With some of the best business and job opportunities in the globe, it’s no surprise that Dubai draws expats from all over the world. A company planning to expand internationally will find Dubai to be an ideal place to set up, due to the booming economy and relative simplicity of obtaining work permits for any foreign employees willing to relocate.
A recent restructure to the UAE’s entry and residence system shows how the country is striving toward being the best place for employment, investment, entrepreneurship, education, and living. The UAE cabinet announced major changes to the UAE visa system in April, which will be implemented in October, including new entry visas with simpler requirements and greater benefits for visitors and residents.
One of the most significant changes to the UAE visa system in recent years, simplifying the scheme to ten types of visas is a “move that helps the country’s competitiveness in the tourism, economic, and educational sectors,” according to a Tweet from the UAE Government. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, approved the revisions, one of which is the five-year UAE Green Visa.
Read on to explore the new visa scheme in detail, covering;
What is the UAE Green Visa 2022?
A new UAE green visa has been launched as part of major changes to the UAE visa system. The five-year UAE green visa, which is now in experimental mode, will go into effect on Monday, October 3. UAE residents and families will now have a higher sense of stability as a result of the new entry and residency system, designed to attract and retain global talents and skilled workers.
The UAE Green Visa will allow its holders to sponsor themselves for five years, thus removing the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor their visa. Previously, a sponsor was required for expatriates to stay and work in the UAE, however, October 2022 onwards, a mandatory employer sponsorship will no longer be an obstacle.
With the UAE Green Visa, students, graduates, investors, and entrepreneurs alike will have the opportunity to sponsor themselves without having to first associate themselves with UAE-based companies. The Green Visa also provides a 90 to 180 day window for renewing documents, instead of the usual 30 day window.
Benefits of UAE Green Visa
In launching its Green Visa regime, the UAE government hopes to attract outstanding talents and stimulate the economy. Green Visas offer more benefits to family members than other regular residence visas.
These benefits include:
- Those with UAE Green Visas can easily apply for residency permits for their children, spouses, and first-degree relatives. In addition to this, holders of Green Visas can sponsor their sons up to the age of 25 as well as unmarried daughters regardless of their age. There is no age limit on residence permits for children of determination (those with special needs).
- Following the cancellation or expiration of a residence permit, a Green Visa holder can benefit from a grace period of up to 6 months to stay in the UAE.
- Family members will also receive the same residency as that of the original visa holder.
- On arrival in the Emirates, applicants seeking the UAE Green Visa will be able to complete the application with the assistance of a 60-day entry work permit.
Green Visa UAE Eligibility: Who is eligible?
Introduced with the intention of attracting and retaining highly skilled workers from around the world and boost the competitiveness and flexibility of the UAE job market, the UAE Green Visa fosters a high sense of stability among UAE residents and their families.
UAE Green Visas also facilitate the expansion of the self-residency status for investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified individuals, top students and graduates seeking employment and residence in the UAE.
Freelancers and self-employed individuals need proof of a bachelor’s or specialised diploma, as well as a freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Those working independently in the UAE and abroad in specialist fields such as AI, blockchain, and digital currencies in the UAE and abroad are also welcome to apply. Applicants must have at least AED 360,000 in income within the last two years, or demonstrate financial solvency through their UAE residence.
According to MoHRE, highly skilled employees must be classified in the first, second, or third occupational levels. Level one covers company directors and executives, level two covers scientific, technical, and human field professionals, and level three covers technical and human fields. For more information, browse the complete list of occupations considered in the top three occupational levels by MoHRE.
When it comes to skilled employees, they are required to have a valid employment contract in addition to a salary of at least AED 15,000 per month and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
As of now, investors who establish or participate in commercial activities in the UAE can acquire five-year Green Visas instead of two-year visas which works as a great motivation to apply. To qualify, investors or partners need both the approval of the investment and proof of investment as well as approval from the necessary local authorities.
Green Residence for Skilled Employees
Green residency is now available to skilled employees without the need for sponsors or employers, providing a 5-year residency period.
Requirements for application:
- It is essential that applicants possess valid employment contracts.
- As per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, applicants should be classified at either the first, second, or third occupational level.
- Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification as a minimum educational level.
- It is required that the applicant’s salary is at least AED 15,000 (USD 4,083.74).
Green Residence for Freelancing and Self-Employment
Due to the substantial growth of the freelancing industry in the UAE and the concept of flexible work models, the new Green Residence for Freelancers and Self-Employees offers a residency period of five years without requiring a sponsor or employer.
Requirements for application:
- A permit to work as a freelancer/self-employed individual is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma as a minimum educational level requirement.
- Possess a self-employment income of AED 360,000 (USD 98,000.99) for the last two years.
- Financial solvency should be demonstrated throughout the applicant’s stay in the UAE.
*Meydan Free Zone does not offer freelance license or freelance visa options.
Green Residence for Investors or Partners
Investments have been encouraged by the introduction of the Green residence for investors or partners. Investors who establish or participate in commercial activities are eligible for 5 years of residency which previously authorised a validity of only 2 years.
Requirements for application:
- It is essential to provide approval of the investment and proof of an investment of 1 million AED.
- The total invested capital will be calculated if the investor or partner has more than one license.
- It is necessary for competent Local authorities to approve the application.
Green Visa UAE Cost: What is the cost of Green Visa in UAE?
The first announcement of this project was made on the 5th of September 2021. It has been amended several times since the beginning of 2022 to make it more beneficial to all stakeholders.
The UAE Green Visa cost has not yet been published by the government, but it may be available on the official website in due course.
Why Choose Meydan Free Zone?
Meydan Free Zone is a thriving, strategically located economic district with one of the most prestigious company addresses in the region. We offer our clients a wide range of innovative investment and lifestyle benefits in a secure, regulated environment that encourages productivity. And we can help you join them as well.
You can count on our team of professionals to assist you every step of the way, from registering your company name to maintaining your licences and visas.
*Meydan Free Zone does not offer freelance license or freelance visa options.
