United Arab Emirates: Green Visa (Self-Sponsored, 5-year) 2026

Self-sponsored 5-year visa. AED 15,000/month for employees or AED 360,000 over 2 years for freelancers. No employer sponsor needed.

Best For

Qualified professionals meeting pathway requirements

Not Ideal For

Those who do not meet the specific eligibility criteria

At a Glance

Visa Type
Freelance Visa
Region
Asia
Visa Duration
5 years
Processing Time
1 months
Min Income (annual)
Min Investment
Application Fee
€2,070
Path to PR / Citizenship
PR · 30y to citizenship
Difficulty
6/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education RequiredBachelors
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsor RequiredNo
Remote Income AllowedYes
Family Accompaniment AllowedYes
Language Requirement

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against United Arab Emirates's Green Visa (Self-Sponsored, 5-year).
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant United Arab Emirates immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€2,070). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 1 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary
Minimum Monthly Income€3,795
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€2,070

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
RenewableYes
Path to PRYes
Path to CitizenshipYes
Years to Citizenship30
Dual Citizenship AllowedNo
Spouse Work RightsYes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Green Visa (Self-Sponsored, 5-year)?

Self-sponsored 5-year visa. AED 15,000/month for employees or AED 360,000 over 2 years for freelancers. No employer sponsor needed.

Who is the Green Visa (Self-Sponsored, 5-year) best for?

Qualified professionals meeting pathway requirements

How long does the Green Visa (Self-Sponsored, 5-year) take to process?

Processing typically takes 1 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the Green Visa (Self-Sponsored, 5-year) cost?

The application fee is €2,070. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the Green Visa (Self-Sponsored, 5-year) lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway has a path to PR.

Find your best visa pathway

Take our free 3-minute quiz and get matched with programmes that fit your profile.

Get Your Free Verdict Reports — €10

Official source: https://www.moi.gov.ae

Last verified: 2026-03-05

Related visa pathways

United Arab Emirates country guide →