UAE Green Visa: Build Your Business in Dubai with Long-Term Residency
October 17, 2022
September 23, 2025
June 29, 2025
September 23, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Long-Term Residency Without Employer Sponsorship
The UAE Green Visa 2025 offers skilled employees, investors, and freelancers the ability to reside in Dubai for an extended period without the need for traditional employer sponsorship. This flexibility empowers professionals to create and sustain careers independently.
2. Enhanced Business Opportunities
Dubai’s dynamic economy and advanced infrastructure provide an ideal environment for investors and entrepreneurs. The Green Visa facilitates smoother business establishment and growth, fostering a competitive landscape for innovation and expansion.
3. Access to World-Class Lifestyle and Connectivity
Residency under the Green Visa grants the opportunity to enjoy Dubai’s globally connected lifestyle, including access to international markets, premium healthcare, education, and leisure facilities that enhance quality of life for professionals and their families.
4. Support for Freelancers and Self-Employed Professionals
The Green Visa recognises the growing freelance and self-employed sector by offering residency options tailored to meet the needs of individuals in creative, technical, and specialised fields, thus supporting diverse career paths within the UAE.
5. Pathway to Long-Term Stability
With residency options extending up to five years and provisions for renewal, the Green Visa offers long-term stability for skilled talent and investors, encouraging sustained contributions to the UAE’s economic diversification and development goals.
Thinking about building a long-term career or business in the UAE? With world-leading job prospects, business infrastructure, and a globally connected lifestyle, it's no surprise that the UAE continues to attract professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
The UAE Green Visa 2025 could be the right fit for you. It offers extended residency for skilled employees, investors, and freelancers, without the need for employer sponsorship.
Compared to the standard sponsored employment visa UAE, it gives you greater control over your status and career path.
UAE Green Visa Requirements and Eligibility
The Green residency visa in the UAE fosters stability for qualified professionals and their families. Here’s what you need to qualify:
For Freelancers / Self-Employed Professionals
- Freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
- Proof of bachelor’s degree or diploma
- Evidence of AED 360,000+ annual income for the past two years or financial solvency during your stay
For Skilled Employees
- Valid employment contract
- Classified in occupational levels 1, 2, or 3 by MoHRE
- Minimum bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification)
- Minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000
Benefits of UAE Green Visa
- Longer residency up to 5 years (renewables)
- More freedom and flexibility
- Easier family sponsorship- sponsor spouse, children (up to age limit), and sometimes parents
- Children’s age limit extended, sponsor male children up to 25 years, and no limit for unmarried daughters
- Up to 6 months to stay legally after cancellation- extended grace period after visa expiry
Note: Meydan Free Zone does not issue Green Visas. If you meet the eligibility criteria for a UAE Green Visa, you must apply directly via Dubai Immigration or the UAE government portals. For official instructions on how to apply for a Green Visa in UAE, refer to the UAE immigration website.
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 Investors:
- Approval of investment from local authorities
- Minimum capital investment of AED 1 million
- Consolidated capital accepted across multiple licences, if applicable
Cost of Green Visa in the UAE
The cost of a Green Visa in the UAE typically includes application fees, medical examination, Emirates ID issuance, and related admin charges. The exact costs depend on your visa category and application route.
UAE Green Visa Vs Golden Visa
Both the Green Visa and Golden Visa offer long-term residency options in the UAE, but they serve different groups of people. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand which one fits your profile better:
In Conclusion
The UAE Green Visa opens new doors for skilled professionals, freelancers, and small business investors seeking long-term residency with flexibility. It offers significant advantages in residency duration, family sponsorship, and post-cancellation grace periods.
While Meydan Free Zone does not issue Green Visas, you can apply directly via government immigration channels. If you meet the eligibility criteria, the Green Visa can be your gateway to long-term success, freedom, and growth in the UAE.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for a UAE Green Visa?
The UAE Green Visa is open to skilled workers, freelancers, self-employed professionals, investors, and business partners. Applicants must meet specific education, income, or investment criteria depending on their category.
2. Does the Green Visa require a local sponsor?
No. The UAE Green Visa enables self-sponsorship, granting applicants full control over their residency without requiring a UAE-based employer or sponsor.
3. How long is the Green Visa valid?
The Green Visa is valid for 5 years and is renewable upon meeting eligibility requirements. It offers a longer residency period compared to standard employment visas.
4. Can I sponsor my family with a Green Visa?
Yes. Green Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children (up to the age of 25 for sons, with no age limit for unmarried daughters), and sometimes their parents, offering more family stability.
5. What’s the difference between Green Visa and Golden Visa?
Green Visa targets skilled workers, freelancers, and small investors with lower eligibility requirements. The Golden Visa is for high-net-worth individuals, large investors, and exceptional talents, offering 10 years of residency.
6. How do I apply for a Green Visa?
Applicants must apply directly through UAE immigration portals or authorized government websites. Meydan Free Zone does not handle Green Visa applications but supports business setups separately.
7. What is the cost of a UAE Green Visa?
The exact government fees for the Green Visa may vary and are usually published on official UAE immigration websites. It’s advisable to check the latest updates before applying.
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