The UAE Green Visa is a new type of visa that allows its holder to reside in the UAE for five years without being bound to a particular employer. It provides an opportunity for independent contractors, freelancers, and skilled workers to relocate to the UAE and live there for a long time. The visa is part of the UAE’s efforts to attract exceptional talent and make it easier for people to live and work in the country.
Eligibility for the Green Visa
To be eligible for the Green visa, applicants must be self-employed, independent contractors, or freelancers. They should have a bachelor’s degree or a specialized certification, and they must have a freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources. The permit is necessary to show that they have the skills and qualifications required to work in the UAE. Applicants must also provide proof of two years of self-employment income totaling at least AED 360,000, or evidence that they have maintained their financial stability throughout their time in the UAE.
Benefits of the Green Visa
One of the primary benefits of the Green visa is that it allows its holder to live and work in the UAE for five years without being tied to a particular employer. This means that freelancers and self-employed individuals can work for multiple clients and take on different projects without any restrictions. They can also sponsor their sons up to the age of 25 and unmarried daughters of any age, which is a significant advantage over the traditional employment visa. Additionally, the Green visa offers an additional grace period of six months after the visa expires, giving its holder more time to renew or find another visa.
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How to Apply for the Green Visa
To apply for the Green visa, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and freelancers must follow the following steps:
Step 1: Obtain a freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources.
The permit is required to show that the applicant has the necessary skills and qualifications to work in the UAE. To obtain the permit, the applicant must submit their educational and professional certificates, a copy of their passport, a no-objection certificate from their sponsor (if applicable), and other documents as required by the Ministry of Human Resources.
Step 2: Gather the required documents.
In addition to the freelance or self-employment permit, applicants must provide proof of two years of self-employment income totaling at least AED 360,000 or evidence that they have maintained their financial stability throughout their time in the UAE. They must also provide a copy of their passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents as required by the authorities.
Step 3: Submit the application online.
Applicants must submit their application online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. They must create an account, fill in the application form, and upload the required documents. The application fee is AED 1,100, and the processing time is usually between five to ten working days.
Step 4: Obtain the Green visa.
If the application is approved, the applicant will receive an email notification and can collect their visa from the ICA or through a courier service. The visa is valid for five years and can be renewed before its expiry.
Read more: How to apply for a Saudi Work Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Conclusion
The UAE Green visa is an excellent opportunity for freelancers, independent contractors, and skilled workers who want to live and work in the UAE for an extended period. It offers many benefits, such as the ability to work for multiple clients and sponsor their children, and it eliminates the need for a sponsoring employer or UAE national. The application process is relatively straightforward, and applicants can complete it online through the ICA website. Overall, the Green visa is a great option for those who want to work and live in the UAE.
