All You Need to Know About Five-Year Green Visa and Job Seeker Visa in UAE

Five-Year Green Visa in UAE:

From October 3, a new visa system will be in place in the UAE, which includes the Green Visa. The Green Visa in the UAE provides unique opportunities for freelancers, business owners, skilled workers, and investor. The new UAE visa system for Job seeker visa , which went into effect from October 3, 2022, provides for visa applications without the necessity for an UAE-based individual or company to sponsor them for two, three, or four months.

The Green Visa is a five-year residency permit for freelancers, skilled employees, and investors and partners in businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a self-sponsored visa, meaning that applicants do not need a company to sponsor them.

Green Visa holders are able to sponsor their first-degree relatives in the UAE as well. To do so, they must submit the necessary documents, including a valid passport copy, medical fitness test results, proof of kinship document, and tenancy contract, among others.

The visa application can be made through the ICP Smart Services website or mobile app, or at an ICP-approved typing center. The cost of the visa varies depending on the application details and includes a security deposit.

It’s different from the Golden Visa, which was introduced at the same time. In addition to offering residency options, the Golden Visa and Green Visa have some similarities and differences.  

For example, both these visas allow residents to sponsor themselves without the need for an employer (like an employer) to be their visa sponsor. Self-sponsorship is one example. Furthermore, the Golden Visa and Green Visa are available for a longer period of time than the standard two- or three-year residence visas.

Overall, the Green Visa is a great option for skilled professionals who wish to work and live in the UAE.

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What is Green Visa in UAE?

Green Visa, which is granted for a period of five years, subject to renewal, and includes greater advantages for family members of residents, including flexible grace periods of up to six months after expiry or cancellation of residence.

The Green Visa will allow highly skilled people, investors, entrepreneurs and top students and graduates to sponsor themselves without first associating themselves with companies based in the UAE.

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What are the benefits of Green Visa In UAE?

The Green Visa in the UAE provides several benefits to skilled employees and their families. Some of the key advantages of the Green Visa are:

1. Long-term residency: The Green Visa provides long-term residency in the UAE, which means that skilled employees and their families can live and work in the country for an extended period.
2. Five Years resident Permits subject to renewal
3. Family sponsorship: Green Visa holders can sponsor their families, including spouses, children, and parents, for residency in the UAE. Green Visa holders can sponsor male children up to 25 years as compared to 18 years previously
4. No age limit: Unlike other types of visas, the Green Visa has no age limit, which means that even older family members can be sponsored.
5. Multiple entries: Green Visa holders can leave and re-enter the country multiple times without the need for a new visa.
6. No job restrictions: Unlike other visas that tie employees to a particular job or employer, the Green Visa does not have any job restrictions, which means that skilled employees can change jobs without the need for a new visa.
7. Access to healthcare: Green Visa holders are eligible for healthcare services provided by the UAE government.
8. Access to education: Green Visa holders can enroll their children in schools and universities in the UAE.

Overall, the Green Visa is a valuable option for skilled employees who want to establish a long-term presence in the UAE and provide their families with a secure and stable environment.

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Who is eligible for UAE Green visa?

According to the decision issued by the UAE Cabinet in April this year, the Green Visa is available to these three categories:

1. Green Residence for freelancers (self-employment)
2. Green Residence for skilled employees
3. Five-year Green Residence for investors and partners

1. Green Residence for freelancers (Self -employment)

• The applicant should obtain a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
• The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma to qualify.
• The applicant should demonstrate financial stability throughout his or her stay in the country to earn at least Dh360,000 annually from freelance work over the past two years.

2. Green Residence for skilled employees

The Green Visa is a special visa that lets skilled professionals live and work in the UAE for five years without needing a specific employer to sponsor them. They can also bring their family along for the same duration. To qualify, you need to meet these four requirements:

• Have a valid job offer and work permit in the UAE.
• Be skilled in a profession classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• Have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent education.
• Earn a monthly salary of at least Dh15,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.

3. Five-year Green Residence for investors and partners

• A Sponsor will not be required for the holder of the Green Residency.

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How To apply for a Five-Year Green Visa in Dubai?

In order to become a long-term resident in the UAE and practice freelancing, you can apply for a new five-year Green Visa that was launched this week. You can now work and live in Dubai without needing a UAE-based sponsor, thanks to this new visa. Here are the steps you must follow to obtain one.

The Green Visa is a work visa for Dubai that lasts for 60 days and enables freelancers and professionals to stay until the completion of the residency procedures.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is the authority responsible for issuing visas in the Emirate of Dubai and you can apply for the visa in the following ways:

• Online through the GDRFA Dubai website – www.gdrfad.gov.ae or
• Through an Amer Centre – which processes Dubai visa and residency applications on behalf of GDRFA.

