What is the UAE’s Green visa?
The UAE’s Green visa is a type of residence visa, that allows its holder to sponsor himself/herself for 5 years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor his/her visa.
Who can apply for a Green visa?
Freelancers, self-employed and skilled employees can apply for a Green visa.
1-Freelancers and/or self-employed people
Freelancers and/or self-employed people who wish to apply for a Green visa need to submit:
1. a freelance/self-employment permit from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization
2. proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma
3. evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to not less than AED 360,000, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
2-Skilled employees
To apply for a Green visa, skilled employees must:
have a valid employment contract
1. be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization
2. hold a minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent
3. have a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month.
Standard work visa
A foreigner can get a normal employment visa, usually for two years, if he/she is:
Employed in the private sector
Apply for a residency visa for a person working in the private sector – GDRFAD Dubai
Employed in the government sector or a free zone
Apply for a residency visa for an individual in (free zone) – GDRFAD Dubai
The employer must apply for the standard residence visa.
Residence visa for working outside the UAE
Foreigners employed outside the UAE are permitted to live here legitimately with a virtual work visa. The one-year visa allows them to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa. Virtual work residence visa.
Foreigners employed outside the UAE are permitted to live here legitimately with a virtual work visa.
The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.
To apply for a remote work visa, you must provide proof:
- that you work remotely for an organization outside the UAE
- that you receive a monthly income of USD 3,500 (three thousand five hundred US dollars, or its equivalent in a different currency).
Dubai’s virtual working programme
Dubai permits to live in the emirate under the virtual working programme similar to the remote work visa. Under the virtual working programme, you may relocate to Dubai (from outside the UAE) and continue to work for the organization you are already working for, remotely.
Who is the virtual working programme for?
The virtual working programme is for:
- people who live and work outside the UAE,
- entrepreneurs and
- start-up companies who meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application to live in Dubai is approved by the UAE’s authorities, you can also bring your family along. Duration of the virtual working programme. The programme is valid for one year, renewable upon re-application.
How to apply for the virtual working programme?
To apply for the virtual working programme, you need to have a passport with a validity of minimum six months and a valid health insurance covering your residency in the UAE.
If you work for a company, you need to:
- provide proof of employment with a contract valid for one year
- earn a minimum salary of USD 5,000 per month
- provide the salary slip for the last month and bank statements for the preceding three months.
If you are a company owner, you need to: - provide proof of ownership of company for one year or more
- have an average monthly income of USD 5,000 per month
- provide bank statements of the company’s account for the preceding three months
Benefits:
Through the virtual working programme, you can obtain all services including telecommunications, utilities, medical and schooling. You can take advantage of Dubai’s robust and seamless digital infrastructure, global networking opportunities and zero income tax for individuals.