The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Green Visa is a new long-term residence visa introduced in 2021. It offers more benefits compared to other UAE residence visas and aims to attract professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals to the country. In this guide, we are going to share all about UAE Green Visa that you should be aware of.

Eligibility Requirements for the UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa is open to applicants from all nationalities who meet the eligibility criteria set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). The main eligibility criteria are:

• Professionals: Doctors, engineers, scientists, inventors, creative individuals etc. with in-demand skills.
• Investors & Entrepreneurs: Individuals who have invested substantial amounts or established successful businesses/startups in the UAE.
• Highly Skilled Individuals: Those with specialized talents like artists, authors, musicians etc.
• High Academic Achievers: Students with a minimum grade of 95% in secondary/high school or a GPA of 3.8+ at university.

In addition, applicants should have valid UAE health insurance and should meet the minimum monthly income requirement as per their category. Those on visitor visas can also apply after meeting eligibility.

Key Requirements for Getting the UAE Green Visa

The requirements to get the UAE Green Visa are straightforward:

• Online application form submission on the ICA website along with scanning required documents.
• Emirates ID registration and medical fitness test once in the UAE.
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a return ticket.
• Health insurance coverage in the UAE as per the guidelines.
• Signed employment contract or proof of business/talent, as applicable.
• Clean criminal record certificate attested by the UAE consulate.
• Payment of visa fees based on 3, 5 or 10 year validity chosen.

The ICA reviews applications and informs outcomes usually within 2-3 weeks. Once approved, applicants can enter the UAE on entry permit visas valid for 60 days.

Key Benefits of the UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa offers several advantages over regular employment or family visas. Here are some of those prominent benefits & more.

• Long-term validity of 5 or 10 years with automatic renewal.
• No requirement of employer or sponsor for residency.
• Flexibility to sponsor family members and house helpers.
• Ability to stay outside UAE for 6 months without visa cancellation.
• Permission to sponsor family members regardless of age.
• Access to opportunities for investor visa conversion in future.
• Option to work without work permit or with multiple employers.
• Unlimited entry and re-entry without renewal requirements.
• Pathway to UAE permanent residency after 5 or 10 years.

With such unique benefits, the UAE Green Visa aims to attract the best global talent to the country and fuel innovation and growth.

Who is Eligible for the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa is open to a broad range of applicants who meet the eligibility criteria set by the ICA. The main categories eligible are:

Investors & Entrepreneurs:

• Owners of UAE-based businesses with AED 500,000 capital or more.
• Partners or shareholders in established UAE companies.
• Startup/small business owners recognized by government bodies.
• Venture capital funds & angel investors in UAE startups/SMEs.

Professionals & specialized Talents:

• Doctors, engineers, scientists with priority skills as per market needs.
• Inventors & creative individuals with international recognition.
• Athletes, artists, authors with exceptional talents or achievements.
• Highly skilled professionals as per demand indicated by employers.

High Academic Achievers:

• Secondary school students with 95% grade or higher.
• University students with cumulative GPA of 3.8 or above.
• Recipients of awards at accredited scientific/knowledge competitions.

In short, applicants who can contribute to the UAE’s knowledge economy, scientific and technology progress, culture, and tolerance as a society are eligible and encouraged to apply for the Green Visa.

What are the Requirements to Apply for the UAE Green Visa?

The application process for the UAE Green Visa is straightforward and can be completed online. The key requirements are:

• Completing the application form on the ICA website with personal, contact and qualification details.
• Scanning and attaching all relevant documents as per specified requirements.
• Paying visa fees that vary based on 3, 5 or 10 year validity chosen.
• Emirates ID registration and medical fitness test once in the UAE.
• Signed employment contract from company in UAE or proof of business/talent.
• Passport valid for at least 6 months with a return ticket.
• Clear police verification certificate attested by UAE consulate.
• Health insurance coverage as per UAE government guidelines.
• Financial documents indicating adequate income/funding as applicable.

