Criteria for Applying for the ‘Green Visa’ in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the Green Visa, a self-sponsored residence visa offering a validity of up to five years. Applicants must fulfill specific criteria to apply for this visa, as outlined by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and skilled workers are eligible to apply for the Green Visa, which includes an entry permit of sixty days for completing the visa procedures upon arrival in the UAE.

Key Details of the Green Visa:

1. Family Sponsorship: Green Visa holders have the privilege of sponsoring their family members, including spouses, children, and parents, for the same duration as their own visa. In the event of visa expiration, a grace period of up to thirty days is provided for renewal.

2. Penalty Charges: Individuals overstaying after their visa expiration will incur penalties, starting from 125 dirhams on the first day, escalating by an additional 25 dirhams per subsequent day. Those unlawfully residing for over six months face a daily penalty of fifty dirhams, which increases to one hundred dirhams after a year.

3. Eligibility Criteria for Green Visa: Entrepreneurs, investors, business associates, freelancers, and skilled workers are eligible for the self-sponsored Green Visa, allowing them to reside in the UAE for up to five years to conduct business or freelance work. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid employment contract or have a minimum bachelor’s degree, or earn a salary of no less than 15,000 dirhams.
• Provide evidence of investment in the UAE for entrepreneurs and investors.
• Freelancers and self-employed individuals must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate an income of no less than 360,000 dirhams over the last two years. They also need a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

4. Eligible Professions: Company directors, executives, engineers, and professionals in fields such as science, technology, and human resources may apply for the Green Visa. Skilled workers in nine categories, including science, law, education, culture, and social sciences, are also eligible.

5. Investor Guidelines: Investors must adhere to guidelines outlined by the Commercial Company Act. Investments should be registered as public shareholding companies, private joint stock companies, or limited liability companies. Joint ventures require an investment of no less than 10 lakh dirhams, while a capital of the same amount should be demonstrated for investments in existing or new companies. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the transformation of the Green Visa into a regular visa valid for up to two years, with non-renewal.

In conclusion, the Green Visa initiative in Abu Dhabi, UAE, aims to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors by offering long-term residency and business opportunities. Compliance with the outlined criteria ensures transparency and facilitates a smooth application process for eligible individuals seeking to contribute to the UAE’s economic growth and development.