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How to Apply Five-Year Green Visa through GDRFA Dubai Website:

1. To create an ‘Entry Permit for Green Residence (Self-Employment)’ on the GDRFA website, you must first go to the ‘Entry Permits’ section under the ‘Services’ menu on the home page.
2. You will see a button for ‘Entry Permits’. Click ‘New Visa Services’, and then choose the ‘Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (Self-Employment)’ option. Choose ‘Start service’.
3. After completing the login process, you will be redirected to the ‘Login’ page. Select ‘individuals’ from the tab on the top of the screen and then log in with your GDRFA account credentials if you already have an account, or register for a new account if you don’t have one. You can also log in using your  UAE Pass Account if you already have one.
4. Once you have logged in, you will be redirected to your personal dashboard on GDRFA. Click on the green ‘New application’ button, and then once again select the ‘Issuing Entry Permit for Green Residence (Self-Employment)’.
5. You must then fill out an application form with your personal information and contact information.
6. To finish the application process, you will be asked to provide certain information as well as to verify your qualifications, occupation and citizenship.
7. You will then be asked to upload the documents required for the visa. Make the payment and your form will be complete.
8. Your application will then be sent to GDRFA. After paying for your visa, you will receive an e-mail letting you know that your application has been processed.
9. If any additional documents are required, they will be requested 30 days after they have been submitted, and if they are not provided, the application will be canceled.
10. If you are granted a visa, you will be notified via email.

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How to apply Five-Year Green Visa through Amer Service Centres:

1. To locate the Amer service centres, go to this link: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/customer-happiness-centers.
2. Next, visit one of them and ask for the Green Visa for freelancers application.
3. To complete the application, you must attach the required documents and submit it to the Amer Centre employee.
4. Once you’ve paid the fees, you’ll receive an electronic entry visa.

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What are the Documents required to apply for a Five-Year Green Visa in Dubai?

• Passport copy
• Coloured photograph
• Proof of income – minimum Dh360,000 or equivalent in other currency for the last two years
• Freelancing permit from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

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How much does the Five-Year Green Visa cost in Dubai?

The Dh335.75 Green Visa application fee includes ‘inside country status change’ fees of Dh650 when you submit your application in the UAE. You will have to pay for the medical fitness test and Emirates ID application separately.

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How Five Year Green Visa holders can sponsor their family in the UAE?

If you’re a Green Visa holder in the UAE, you might be happy to know that you can sponsor your immediate family members to come and live with you too. The Green Visa, also known as the Green Residency, is a residency permit that lasts for five years and is self-sponsored by freelancers, skilled employees, and investors or partners in UAE businesses.

As a skilled worker with a Green Visa issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain, you can apply to bring your family members over to the UAE. This is great news for those who want to be reunited with their loved ones while enjoying the benefits of working and living in the UAE.

To sponsor your family members, you’ll need to apply for a UAE residence visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). And it’s important to note that only first-degree relatives can be sponsored under the Green Visa, which includes your spouse, children, and parents.

As with any visa application, there will be certain requirements you’ll need to meet, including providing proof of relationship and financial stability. But if you meet all the requirements, you’ll be well on your way to bringing your family members over to the UAE to enjoy all the wonders that this amazing country has to offer.

So, if you’re a Green Visa holder and you’re interested in bringing your family members over to the UAE to be with you, don’t hesitate to look into the application process. It’s a great way to stay connected with those you love while enjoying all the benefits that come with living in this beautiful country.

The documents required for Green Visa holders to sponsor their family members are as follows:

• Original entry permit for each family member.
• Valid copy of the passport for each family member.
• Copy of the medical fitness test results for each family member.
• Coloured passport-sized photograph for each family member.
• A copy of the sponsor’s health insurance card.
• Front and back copy of the sponsor’s Emirates ID.
• Valid copy of the sponsor’s passport.
• Proof of kinship document (e.g. birth certificate or marriage certificate). If the document is issued by a foreign government, it must be legally translated into Arabic and attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).
• The sponsor’s tenancy contract.
• Proof of the sponsor’s monthly income.
• According to ICP, you may be asked to provide additional documents, depending on the information entered in the application.

To apply for a Green Visa for family members through the ICP Smart Services platform, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the ICP Smart Services website: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/login
• Log in using your UAE Pass or an ICP online account.
• Once logged in, click on the ICP department in your Emirate.
• Search for ‘Green Residency Visa For Skilled Person Family Members – Issue’ in the search bar and click on ‘Start Service’.
• Fill in the application form and upload the required documents.
• Pay the service fee using a credit or debit card.
• You will receive a confirmation from ICP once the application has been submitted.
• It may take two to five business days for the residency visa to be issued, once approved.
• You will receive a digital copy of the residency permit at the email address provided in the application form.

How much does the visa cost for sponsoring family on Green Visa?

