Professionals such as engineers, marketing managers, and IT specialists seeking long-term residency in the UAE can benefit from the UAE Green Visa, also known as Green Residency. This permit offers eligible skilled workers a validity of five years.
What is the Green Visa?
The Green Visa is part of the updated UAE residency system introduced in 2022.
This visa is issued for five years and can be renewed upon expiry. In addition to its extended duration, it offers several advantages, such as:
- The option for holders to sponsor their immediate family members (first-degree relatives).
- An extended grace period after cancellation, allowing up to six months of stay in the UAE.
Categories of the Green Visa
The Green Visa falls under three categories:
- Green Residency for skilled workers.
- Green Residency for self-employed individuals.
- Green Residency for investors or partners in commercial activities.
For applicants seeking a Green Residence under the skilled worker category, it is recommended not to cancel any existing residency visa until the Green Residence permit is officially approved and issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Requirements
To be eligible for the Green Residence permit as a skilled worker, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a High-Level Skilled Worker permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) under an approved employment contract, or be employed by a government, semi-government, or free zone entity.
- Your occupation must fall under skill levels 1, 2, or 3, as classified by MOHRE.
- You must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Your salary must be a minimum of Dh15,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency).
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- A recent personal photograph.
- A copy of a passport valid for at least six months.
- A valid work permit from MOHRE.
- An employment contract if working with a government, semi-government, or free zone organization.
- Salary certificate or bank statement.
- Recent coloured passport-sized photos.
Additional documents may be requested depending on your case.