Did you know your monthly pay slip might already qualify you for a UAE Green Visa? If you’re pocketing AED 15,000 or more, you could be looking at a five-year residency, one that doesn’t chain you to a single employer. Truth be told, that’s a game-changer in a country where visas have long been tied to contracts and sponsors.
UAE Green Visa: A Five-Year Residency For Those Earning AED 15,000
This residency scheme, part of the UAE’s refreshed visa system, was created to give professionals, freelancers, and investors more breathing space. Unlike the standard work visa, you don’t need a boss or a family member to back your stay.
Who’s Eligible For The UAE Green Visa?
The UAE Green Visa caters to three main groups, and each comes with its own entry criteria.
- Skilled workers: you’ll need a valid contract approved by MOHRE, fall into occupational levels 1–3, hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and of course, show that AED 15,000 minimum salary.
- Freelancers and self-employed professionals: a MOHRE permit is required, plus either a degree or a specialised diploma. On top of that, proof of AED 360,000 income over the last two years or evidence you’re financially sound. Not everyone can tick that box, but it’s a fair trade-off for independence.
- Investors and partners: you’ll be expected to show your trade licence and proof of capital invested in a UAE business. In practice, it keeps the door open for those willing to plant roots here commercially.
Why People Care
Let’s face it, stability in the UAE is worth its weight in gold. The UAE Green Visa stretches to five years, renewable, and allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and even first-degree relatives. Sons can be sponsored until they hit 25, and unmarried daughters have no age limit. That’s more generous than many expats expected.
Another perk? A 180-day grace period after expiry, time to renew or sort out your next steps without the stress of sudden exits. Plus, you can change jobs without the headache of cancelling your visa.
The Documents And Cost
Of course, nothing in the UAE moves without a stack of documents. You’ll need a passport with at least six months’ validity, an employment contract or permit, proof of your salary, and yes, those passport photos everyone always forgets to print. The process isn’t free either. Expect to pay somewhere between AED 2,000 and AED 2,500, which covers the visa itself, your Emirates ID, and the mandatory medical checks.
If you’re based in Dubai, applications are fairly straightforward through the GDRFA website or any Amer Centre. Living in another emirate? Then the ICP portal is your go-to.
Also Read: Things To Know About UAE Green Visa
The Bigger Picture
Why does this matter? Engineers, IT pros, designers, marketing leads, you name it, talent from across the globe now has a shot at settling in without living in constant visa limbo. The UAE Green Visa isn’t simply a stamp in a passport; it’s an invitation to belong, at least for five years at a time.
So, if your salary slips read AED 15,000 or more, don’t just shrug it off. You might already qualify.
Cover Image Courtesy:CanvaPro/Lara Jameson from Pexels
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