Green Visa vs. Standard Employment Visa in Dubai, UAE
December 11, 2024
September 23, 2025
June 16, 2025
September 23, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Sponsorship and Eligibility
The Green Visa allows skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to sponsor themselves without the need for an employer. In contrast, the Standard Employment Visa requires sponsorship by a UAE-based employer, tying residency and work permit to the employment contract.
2. Duration and Renewal
A Green Visa is typically issued for up to five years and can be renewed without the need for ongoing employment in the UAE. The Standard Employment Visa usually lasts for two or three years and is contingent on the continuation of employment within the sponsoring company.
3. Family Sponsorship Rights
Holders of the Green Visa enjoy enhanced family sponsorship privileges, enabling them to sponsor dependents such as spouses, children, and parents with fewer restrictions. The Standard Employment Visa permits family sponsorship as well, but with stricter salary thresholds and criteria.
4. Work Flexibility
Green Visa holders are granted greater flexibility to work for multiple employers or start their own business independently. Conversely, the Standard Employment Visa restricts work to the sponsoring employer, limiting mobility unless a formal transfer of sponsorship occurs.
5. Application Process and Documentation
Obtaining a Green Visa involves submitting evidence of qualifications, financial solvency, or investment, reflecting the applicant’s personal credentials. The Standard Employment Visa process relies primarily on the employer to provide required documentation, including labour approvals and attested contracts.
When it comes to living and working in the UAE, choosing the right visa is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
Whether you're pursuing a new job or building your own business, it’s essential to understand the key differences between the Green Visa and the Standard Employment Visa, both of which offer legal residency, but under very different conditions.
The Green Visa is a self-sponsored option introduced by the UAE for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors, allowing you to live and work without needing a company sponsor. By contrast, the Standard Employment Visa is issued through a UAE-licensed employer and is directly tied to a job contract.
This blog explains the difference between Green and Employment Visas, and clarifies how Meydan Free Zone supports entrepreneurs and business owners with digital licensing and residency options designed for long-term success in the UAE.
Understanding the Green Visa UAE and Who It Is For
The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year, self-sponsored residency option introduced to attract skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors. Unlike the traditional employment visa, it does not require a UAE employer to sponsor you.
It’s typically available to:
- Freelancers and self-employed individuals with proof of income and relevant permits
- Skilled employees earning a minimum salary (as per MOHRE thresholds) with qualifications in key sectors
- Partners or investors in commercial businesses
Key benefits include:
- No employer or sponsor required
- 5-year renewable residency
- Extended sponsorship for family members, including sons up to age 25
- Grace periods of up to 6 months after visa cancellation or expiry
Note: The Green Visa is issued directly by the UAE’s federal immigration system, not through Free Zones. Meydan Free Zone does not offer or process Green Visas.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply independently through the official ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) or MOHRE platforms.
Understanding the Standard Employment Visa
The Standard Employment Visa is the most common route for professionals working in the UAE. It is a company-sponsored visa, meaning your employer is responsible for applying and sponsoring your residency and work permit.
This visa is typically valid for 2 to 3 years, depending on the employment contract and licensing authority (mainland or free zone).
Key features:
- Issued by a licensed UAE company
- Tied directly to your employment contract
- Requires medical testing and Emirates ID processing
- Residency is valid only while you remain employed with that company
At Meydan Free Zone, we empower entrepreneurs and business owners to become sponsors. Once you set up your company with us, you can:
- Apply for an Investor Visa under your own name
- Sponsor Employment Visas for your staff, co-founders, or team members under your company license
This means you can build a team, issue legal work visas, and fully operate as a compliant UAE-based business — all through a 100% digital setup platform.
Green Visa vs Standard Employment Visa: Key Differences
Which Visa Should You Choose?
The right visa depends entirely on how you plan to live and work in the UAE.
If you're a freelancer or skilled worker looking for a self-sponsored, flexible residency without launching a business, the Green Visa might be right for you. However, this visa is applied for directly through UAE government portals, and not via any Free Zone.
If you're planning to work for a UAE-based company, the Standard Employment Visa is your route. In this case, your employer handles your sponsorship and visa process.
But if you're an entrepreneur, solopreneur, or investor looking to start a business in Dubai, sponsor your own visa as the owner, legally hire and sponsor a team, and gain full control over your residency and operations, then setting up a company with Meydan Free Zone is the smarter path.
How Meydan Free Zone Makes a Difference
At Meydan Free Zone, we don’t just help you start a business, we help you design a life built around independence, flexibility, and long-term potential.
When you set up your company with us, you unlock:
- A 100% digital setup, license issued in under 60 minutes
- Investor residency that puts you in control, not tied to an employer
- The ability to sponsor your family and team under your own business
- Full ownership, full profit repatriation, and seamless visa processing
This isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about freedom.
You’re not waiting for permission. You’re creating your own opportunity, with the legal structure, residency, and support to grow on your terms.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for a Green Visa through Meydan Free Zone?
No. Green Visas are issued directly through the UAE government via MOHRE or ICP. Meydan Free Zone does not process or issue Green Visas. However, we do offer Investor Visas for business owners and support the sponsorship of Employment Visas under your licensed company.
2. I’m a freelancer. Should I apply for a Green Visa or start a company?
If you're a freelancer planning to work independently without forming a company, you can explore the Green Visa — but you’ll need to apply through official government channels and meet specific eligibility criteria. If you want more flexibility, control, and the ability to expand later, setting up a company with Meydan Free Zone allows you to work as a licensed business, get an Investor Visa, and sponsor dependent or employment visas in the future.
3. What are the main differences between Green Visa and Employment Visa?
The Green Visa is self-sponsored, typically valid for 5 years, and suited for freelancers or skilled professionals. The Employment Visa is company-sponsored, usually valid for 2–3 years, and tied to your job contract. The key difference is who acts as the sponsor — yourself, or a licensed employer.
4. Can I sponsor my family with either visa?
Yes. Both visa types allow for family sponsorship. Meydan Free Zone’s Investor Visa also allows you to sponsor your spouse, children under 25, and domestic staff.
5. Can my Meydan Free Zone company sponsor Employment Visas?
Yes. Once your company is licensed, you can apply for Establishment Card and Immigration setup, which then enables you to sponsor Employment Visas for your team or partners. All processes are fully digital and supported by our team.
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