Residence visa for working in the UAE
The green visa is for skilled employees on self-sponsorship. The standard work visa is for employees of government and private sectors. Domestic helpers live and work in the UAE on the domestic worker's visa.
Green visa for work
What is the UAE’s Green visa?
The UAE’s Green visa is a type of residence visa, that allows its holder to sponsor himself/herself for 5 years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor his/her visa.
Who can apply for a Green visa?
Freelancers, self-employed and skilled employees can apply for a Green visa.
1-Freelancers and/or self-employed people
Freelancers and/or self-employed people who wish to apply for a Green visa need to submit:
- a freelance/self-employment permit from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma
- evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to not less than AED 360,000, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
2-Skilled employees
To apply for a Green visa, skilled employees must:
- have a valid employment contract
- be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- hold a minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- have a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month.
Renewing the visa
The visa is renewable for the same term upon its expiry.
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For more information on the Green visa, contact:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
Standard work visa
A foreigner can get a normal employment visa, usually for two years, if he/she is:
- Employed in the private sector
- Apply for a residency visa for a person working in the private sector – GDRFAD Dubai
- Employed in the government sector or a free zone
- Apply for a residency visa for an individual in (free zone) – GDRFAD Dubai
The employer must apply for the standard residence visa.
