UAE Green Visa vs UAE Golden Visa/Representative Image
The UAE offers two long-term residency pathways for professionals, investors and entrepreneurs seeking stability without relying on traditional employer sponsorship. The Green Visa and the Golden Visa are designed for different profiles, with distinct eligibility rules, benefits and timelines. Knowing how they differ helps applicants choose the option that aligns with their career stage and long-term goals.
What is UAE Green Visa
The Green Visa is a renewable five-year residence permit introduced to give skilled professionals, freelancers and investors greater independence in the UAE. It allows holders to sponsor themselves, removing the need for a UAE-based employer or national sponsor.The visa supports the country’s wider push to attract skilled talent, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the private sector. It is positioned as a mid-level long-term residency option, complementing other programmes aimed at high-value investors and exceptional talent.
Who can apply for UAE Green Visa
Skilled employees
- Must hold a valid employment contract with a UAE-based company or free zone
- Must be classified under occupational Levels 1, 2 or 3 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Eligible roles include managers, scientists and technical professionals
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification is required
- Minimum monthly salary requirement is AED 15,000
Freelancers and self-employed professionals
- Must hold a freelance or self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Must possess a bachelor’s degree or diploma
- Must show an annual income of at least AED 360,000 over the past two years, or provide proof of financial solvency
- Some applicants may need to coordinate with free zones to obtain the required permit
Investors or business partners
- Must own or be a partner in a UAE-based business
- Minimum investment requirement is AED 1,000,000
- Must obtain approval under the investor rating system
- Must provide proof of registered capital across all trade licences
- Confirmation from relevant local authorities is required
Required documents for UAE Green Visa
Document requirements depend on the applicant category, but most Green Visa applicants are asked to submit:
- A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of academic qualification, such as degree or diploma certificates
- Proof of income, including bank statements or tax returns where applicable
- A valid work permit or employment contract for skilled employees
- A business licence or investment-related documents for investors
All documents are subject to verification by UAE authorities.
How to apply for UAE Green Visa
Applications are submitted through official government platforms using the following steps:
- Access the ICP Smart Services portal or the GDRFA portal
- Select the Green Residency issuance service
- Choose the relevant category, such as skilled employee, freelancer or investor
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and professional details
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the applicable application fees
- Submit the application for review and verification
Once approved, applicants receive an entry permit and can complete residence formalities inside the UAE.
What is UAE Golden Visa
Launched in 2019, the Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme offering five or ten-year renewable residence. It targets investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals and individuals with exceptional talents who are seeking long-term settlement in the UAE.Golden Visa holders can live, work and invest in the country without being tied to an employer. The visa allows family sponsorship and does not impose a strict 180-day stay requirement, giving holders flexibility to travel while maintaining residency.
Who can apply for the UAE Golden Visa
- Investors
- Must make a qualifying investment of at least AED 2 million
- Investment can be through an approved fund, business ownership, or eligible property
- Invested capital must be fully owned and not financed through loans
- Property owners
- Must own one or more properties in the UAE valued at a minimum of AED 2 million
- Properties may be purchased with mortgages from approved local banks
- Entrepreneurs
- Must own or be a partner in an innovative or future-focused business project
- The project should have a minimum value of AED 500,000
- Approval from relevant UAE authorities is required
- Highly skilled professionals and specialised talents
- Includes doctors, scientists, engineers, researchers, executives, creatives and athletes
- Must hold recognised qualifications or demonstrate exceptional professional achievement
- Endorsement or approval from the relevant authority may be required
- Outstanding students
- High-performing secondary school students and top university graduates may qualify
- Academic excellence and institutional endorsement are key eligibility factors
Golden Visa residency is issued for five or ten years depending on the applicant category and approval.
How to apply for UAE Golden Visa
Applicants can apply through official channels by following these steps:
- Visit the ICP website or use the ICP mobile application
- Select the Golden Visa service under residency options
- Choose the relevant eligibility category
- Complete the application form with personal, professional and financial details
- Upload required documents, including passport copies, photographs and proof of eligibility
- Pay the application and processing fees
- Submit the application for assessment by the relevant authorities
Successful applicants are issued an entry permit, followed by residence visa stamping and Emirates ID procedures.
Green Visa vs Golden Visa at a glance
The Green Visa offers a five-year renewable residency aimed at skilled employees, freelancers and mid-level investors who meet defined income or investment thresholds. The Golden Visa provides longer residency of five or ten years and targets high-value investors, top professionals and exceptional talents, with broader benefits and fewer mobility restrictions.In practical terms, the Green Visa suits professionals looking for independence and medium-term stability, while the Golden Visa is designed for those planning deeper, long-term roots in the UAE. Go to Source
