UAE Green Visa for freelancers: Eligibility, requirements, costs and how to apply

Dubai: Whether you're a content creator, consultant, designer, developer or any other independent professional, freelancing in the UAE, you can get a long-term UAE visa for five years.

Under the UAE's Green Visa system, eligible freelancers and self-employed professionals can obtain a five-year residency permit that allows them to live and work in the country on a self-sponsored visa.

So, if you are considering switching to self-employment or are already working independently, here is all you need to know about the Green Visa for freelancers, the eligibility criteria, application process and costs involved.

UAE Green Visa for freelancers: Who can apply?

According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), freelancers and self-employed professionals are eligible for the five-year Green Visa if they meet the following requirements:

• Hold a freelance or self-employment permit issued by MOHRE.

• Have a bachelor's degree, specialised diploma or equivalent qualification.

• Have earned at least AED360,000 annually from self-employment during the previous two years.

Or

Provide proof of financial solvency throughout the duration of residency in the UAE.

Make sure you have the required documents

Before you begin your visa application process, you will need to ensure that you have the following documents ready:

• A personal photograph

• A passport with a validity of at least six months

• A self-employment permit issued by MOHRE

• A bachelor's degree, specialised diploma or equivalent qualification.

• Annual self-employment income of at least AED360,000 during the previous two years or proof of financial stability throughout your stay in the UAE.

How to apply

If you are in Dubai, you would need to apply for the visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRA) Dubai. You can submit your application online, through the GDRFA Dubai website – www.gdrfad.gov.ae, or at an Amer centre – these centres are licensed by GDRFA Dubai to provide visa, residency, and immigration services in Dubai.

If you are applying online, the process is quick, as long as you have all your documents ready to be uploaded:

• Go to the service page: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/c4d66f2d-408c-11ed-4fe5-0050569629e8

• Click on ‘Start service’.

• You will be asked to log in using your UAE PASS or your username and password.

• If you log in using your UAE PASS your details like your name, nationality, passport number and Emirates ID number will already be registered in the system. If you are setting up a new account, you may need to enter these details in manually.

• Upload the required documents.

• Make the fee payment.

According to GDRFA Dubai, the expected processing time for the service is 48 hours once all requirements have been met.

If you are living in another emirate, you would need to apply for the Green Visa for freelancers through the ICP website: www.icp.gov.ae

How much does it cost?

• Visa cost: AED 200 + VAT

Additional fees (if you are in the UAE while applying for the visa):

• Knowledge Dirham: AED10

• Innovation Dirham: AED10

• 'Inside country' visa change fee: AED500

Once your application is approved, you would need to complete your medical fitness test and apply for your Emirates ID as well. For a step-by-step guide on how to do that, click here.

Important note for existing UAE residents

If you are already living in the UAE on a residence visa and wish to move to the freelancer visa, GDRFA Dubai advises applicants not to cancel their existing residency until after receiving the self-employment permit from MOHRE