Long-term residence
UAE UAE Green Residence
A five-year renewable long-term residence obtained through self-sponsorship, letting eligible people live and work in the UAE without a national sponsor.
Important information
- Official name
- Green Residence
- Route type
- Residence visa
- Validity
- 5 years
- Self-sponsored; renewable
- Sponsorship
- Self-sponsored - no UAE national or employer sponsor needed
- Skilled-employee salary
- At least AED 15,000 per month
- Freelancer / self-employed income
- At least AED 360,000 per year
- For the previous two years, or proof of financial solvency
- Where to apply
- ICP or GDRFA
Who can apply
- Eligible skilled employees, freelancers and investors
- People seeking long-term UAE residence through self-sponsorship
What you can do
- Live and work in the UAE without a national sponsor
- Hold a five-year renewable residence, subject to the conditions
Requirements
- Skilled employees: classified in the first, second or third occupational level by MOHRE, hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and earn a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month
- Freelancers and self-employed: hold a freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE, and show annual income from self-employment of at least AED 360,000 for each of the previous two years, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay
- The Green visa allows the holder to sponsor themselves for 5 years without an employer or national sponsor
How to apply
Apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or, in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Frequently asked questions
Skilled employees (occupational level 1-3, bachelor's degree, salary at least AED 15,000/month), and freelancers or self-employed people (annual income at least AED 360,000 for the previous two years, or proof of solvency). It is self-sponsored and valid for five years.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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