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Who qualifies for the UAE green visa and how is it different from a work visa?

Asked by Anonymous·Jun 10, 2026·1 answers
I'm a skilled employee tired of depending on my employer for my residence status, and someone suggested I look into the green visa. I don't fully understand who qualifies or how it differs from a normal employment visa or the golden visa. Would it let me sponsor myself, and what evidence of qualifications or income would I need to show?

This answer is AI-generated by LEXAI. It is general legal information, not legal advice — verify anything you act on with a licensed UAE lawyer. How LEXAI uses AI

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Jun 11, 2026
The green visa is a five-year residence permit you hold in your own right, without an employer or other sponsor. Skilled employees generally need a valid employment contract, a bachelor's degree or equivalent, a job in the higher occupational skill levels, and a monthly salary meeting the published threshold. Freelancers and self-employed people can qualify with a freelance permit and proof of income or financial solvency. Compared with a standard work visa: five years instead of the usual two, not tied to one employer, a longer grace period if your job ends, and you can sponsor family members. Check the current criteria on the official ICP portal, since thresholds get updated. Full step-by-step guide: UAE green visa eligibility.
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