives
- software developers & IT consultants
- copywriters & marketers
- photographers & videographers
- business consultants
- trainers & coaches
Internal linking suggestion
Link the above to:
→ Freelancer Visa in UAE Guide (when created)
3. Investors or business partners
This path suits individuals who:
- Own shares in UAE companies
- Register and operate a business
- Invest capital in UAE commercial activities
Documentation often required:
- Trade licence
- Establishment card
- Proof of partnership/ownership
- Financial statements in some cases
This category can be used by entrepreneurs who want residency without a separate investor visa programme.
Key benefits of the UAE Green Visa
The Green Visa is intentionally designed to be more flexible than standard work permits.
Main benefits include:
- 5-year renewable residency
- No employer sponsorship required
- Ability to sponsor family members
- Children sponsorship up to later age thresholds than standard visas
- Longer grace period after cancellation or expiry
- Ability to work for multiple clients (freelancers/self-employed)
- Better long-term planning stability
Family sponsorship benefits
Green Visa holders may typically sponsor:
- Spouse
- Children (up to age caps depending on rules in effect)
- Children with disabilities without age limit under certain conditions
Longer grace periods also give residents more time to:
- Change jobs
- Change visa sponsor
- Leave the UAE without overstaying
Differences between Green Visa, Golden Visa and Employment Visa
This is frequently searched and useful for comparison.
Green Visa vs Golden Visa
| Feature | Green Visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years | 5 or 10 years |
| Sponsor required | No | No |
| Main target groups | Freelancers, skilled professionals | Investors, exceptional talent, high earners |
| Requirements | Moderate | Higher thresholds |
| Family sponsorship | Yes | Yes |
| Long absence allowed | Limited compared to Golden Visa | More flexible |
Green Visa vs Employment Visa
| Feature | Green Visa | Employment Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Self-sponsored | Employer-sponsored |
| Independence | High | Low |
| Changing jobs | Very flexible | Requires cancellation & new visa |
| Validity | 5 years | Typically 1–2 years |
| Work scope | Multiple clients (freelancer) | One employer |
Internal linking opportunities
- Link “Golden Visa” to: Golden Visa dedicated page
- Link “Employment Visa” to: UAE Work Visa Guide
Required documents for the UAE Green Visa
Exact documentation depends on category, but most applicants will need:
Personal documentation
- Passport valid at least six months
- Passport-sized photographs
- Existing Emirates ID/residency copy (if applicable)
- Entry permit or status change application
Employment/professional documentation
- University or professional degree certificate
- Employment contract (skilled employee route)
- Freelance permit / self-employment licence (freelancer route)
- Portfolio or evidence of professional experience where applicable
Financial documentation (where required)
- Bank statements
- Income certificates
- Tax or financial solvency proof (varies)
Additional documentation for families
- Attested marriage certificate
- Children’s birth certificates
- Tenancy contract (Ejari/Tawtheeq)
- Comprehensive health insurance
Internal linking suggestions
- “attested documents” → Legal & Professional Services
- “health insurance” → Financial Services – Insurance
- “tenancy contract” → Housing & Accommodation in UAE
UAE Green Visa application process – step-by-step
The process is broadly similar across emirates, with small procedural differences.
Step 1 — Confirm eligibility and select your category
Choose between:
- Skilled professional
- Freelancer/self-employed
- Investor/partner
Step 2 — Obtain necessary permits or licences
This may include:
- Freelance work permit
- Free zone licence
- Employment contract
- Professional classification approval
Step 3 — Submit visa application
Applications are submitted through:
- Authorised government platforms
- Immigration authorities
- Registered service providers
Step 4 — Undergo medical fitness examination
Standard residency procedure including medical assessment.
Step 5 — Emirates ID biometrics
Fingerprinting and biometrics for national identity card.
Step 6 — Health insurance policy issuance
Mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and frequently required elsewhere.
Step 7 — Visa issuance / status change
Your residency visa is then:
- Stamped electronically
- Or applied as an e-visa
Step 8 — Collect Emirates ID
Your Emirates ID card is required for most daily services including:
- Banking
- Utilities
- Telecommunications
- Travel formalities
Green Visa costs and processing times
Costs vary based on:
- Emirate
- Visa category
- Service provider fees
- Application channel
- Whether you are inside or outside UAE at time of application
Typical components include:
- Government processing fees
- Medical fitness fees
- Emirates ID issuance fee
- Status change fees (if applicable)
- Insurance premium
- Typing/service centre charges
What are the typical costs for obtaining a UAE Green Visa?
UAE Green Visa costs generally range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000+, depending on category, emirate, insurance costs and service provider fees.
Processing times generally range from:
- 2 to 8 weeks depending on case complexity
Reasons Green Visa applications may be refused if requirements are not met:
Common causes for rejection of a UAE Green Visa include:
- Incomplete documentation
- Mismatch between qualifications and job role
- Failing to meet salary thresholds
- Insufficient freelance income evidence
- Non-attested certificates
- Expired or inconsistent records
- Failure in medical fitness examination
If refused, applications can often be resubmitted once the issue is corrected.
Obligations and compliance for Green Visa holders
UAE Green Visa status comes with responsibilities, including:
- Maintaining valid health insurance
- Renewing residency before expiry
- Avoiding lengthy absences beyond permitted limits
- Complying with employment regulations
- Ensuring activity licence renewal (for freelancers/self-employed)
Failure to comply with the requirements may result in fines or the cancellation of the visa.
Life in the UAE on a Green Visa
Green Visa holders can:
- Legally live in the UAE
- Rent or purchase accommodation (subject to rules)
- Open bank accounts
- Obtain driving licence
- Access healthcare
- Enrol children in schools
- Sponsor family members
Internal linking ideas
- link to Banking & Finance in UAE
- link to Cost of Living in UAE
- link to Car Leasing & Rentals
- link to Relocation Services
Frequently Asked Questions about the UAE Green Visa
Is the UAE Green Visa permanent residency?
No. It is valid for five years but renewable.
Do I have to stay continuously in UAE?
Extended absences may impact residency status depending on category; Golden Visa is generally more flexible.
Can I change from Employment Visa to Green Visa?
Yes, through a status change process if eligibility is met.
Can Green Visa holders buy property?
Yes, subject to local property ownership regulations by emirate.
How we can help
At PlanUAE, we assist clients with:
- Assessing eligibility for residency routes
- Choosing between Green Visa, Golden Visa or Employment Visa
- Coordinating visa and relocation services
- Financial planning, insurance and tax residency guidance
- Introductions to licensed immigration and corporate service providers
CTA section
Explore your UAE residency options
✓ Independent and practical guidance
✓ Clear explanation of your eligibility
✓ Access to vetted service partners
✓ Integrated financial planning support
→ Start in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Request personal assistance
Legal notice
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. UAE immigration rules and thresholds change regularly and may vary between emirates and personal circumstances. Always confirm requirements via official UAE government channels or a licensed immigration service provider.