Green residency in the UAE - all the details!

What is sustainable residency in the UAE?

The UAE announced new measures to facilitate job opportunities for foreigners, and strengthen and diversify the country's economy. These measures come within a set of measures taken by the state to strengthen the economy and reduce dependence on oil.

Sustainable residency is part of those measures, which is a new category of visa, nicknamed “green residency.” This green residency is expected to officially enter into force on October 3rd.

These measures include a new visa system aimed at attracting scientific talent and outstanding, creative and experienced workers. It aims to stimulate sustainable development and promote economic diversification.

Green residency, also known as “ green visa ,” is a self-residency that allows an individual or employee to separate the residence permit from the work permit. It gives an opportunity to individuals who own their own businesses and do not work for or be sponsored by an employer.

The green residency permit allows its holder to reside in the country for a period of 5 years, without the need for a guarantor, host, or employer sponsor. This residency can be renewed when it expires.

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Who is Green Residency allocated to?

- For holders of advanced degrees and those with high skills and competencies, who hold a bachelor’s degree or above.

-For investors wishing to invest in the country.

- For entrepreneurs who seek to establish their projects.

- For top students and aspiring graduates.

- For owners of small and medium-sized companies.

The target groups for obtaining a green residency visa in the country are diverse, and include three main categories:

1. Green residency for self-employment.

2. Green residency for skilled workers.

3. Green residency for an investor or partner in a business activity, without the need for a guarantor, for a period of up to 5 years, renewable.

This green residency comes as a strategic step to facilitate procedures, encourage sustainable development, and provide broader opportunities for talented individuals and investors, which enhances economic diversification and raises the level of economic competitiveness.

Who is eligible to apply for green residency?

1. Green residency for self-employment:

Applicants for a green residence visa for self-employment must provide the following conditions:

- Submitting a freelance work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

- Submitting a bachelor’s degree, specialized diploma, or equivalent as a minimum.

- The annual income from self-employment for the previous two years must not be less than 360,000 dirhams, or the applicant must provide evidence of his financial solvency throughout his stay in the country.

2. Green residency for skilled workers:

For skilled workers, the following conditions must be met:

- Submitting a work permit issued by the state in accordance with a valid employment contract.

- The individual must be within the category of skilled workers, according to the professional classification of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

- The individual must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.

- The monthly salary must not be less than 15 thousand UAE dirhams.

Residency was separated from work to facilitate the movement of skilled workers and enhance flexibility in the labor market.

3. Green residency for investor or partner:

Requirements for this category include:

- Obtaining approval for investment and providing proof of the value of the investment or partnership.

- Approval of local authorities and licensing of the applicant to practice the activity.

What benefits does green residency offer?

- Green residency is granted for a period of up to 5 years, renewable.

- Providing flexible grace periods of up to 6 months after the expiration or cancellation of residency.

- Granting a residence permit to unmarried girls, regardless of age.

- Granting a residence permit to children of special needs with their families, regardless of age.

- The validity period of residence for family members is the same as for the holder of a main residence visa.

- The ability for individuals who have lost their jobs to remain in the country for up to 180 days instead of 30 days.

- Extending the residency period for children until the age of 25 and granting residency to parents.

- The green residency holder can take care of his parents and children up to the age of 25 years.

- Providing accommodation for students for up to 180 days after completing their studies.

- Allowing divorced women and widows to stay in the Emirates for a year to search for a job or find stability.

You can access the service by following the following steps on the website:

1. Visit the designated electronic link .

2. Create a new account if you don't already have one.

3. Select the service you need.

4. Attach the required documents.

5. I pay the fees related to the service.

6. Send a request to obtain the service.

7. Receive your entry visa via email.

Expected time to complete the service:

48 hours.

Service cost:

Issuing an entry permit costs 335.75 dirhams.

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