The application undergoes thorough processing and background verification by immigration authorities. Applicants are informed about approval or rejection usually within 2-3 weeks.

What are the Key Benefits of the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa offers a wide range of benefits to attract and retain top global talent:

• Long validity of 5 or 10 years, automatically renewed without renewals needed.
• Flexibility to stay outside UAE for 6 months without visa cancellation.
• No need for employer sponsorship – can work without work permit.
• Ability to sponsor family members regardless of age.
• Permission to work with multiple employers simultaneously.
• Unlimited entry in and out of the country within visa validity.
• Pathway to obtaining UAE permanent residency after 5 or 10 years.
• Healthcare benefits through mandatory health insurance coverage.
• Access to high quality lifestyle, world-class infrastructure, and low crime rate.
• Option to convert to investor visa in future if business established in UAE.
• Tax-free income and ability to repatriate funds easily.

The Green Visa offers stability, flexibility, and more freedom compared to employment and family visas – ideal for attracting global talent.

Who can Sponsor Family Members Under the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa offers the benefit of family sponsorship to suitable categories of applicants as follows:

Investors & Entrepreneurs:

Investors and business owners who have established a successful company in the UAE with adequate capital can sponsor immediate family.

Professionals:

Doctors, engineers, scientists, and other priority skilled professions can sponsor immediate family once they have a valid UAE work contract.

Outstanding Students:

University students with a UAE Green Visa can sponsor parents and siblings once they provide proof of financial support.

In all cases, “immediate family” refers to spouse, children below 21 years old, and parents only. Separate eligibility criteria for salary, accommodation etc. applies for sponsored family too. Approval for family sponsorship is granted case-by-case basis the applicant’s profile.

Which Professions are in High Demand for the UAE Green Visa?

As per UAE market needs and employer demand, professionals in the following fields are currently in high demand for the Green Visa:

• Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists & other medical professionals.
• Engineers – civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, petroleum engineering.
• Information technology experts – data scientists, AI engineers, cyber security specialists.
• Educators & researchers – university faculty, school teachers, lab researchers.
• Legal experts – corporate lawyers, intellectual property specialists, arbitration experts.
• Business specialists – accountants, auditors, financial/investment analysts, actuaries.
• Architecture & design – architects, product/industrial designers, fashion designers.
• Natural sciences – mathematicians, physicists, chemists, biologists.

However, the in-demand list is updated periodically based on evolving market dynamics. Hence it is worthwhile to check the ICA website for latest priority occupations before applying.

What is the Minimum Salary Requirement for the UAE Green Visa?

The UAE Green Visa eligibility has a minimum monthly salary requirement applicants must meet depending on their category:

• For investors/entrepreneurs – proof of adequate funds based on business activity.
• For doctors, engineers & Priority 1 talent – AED 30,000 per month.
• For Priority 2 talents like scientists, educators etc. – AED 20,000 per month.
• For recent graduates under talent visa – AED 15,000 per month.
• For sponsored family members – AED 10,000 per month.

In addition, monthly income of at least AED 15,000 is required for family sponsorship eligibility. Meeting the minimum salary criteria is essential to demonstrate financial stability for long term residence in the UAE.
What are the UAE Green Visa Fees and Validity?

The UAE Green Visa fees depend on whether a 3, 5 or 10 year validity is chosen. The fees are:

• 3 years validity – AED 478
• 5 years validity – AED 956
• 10 years validity – AED 1,910

Additional service fees of around AED 600 apply for medical test, Emirates ID registration etc.

Family member sponsorship is allowed but each sponsored person also needs to pay standard visa fees based on 3, 5 or 10 year validity.

Final words

The Green Visa offers unmatched long term benefits for living, working, and establishing in the UAE. With simple eligibility criteria and application process, it aims to attract the best and brightest to be part of the UAE’s visionary growth.