If you are your own boss – whether that’s self-employed or a freelancer – it can be tricky to know which visa or permit you need and what conditions you need to meet.
The green residence permit in Dubai offers foreign nationals already living in the UAE the chance to set up shop more permanently if they want to be their own boss.
There are minor differences between emirates when it comes to issuing the green residence permit, so making sure you know the process in Dubai is crucial.
If you’re already in Dubai and making the switch to self-employment or freelance work, or are a highly-skilled worker, then you can get a 60-day green visa issued while waiting for residency processes to be completed.
The green residence programme was rolled out in 2022, and allows people to sponsor themselves for a five-year stay in the country.
It’s designed for self-employed people, investors and highly-skilled people who wish to reside in the UAE and, in Dubai, there are three different ways you can get one.
Keen to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and freelancers, the five-year Green Residence permit is aimed at those unable to apply for residency via the traditional employer or sponsor route.
How do I get a green residence permit?
Eligibility depends on salary and qualifications, with applicants required to provide a bank statement showing earnings of at least Dhs360,000 – or the equivalent in a foreign currency – for the past two years. This breaks down to a monthly average wage of Dhs15,000 to be eligible, provided the earnings were accumulated over a two-year period.
Those with Green Residency will be able to extend the benefits to family members for five years and retain their resident status for six months after the permit is cancelled or expired.
Are you eligible for the Green Residence permit?
Green Residence permit for freelancers or self-employed people
- You first need a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma
- Evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to not less than Dhs360,000 or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
Green Residence permit for investors
- Approval of the competent local authorities
- You’ll need the approval of the ICP (the government’s smart service portal) on the investment, as per the investors rating system applied
- Proof of the investment or if you’ve got multiple licences, the total sum of your invested money will be taken into consideration.
Green residence permit for highly-skilled workers
- Have a valid employment contract
- Be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma
- Have a salary of not less than Dhs15,000 per month
How to apply
If you’re applying from Dubai, then you can go via the Government of Dubai for a 60-day green entry visa while waiting on the necessary processes for issuing residency to be completed.
And for the permit, you’ll also need to apply through the Government of Dubai if you intend to stay in Dubai.
If you’re applying for emirates other than Dubai then you can go through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
You can apply for long-term residency via:
- The ICP website – www.icp.gov.ae
- The ICP app – UAEICP, available on Apple and Android devices.
- An ICP customer happiness centre
- A typing centre accredited with the ICP
How much does it cost?
The total cost of getting the Green Residency permit should be no more than Dhs2,700, which includes visa fees, medical tests and Emirates ID application.
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