The Green Visa is one of the significant changes that have been made to the UAE visa system, and it has received immense attention. Eligible residents are now able to apply for the Green Visa under the new Advanced Visa System that came into effect on October 3rd, 2012. As per the visa regulations, self-employed individuals, skilled workers, and investors can apply for the Green Visa. This will now allow them to sponsor themselves and their families for a period of 5 years as opposed to the existing visa system of 2 years.

Visa Cost

The cost of Green Visa is Dh2280. There is an ID card cost of another Dh575, and the medical fees for normal services will be Dh320. All these charges are the processing fees for a single individual. The final cost for the entire process will differ based on the holding charges of their visas and the number of dependents on the visa holder’s sponsorship.

The most attractive feature of the new visa reforms is the Green Visa, which has been one of the few visas with a very high demand for it. The majority of enquiries are from people who have been living in the UAE for a long time and are not eligible to obtain the Golden Visa. The Advanced Visa System is also expected to attract and retain a large number of talented and skilled people to the UAE.

Eligibility for a Green Visa

Three categories of people who can apply for the Green Visa are self-employed individuals or freelancers, skilled workers, and investors.

The essential requirements for these three groups are as given:

All skilled workers must meet the following criteria while applying for the Green Visa:

•  Should possess a work permit in the UAE under a valid work contract.
•  The person should be a skilled worker belonging to the first, second, or third professional level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation approved professional classification.
• The minimum educational qualification of the skilled workers must be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
•  The monthly salary should not be less than Dh15,000.

Self-employed individuals wishing to obtain a Green Visa must meet the following requirements:

•  Should possess a free work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
•  Must have a bachelor’s degree, specialized diploma, or equivalent as a minimum qualification.
•  The annual income from self-employment for the last two years should not be less than Dh 360,000. Or, the applicant for this residence should prove his/her financial solvency throughout the stay in the UAE.

An investor or partner who wishes to apply for green residency must submit the following documents to be considered eligible:

• Approval of the investment and proving the total value of the investment or the partnership If the investor (partner) has more than one license, the total invested capital will be calculated.
•  The approval of the competent local authorities and the applicants’ licence to engage in the activities

For more details, contact Plus UAE today!