As part of a major overhaul to its visa system, the UAE government began the roll out of its new Green Residence visa programme on Monday October 3.
A residence visa that allows its holder to sponsor themselves for five years in the UAE (without the need of an employer), the Green Residence visa is designed for self-employed people who wish to reside in the UAE.
And it could be a gamechanger for freelancers.
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Keen to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and freelancers, the five-year Green Residence visa became available on Monday October 3, for those not able to apply for residency via the traditional employer or sponsor route.
Eligibility depends on salary and qualifications, with applicants required to provide a bank statement showing earnings of at least Dhs360,000 – or the equivalent in a foreign currency – for the past two years.
This breaks down to a monthly average wage of Dhs15,000 to be eligible, provided the earnings were accumulated over a two-year period.
Those with Green Residency will be able to extend the benefits to family members for five years and retain their resident status for six-months after the visa is cancelled or expired.
Are you eligible for the Green Residence visa?
Green Residence visa for freelancers
You will need to apply for a freelance/ self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), be degree-educated, and have an annual income of Dhs360,000.
Green Residence visa for investors
To get a five-year investor or partner visa you will need to show both government approval and proof of the investment.
If you have multiple licences, they will take the total sum of your invested money into consideration.
How to apply
You can apply for long-term green residency in the UAE through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
You can apply for long-term residency via:
- The ICP website – www.icp.gov.ae
- The ICP app – UAEICP, available on Apple and Android devices.
- An ICP customer happiness centre
- A typing centre accredited with the ICP
How much does it cost?
The total cost of the application for a UAE green visa should be Dhs250.
Once approved, the combined cost of the change-of-country status and the Emirates ID will amount to Dhs1,200.
The combined cost will therefore be Dhs1,450.
Plans for the new Green Residency visas were first announced back in April and updated on Monday September 5, along with various updates to other types of tourist and residence visa, including the highly sought-after – and now more accessible – golden visa.
More things to look forward to
UAE golden visa: can I apply for the golden visa?
Various talent from an array of industries can apply for a long-term residency
Read more here.
New UAE tourist and residence visa rules you need to know about
From October 3, you can apply for 10 types of entry visas
Read more here.
UAE five-year multiple-entry tourist visa: what documents do I need?
Everything you need to know about the UAE five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
Read more here.
