Last updated 2025-09-02
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Designed for skilled professionals, freelancers and business investors. Allows 5 years stay in the UAE without a sponsoring employer. There is a Green Visa for professionals or freelancers (requires proof of qualifications and income), and a Green Visa for business investors or partners (replaces the former 2-year investor visa) is issued to entrepreneurs starting a business in the UAE.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 2 months to 5 years
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Obtaining a Green visa residency usually begins with an entry permit that allows entry into the UAE and is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Upon arrival in the UAE, the applicant must complete the procedure for obtaining a residence visa within 60 days. Green visa residency is granted for 5 years.
from 2 months to 5 years
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
An entry permit entitles the holder to remain in the country for 60 days from entry until the necessary processes for issuing residence visa have been completed.
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Extention is not provided for entry permit. However residence visa is renewable under the same terms as when it was first issued.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
An entry permit is a multiple-entry permit.
from 3 days to 5 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Issued through the digital channels (GDRFA website or smart application) available 24/7 or when visiting visa service center in the UAE.
AED 200 – AED 2,300
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Entry permit is AED 200. The 5-year residence visa issuance fee is roughly AED 2280. Additional fees: medical test: ~AED 250–350. Emirates ID fee: ~AED 575. No security deposit is generally required for Green Visas (unlike some visit visas). If the applicant is a freelancer (self-employed), they must first obtain a Freelance Permit from MOHRE (~AED 7,500 for 5 years, separate cost). If the applicant is already in the UAE - change of visa status within the country costs AED520.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
A passport or travel document with a minimum validity of 6 months.
Travel medical insurance
Proof of a valid UAE coverage policy for the visa period.
Photograph
The photo must be in color. Size 4.3 x 5.5 cm, on a white background, without shadows and glare.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Education proof
For a Skilled Employee: bachelor’s (or higher) degree certificate. For a Freelancer: bachelor’s degree or diploma in the field.
Employment proof
For a Skilled Employee: employment contract from a UAE company showing applicant is at a skilled level (usually salary above AED 15,000 and in occupational level 1–3).
License or special permit
For a Freelancer: freelance or work permit from MOHRE.
Proof of financial means
For a Freelancer: proof of income of at least AED 360,000 over the last 2 years or AED 7,500 monthly (as per regulations).
Proof of investment
For a Investor or partner: proof of investment in UAE (e.g. trade license, partnership contract or shares certificate). If applicant is a partner in a company, they provide the commercial license and proof of their equity in the business (capital contribution as set by ICP rules).
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Residence visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Green visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Freelancer, self-employed, skilled employee, business investor, entrepreneur
