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UAE's 5-year Green Visa: How much it costs and who can apply

Sweeping changes that were made to the country's visa system have gone into effect today

Published: Mon 3 Oct 2022, 2:44 PM

Updated: Mon 3 Oct 2022, 9:53 PM

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Of the sweeping changes made to the UAE visa system, the one which received the most enquiries were the Green Visa. The new Advanced Visa System came into effect today and typing centre agents have confirmed that eligible residents can now apply for the Green Visa. They also told Khaleej Times how much it costs.

Skilled workers, self-employed individuals and investors can apply for the Green Visa, allowing them to sponsor themselves and their families for 5 years as opposed to the existing 2-year visa system.

Cost of the visa

“The cost of a Green Visa is Dh2280,” said Aliyyu Shahul Hameed, from Pan Gulf document clearing services. “The ID card will cost another Dh575 and the medical fees will be Dh320 for normal services. These are the processing fees for one individual. The actual cost for the entire process will vary depending on the number of dependents on the sponsorship of the visa holder and the holding charges of their visas.”

The Green Visa has been one of the most attractive features of the new visa reforms with many typing agents reporting high demand for it. “I have had many people enquiring about the Green Visa,” said Abdul Gafoor, general manager of Al Mas Businessmen Service. “Most of them are people who have been living in the UAE for a long time but are not eligible for the Golden Visa.”

The Advanced Visa System is expected to attract more talented and skilled individuals to the country.

Who can apply

Three categories of people can apply for the Green Visa - skilled workers, self-employed individuals/ freelancers and investors. The requirements for the categories are as below:

Green residence for skilled workers

Skilled workers must provide the following documents:

  • Work permit in the country under a valid work contract
  • The person should be a skilled worker, first, second or third professional level according to the professional classification approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
  • The minimum educational level must be a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent
  • The monthly salary should not be less than Dh15,000

Green residence for Self-employed individuals

Those wishing to obtain a green visa must provide the following:

  • A free work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
  • Bachelor's degree or specialized diploma or equivalent as a minimum
  • The annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should not be less than Dh360,000, or the applicant for this residence must prove his financial solvency throughout his stay in the country.

Green residence for investor or partner

An investor or partner wishing to apply for the green residency must submit the following documents:

  • Approval of the investment and proving the value of the investment or partnership. If the investor (partner) has more than one license, the total invested capital will be calculated.
  • The approval of the competent local authorities and the licensing of the applicant to practice the activity.

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