The sponsor must pay a security deposit and the total cost of the visa varies depending on the application details. The estimated cost breakdown is Dh350, which covers request fees, issue fees, e-services fees, ICP fees, and smart services fee. However, other expenses like the Emirates ID application and medical fitness test for family members above the age of 18 are not included in this cost.

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Difference between UAE Five-Year Green Visa/Job Seeker Visa and Golden Visa

What is UAE Golden Visa?

Golden Visa, which is granted for a period of ten years , which has following benefits:

• It allows you to sponsor family members, including spouse, children, and support staff, without any limit.
• you may stay in the UAE for as long as you want without restrictions in order to maintain the Golden Residency
• you may also remain in the UAE without restrictions after receiving an e-visa for six months.
• you may receive a residence visa while your sponsor issues an e-visa.
• Family members may remain in the UAE after the death of their original Golden Visa holder as long as their permit lasts.
• No sponsor or employer is required for this programme.

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Criteria for applying UAE Golden Visa

You may apply for a Golden Visa if you meet any of the conditions listed below. In the updated Golden Visa scheme, the eligible categories were expanded to include the following:

1. Investors:

• Public Investment
• Real Estate Investment

2. Entrepreneurs:

• Owners of registered successful start-ups
• Those who have an approved idea for a start-up
• Previous founders of a successful start-up that was sold inside or outside the UAE

3. Exceptional talents in the fields of:

• Culture and art
• Investors and innovators
• Sports
• Digital technology
• Other vital fields

4. Scientists and professionals

• Scientists
• Chief executives and senior officials
• Science professionals
• Engineering professionals
• Health professionals
• Education professionals
• Business and Administration professionals
• Information technology professionals
• Legal, social and cultural professionals

5. Outstanding students and graduates

• Best performing students in secondary schools
• Best graduates from UAE universities
• Graduates of best 100 universities worldwide

6. Humanitarian Pioneers

• Distinguished members of international and regional organisations
• Outstanding members of associations of public benefits
• Recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields
• Distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts

7. Frontline heroes

• Frontline workers who made extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic

You may complete your application at any of the Amer centres in Dubai or at any of the customer happiness centres of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) in the Emirates.

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How to apply for the Job Seeker visa in UAE ?

Here are the steps required to apply for a jobseeker visa with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP). The ICP is the immigration authority that issues visas in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

How to apply for the Job Seeker visa through ICP?

1. You first need to visit the ICP website – www.icp.gov.ae and under the ‘Services’ tab, click on ‘eChannels Residency & Citizenship’.
2. You will find three options for the jobseeker visa:‘ Select the duration of visa as per your requirement.
   • Visa – single entry – search for job 60 days – issue new visa’‘
   • Visa – single entry – search for job 90 days – issue new visa’‘
   • Visa – single entry – search for job 120 days – issue new visa’
3. You will then be directed to a form that you need to fill out with the following details:
   • Applicant Information: Here, you will need to enter details like name, mobile number and email address. If you see a section to enter your name in Arabic, simply type your name in English and the system will automatically fill in the name in Arabic.
   • Identification information: This includes the UID Number which is optional, and the department from which you want to issue the visa. This refers to the Emirate from which you wish to apply for the visa, so you can select Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm al Quwain.
4. Personal information: Under this section, you will need to provide passport details, details of your educational qualification, and family details.
5. Personal information: Under this section, you will need to provide passport details, details of your educational qualification, and family details.
6. Click on ‘Next’. You will then be asked to upload the following documents:
   • Passport copy
   • Coloured photograph
   • Qualification certificate (attested)
   • Additionally, you may also be asked to submit the following documents:Place of residence in the UAE (rent contract or hotel reservation), Health insurance that covers the period of stay, Copy of the return ticket, Certified account statement, National ID card for certain nationalities
7. Make the payment: Once you have made the payment, your application will be complete and sent to the ICP. Once the application has been approved, you will receive the visa via email.

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How much does the Job seeker visa cost?

Here is a breakdown of the cost for each type of visa:

60-day jobseeker visa:

• Request fees – Dh100
• Issue fees – Dh200
• Security deposits – Dh1,025
• E-services fees – Dh28
• ICP fees – Dh22
• ADNIC Insurance fee – Dh60
• Dhafra Insurance fee – Dh60
• Total: Dh1,495

90-day jobseeker visa:

• Request fees – Dh100
• Issue fees – Dh300
• Security deposits – Dh1,025
• E-services fees – Dh28
• ICP fees – Dh22
• ADNIC Insurance fee – Dh90
• Dhafra Insurance fee – Dh90
• Total: Dh1,655

120-day jobseeker visa:

• Request fees – Dh100
• Issue fees – Dh400
• Security deposits – Dh1,025
• E-services fees – Dh28
• ICP fees – Dh22
• ADNIC Insurance fee – Dh120
• Dhafra Insurance fee – Dh120
• Total: Dh1,815

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