Green Visa (freelancer and self-employed)
Five years of self-sponsored residence for freelancers with a UAE permit.
Green Visa (freelancer and self-employed)
The Green Visa gives freelancers and self-employed professionals five years of residence without needing an employer or a national sponsor. It requires a freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources, a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, and either annual self-employment income of around AED 360,000 for the last two years or equivalent financial solvency. It is a stronger position than the one-year Virtual Work visa and allows you to sponsor family.
At a glance
Initial stay
1,825 days
Per entry, before extension
Entries
Multiple
Application fee
2,280 AED
Processing
10–45 days
Apply
Online and in person
Valid for
60 months
5 years
Income required
360,000 AED/yr
For each of the previous two years, or equivalent financial solvency.
Other fees
- Freelance permit
- 7,500 AED
Who can apply
Broadly open, but consulates assess each application case by case.
Excluded passports (1)
Requirements
- Roughly USD 98,000 annual incomeRequiredSelf-employment income of around AED 360,000 a year for each of the last two years, or proof of equivalent financial solvency.
- Bachelor's degree or specialised diplomaRequiredAn attested bachelor's degree or a specialised diploma is required.
- Freelance or self-employment permitRequiredYou must hold a freelance or self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Health insurance with UAE coverageRequiredValid UAE health insurance is required for residency.
- Family sponsorship and grace periodInfoGreen Visa holders can sponsor spouse, children and parents, and get a six-month grace period after the visa expires, versus 30 days on standard residence visas.
Documents to prepare
- Passport
- Attested bachelor's degree or specialised diploma
- Freelance or self-employment permit from MoHRE
- Two years of income evidence
- Health insurance certificate
- Medical fitness test result
How to apply
Last verified 2026-07-27
Obtain the freelance permit
~14 daysApply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for a freelance or self-employment permit.
Apply for the Green Visa
~14 daysSubmit through the ICP portal or a government service centre with income and education evidence.
Medical, biometrics and Emirates ID
~10 daysComplete the medical fitness test and biometrics, then collect the residence visa and Emirates ID.
Extending the stay
Extendable
Yes
Per extension
1,825 days
Where
In country
Renewable for five years at a time while the permit and income conditions hold.
Tax and health
Tax
No personal income tax. Operating through a UAE freelance licence may bring you within the 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000, so model this before assuming zero.
Insurance
Required. Valid UAE health insurance for the applicant and any sponsored dependants.
Healthcare
Mandatory UAE health insurance and a medical fitness test.
Immigration and tax rules change without notice and depend on your nationality and circumstances. Confirm with the official source below or a qualified adviser before acting on anything here.
Good to know
- Degree attestation takes longer than people expect; start it before anything else
- The six-month grace period on expiry is materially better than the standard 30 days
- The income bar is roughly 2.3 times the Virtual Work visa requirement
- Corporate tax can apply to licensed freelance activity above the threshold
Official source
low confidenceOther ways into United Arab Emirates