The UAE is an exciting place to be. Thousands of new residents enter the country every year, many of them bringing their businesses, investments, and innovations with them to take advantage of the country’s business-forward legislation and regulations. The result is a country that is always shifting, changing, and advancing to accommodate the latest trends in commerce, technology, and recreation. If you’re interested in moving to the UAE to live in a city that is always on the cutting edge of progress, the first process you’ll need to start is applying for a UAE residence permit or residence visa. These official documents are the first step for foreign nationals trying to live in the UAE and are usually necessary for gaining employment, buying property, and other long-term purposes. If you’re ready to start your move to the UAE and see why the country’s population is nearly 90 percent expatriate, contact RelocateUAE today for a free consultation.
The Green Visa in the UAE is a residence visa designed for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors. It allows self-sponsorship, meaning individuals do not need an employer or family member to sponsor their visa. This initiative aims to attract top talent, skilled professionals, and investors to the UAE. To qualify for a Green Visa in the UAE you must be a skilled worker, freelancer or self-employed individual, or an investor. Skilled workers must meet the UAE’s MOHRE first, second, or third occupational levels, hold a bachelors degree, and earn a minimum of AED 15,000 per month. Freelancers must have a freelance permit, provide proof of their freelance work, and earn at least AED 360,000 over the previous two years. Investors or partners must show proof of their investment or business activities.
The UAE Blue Residency Visa is a ten year long-term visa introduced in 2024, aimed at recognizing and supporting individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. This visa is part of the UAE's broader "Year of Sustainability" initiative and reflects the nation's commitment to environmental and climate action.The key focus areas of the Blue Visa include marine life conservation, land ecosystem protection, air quality improvement, sustainability tech, and circular economy initiatives. Blue Visa applicants must be environmental activists, members of international organizations, NGOs, or environmental-focused associations. Researchers, innovators, or global award-winning workers in sustainability or ecology are also eligible. The UAE Blue Visa is valid for ten years and is renewable.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa introduced in 2019, granting five or ten year residency to eligible individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, outstanding students, and special talents. It aims to attract and retain global talent to support the UAE's economic development and innovation goals.Golden Visas are self-sponsored, meaning they require no employer or family for invitation purposes. Investors must prove they own property valued at no less than AED 2 million. Skilled professionals must have a minimum salary of at least AED 30,000, a bachelor’s degree or higher, and specialise in fields like healthcare, engineering, technology, or education. Researchers and scientists must prove they have made significant contributions to their fields and have an endorsement from UAE academic or scientific bodies.
In addition, the UAE offers long-term residency options, such as the Golden Visa for exceptional talents, high-achieving students, investors, and skilled professionals, as well as the Green Visa for freelancers, highly skilled workers, and entrepreneurs. Family members of residents, including spouses and children, can also obtain residence visas through sponsorship.
Each category has its own specific requirements, such as income thresholds, property ownership documentation, or proof of professional qualifications. RelocateUAE can help you find the most expedient method and pathway to residency, as well as file your paperwork, talk to the relevant agencies, and help you acclimate to life in the UAE.
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