Know The Process of Applying UAE Green Visa 2024

The UAE, a nation renowned for its oil wealth, continues to push the boundaries of expansion and development each year by introducing progressive visa schemes aimed at attracting global talent. It has become a top destination for residency, investment, employment, business ventures, and education. Among the recent innovations is the Green Visa UAE, fully launched in 2024.

This visa scheme is part of the UAE’s ‘Projects of the 50,’ an ambitious roadmap that accelerates the country’s economic and developmental progress across all sectors. The initiative further establishes the UAE as a leading hub for global talent and investors, emphasising the country’s strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil.

The core purpose of introducing the Green Visa UAE is to attract and retain skilled workers and globally talented individuals, thus fueling the country’s economic growth and enhancing flexibility in the job market. Moreover, the visa promotes stability among UAE residents and their families by offering a long-term residency solution.

The Green Visa allows individuals to obtain residency without needing a sponsor or employer, providing greater flexibility for professionals and entrepreneurs to work independently.

Since its launch, experts have highlighted how the Green Visa has contributed to boosting the real estate market, fostering business growth, increasing job creation, and driving consumer spending across the country.

What is the UAE Green Visa 2024?

The Green Visa, introduced by the UAE as part of its resident visa category, has now been fully implemented. This visa allows expats, investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and students to sponsor themselves, providing a significant shift in obtaining residency. This eliminates the need for individuals to associate with a UAE-based company or rely on an employer for sponsorship.

Additionally, the Green Visa provides a generous 90–180-day grace period for renewing visa documents, an extension from the previous 30-day window, offering more flexibility for residents. With streamlined entry and residency procedures, the UAE continues its mission to attract top talent from around the globe.

Since its full implementation in September 2024, the Green Visa UAE has unlocked numerous opportunities across various fields and sectors, establishing the UAE as a top destination for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs looking for long-term residency options.

The Eligibility Criteria for UAE Green Visa 

The Green Visa UAE eligibility come with a 5-year residency for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and freelancers. Small and Medium enterprises, scientists and other talented people will also be taken into consideration for the UAE Green visa. Here are the following Green Visa UAE eligibility requirements for different categories:

• UAE Green Visa Eligibility for Skilled Employees

The Green Visa is designed to attract highly skilled employees and those seeking employment opportunities in the UAE. Applicants are offered a 5-year residency without the need for an employer or sponsor.:

• • A valid employment offer or contract from a UAE-based company.
  • The applicant must be classified within the first, second, or third occupational levels as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
  • The minimum salary requirement for applicants is AED 15,000.
  • The applicant must hold at least a bachelor’s degree as a minimum educational qualification for skilled employees seeking the Green Visa.

• Green Visa UAE Eligibility for Investors and Entrepreneurs 

The UAE Green Visa is designed to attract investors, partners, and entrepreneurs, fostering investment and business activities within the country. This initiative has significantly boosted both the real estate market and various large and small businesses, attracting foreign investment worldwide. The Green Visa offers a 5-year residency for individuals looking to establish businesses or engage in commercial activities in the UAE, replacing the previous residency option that was valid for only two years.

The 2024 requirements include:

• • Proof of investment and approval from relevant authorities.
  • If the investor holds multiple licences, the total investment capital will be calculated to determine eligibility.
  • Approval from competent local authorities is mandatory to ensure compliance with the UAE’s regulations.

• Green Visa UAE Eligibility for Freelancers and Self-Employment

The freelance industry has seen rapid growth globally, with flexible work models gaining popularity. Recognising this trend, the UAE has introduced the Green Visa for freelancers and self-employed individuals. This visa offers a 5-year residency without the need for a sponsor or employer. This visa is particularly attractive for professionals who prefer independent work arrangements.

The requirements for freelancers and self-employed individuals include:

• Obtaining a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
• The applicant must hold a minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma in their field.
• The self-employed must demonstrate an annual income of at least AED 360,000 over the past two years.
• Applicants must provide proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE to ensure they can sustain themselves without the need for external support.

What are the Benefits of the Green Visa UAE?

In recent years, the UAE has faced economic challenges, including slumping oil prices and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and tourism. However, the introduction of the UAE Green Visa has generated global excitement, offering significant benefits to visa holders and contributing to the UAE’s economic recovery and growth.

The Green Visa provides notable advantages, not only for the holder but also for their families. Visa applicants can sponsor themselves, their spouse, and children up to 25 years of age (up from the previous limit of 18 years). This extension strengthens family stability and offers long-term residency options for dependents. It’s important to note that the duration of family members’ residency will always match that of the primary visa holder.

One of the most significant benefits of the UAE Green Visa is for individuals who have lost their jobs. Visa holders can remain in the country for up to 180 days after losing employment, providing a grace period to secure new opportunities or transition to new roles. This is a marked improvement from the previous visa system, which was tightly tied to employment contracts, making long-term residency difficult to obtain for those without continuous employment.

How to Apply for a UAE Green Visa?

The application process for the UAE Green Visa has been streamlined. Applicants can now apply online through official government portals. The process includes the following steps:

1. Start the Application: To begin the application process, visit the official UAE immigration website or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation portal.
2. Fill Out the Application: Complete the required personal and professional details in the application form.
3. Upload the Documents: Submit necessary documentation, such as proof of employment, investment, or self-employment permits, depending on your eligibility category.
4. Pay the Visa Fees: Complete the process by paying uae green visa fees which is available on the official portals.

In Conclusion

The announcement of the UAE Green Visa is great news for all foreigners, skilled employees, entrepreneurs, top students, and graduates who can stay and work without any major hurdles. This is a win-win situation for both foreigners and residents and the UAE economy. We have laid out all the information regarding the Green Visa that the government has put out. To know if you are eligible, read the criteria mentioned above in the article to know what requirements are needed. You can visit the official website of the UAE to know more about the new UAE Green Visa 2024.

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