The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers the Green Visa, a type of long-term residency permit, valid for five years and renewable, the freelancers, self-employed individuals and others from across the world.
The Green Visa is one of the UAE’s strategic initiatives to enhance the living and working environment and attract global talent, investors, and freelancers by providing a flexible long-term residency model that ensures greater stability and flexibility in living within the country.
Initially, the foreigner is granted a work entry visa under the category of (high-level skilled worker), which permits the holder to remain in the country for (60) sixty days starting from the date of entry or until the necessary processes for granting residence have been completed.
UAE Green Visa Key Benefits
A renewable 5-year residency permit.
No sponsor required within the country (self-sponsorship).
Family members, including spouse and children, can be sponsored according to approved terms and conditions.
Greater flexibility upon residency expiry through specified grace periods.
Support for highly skilled individuals, innovators, investors, and freelancers.
Eligibility Criteria for Freelancers and Self-Employed
Must hold a freelancing or self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
Hold a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree, specialized diploma, or equivalent.
Provide proof of stable annual income or financial solvency throughout the residency period.
Annual income from freelancing must not be less than AED 360,000 in the past two years or equivalent in foreign currencies.
UAE Green Visa Fees in Dirhams
Work visa fee: AED200
In addition to the value-added tax (5%).
Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the country):
Knowledge Dirham: AED10
Innovation Dirham: AED10
Fee inside the country: AED500
UAE Green Visa Fee in Rupees
As of 25 June 2026, one dirham is equal to Rs75.9. Work visa fee: The UAE Green Visa work permit fee of AED 200 is equivalent to approximately Rs15,180 in Pakistani currency, based on an exchange rate of Rs75.9 per UAE dirham.
Requirements
1. A personal photo.
2. A copy of the passport, with a validity of not less than 6 months.
3. A permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
4. An employment contract if the facility is governmental, semi-governmental, or from free zones.
