The UAE government has recently announced new residency options Green visa and Freelance Visa to enhance the competitiveness and flexibility of the UAE labor market, facilitate sector growth, spur knowledge transfer and skills development, and create greater stability and security for residents.
What is Green Visa?
Green Visa provides you self residency status to holders and will be sponsored by employees themselves. This permit does not link to a company work permit. This resident visa was announced as part of the ‘Projects of the 50’, a series of developmental and economic projects commemorating the UAE’s 50th anniversary.
This new scheme of residency option aiming to accelerate the UAE’s development and consolidate into a comprehensive hub in all sectors and establish in status as an ideal destination for talents and investors.
If you hold Green Visa, you can do the following:
- sponsor children until the age of 25 (instead of 18 previously)
- sponsor parents
- get extension of the grace period for leaving the country upon job loss or retirement to 90 to 180 days (instead of 30 days previously).
Who can apply for the Green Visa?
It is targeted at highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, top achievers, including students and graduates. Also, to those running small and medium enterprises, scientists and other talented people will also be considered.
What is Freelancer Visa?
Freelancer Visa is the first federal scheme for independent, self-employed workers that enables self-employers to sponsor themselves.
Who can apply for the Freelancer Visa?
It is targeted at self-employed workers based in the UAE and overseas in specialized fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital currencies.