How to Apply for a UAE Green Visa (5-Year Self-Sponsored Residence)
The Green Visa is a 5-year residence visa. You can renew it. You do not need a sponsor. You can sponsor your family members. This includes your spouse and children. Three groups of people can apply. Skilled workers can apply. Freelancers and self-employed people can apply. Investors and business partners can apply too. Each group must pass its own test. The test checks your permit and your income or investment. All applicants take the same steps. You take a medical test. You get an Emirates ID. Then your residence is issued.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Varies — confirm on ICP (residence issuance per ICP fee list: AED 100 application + AED 100/year + AED 100 smart services)
- Total time:
- 1–3 weeks (end to end)
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- u.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Self-check
Confirm your category and threshold
Skilled workers need three things. You need a MOHRE skilled-worker permit. Your job must be at Skill Levels 1 to 3. You need a bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification. And you need a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000. This is per Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. Freelancers and self-employed people need a MOHRE freelancing or self-employment permit. You need a degree or a specialised diploma. You also need a yearly self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 over the previous two years. Or you must prove that you are financially solvent. Investors and partners must put at least AED 1,000,000 into a UAE company. This is per the ICP residence rules. Or you must prove your partnership and provide your licences and approvals.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare Varies
Get your MOHRE permit (skilled and freelancer routes)
Apply for your permit through MOHRE. Skilled workers apply for the skilled-worker permit. Freelancers apply for the freelancing or self-employment permit. Investors follow a different path. They arrange their company approvals and licences instead.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Varies AED 500 status adjustment (if already in UAE)
Apply through ICP (or GDRFA in Dubai)
Apply on the ICP Smart Services website or app. Will you live in Dubai? Then apply on GDRFA Dubai instead. Are you outside the UAE? Then you get an entry permit first. Are you already inside the UAE? Then apply for a status change instead. It costs AED 500.
Click to mark as done
- Go Result typically same/next day Varies by emirate/centre
Pass the medical fitness test
You take a blood test and a chest X-ray at an approved medical fitness centre. Everyone aged 18 and over must take this test. The fee depends on the emirate and the centre.
Click to mark as done
- Go Same-day appointment
Complete Emirates ID biometrics
You give your fingerprints and a photo at an ICP service centre or another authorised centre. Your Emirates ID is issued at the same time as your residence process.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Varies From ~AED 700 (plus AED 500 status adjustment if in-country)
Green Residence permit is issued
Your 5-year Green Residence permit is issued after your medical result is clear. ICP publishes this fee list. You pay an AED 100 application fee. You pay AED 100 per year for issuance. That is AED 500 for 5 years. You pay an AED 100 smart services fee. Did you apply from inside the UAE? Then you also pay an AED 500 status adjustment.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up With residence renewal
Sponsor family and renew
Green Visa holders can sponsor family members. This includes spouses, children, and first-degree relatives. The family sponsorship rules apply. Renew your visa before it expires. To renew, you must show that you still meet the conditions of your category.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sponsor for a Green Visa?
No. The Green Visa is sponsored by you. You do not need an employer or an Emirati sponsor.
Can I sponsor my family on a Green Visa?
Yes. Holders can sponsor their spouses, their children, and first-degree relatives. The family sponsorship rules apply.
How long is the Green Visa valid?
The visa lasts 5 years. You can renew it for a similar period, if you still meet the conditions of your category.
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