UAE Green visa for freelancers and self-employed people

The route is for people who work for themselves rather than for a UAE employer: consultants, designers, developers, trainers and similar professionals. GDRFA Dubai lists the conditions as a MOHRE self-employment permit, a bachelor's degree, specialised diploma or equivalent, and evidence of stable means throughout the stay.

The income test is annual self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) in each of the two previous years.

Prepare documents that show self-employment earnings for two full years, such as client contracts, invoices and bank statements, and your tax records from the country where you were self-employed. Amounts in foreign currencies are assessed at their AED equivalent.

The UAE government portal also allows proof of solvency during the stay in place of the two-year income record; the authority decides which evidence is acceptable.

GDRFA Dubai charges AED 200 plus 5% VAT for the Green visa entry permit, with AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham and AED 500 added if you are already in the country. MOHRE permit costs and the residence, medical and Emirates ID fees are charged separately.

Fees vary with your circumstances, so check the final amount shown in the GDRFA or ICP system before paying.

Step one is the self-employment (freelance) permit from MOHRE. With that permit you apply for the Green visa entry permit through GDRFA Dubai or ICP; GDRFA asks only for a photo, a passport copy valid for six months and the MOHRE permit at this stage.

After entry you have 60 days to complete the medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID. GDRFA warns not to cancel any existing residence before the green residence is issued.

Green visa holders can sponsor first-degree relatives. Family visas follow your residence, so keep your own Green visa valid and renewed.

Marriage and birth certificates issued abroad must be attested before they can be used for family sponsorship.