Self-sponsored, 5-year residency for skilled professionals, freelancers and investors — no employer or company sponsor required, with a longer grace period and family sponsorship. Here's who qualifies, what it costs, and how it compares.
Built for people the UAE wants to keep — skilled talent, independent professionals and investors — without tying their status to an employer. Here's where it fits.
An illustrative all-in starting point for a single applicant on the skilled or freelance route. Your final figure depends on:
We confirm the route you qualify under, then send a full written breakdown — government fees, our fee and any family add-ons — before you commit. No teaser price that grows later.
Split payments Setup fees can be paid in instalments with Tamara. Your advisor confirms eligibility and terms with your quote.
| Green visa | Golden visa | Employment visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years | 5 or 10 years | 2 years |
| Sponsor needed | Self-sponsored | Self-sponsored | Employer |
| Job-independent | Yes | Yes | No |
| Grace period | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months | 60 days |
| Entry threshold | Medium | High | Low |
| Family sponsorship | Yes | Yes | Yes (conditions) |
In short: the Green visa is the sweet spot for skilled professionals and freelancers who want 5-year, employer-independent residency without meeting Golden Visa thresholds. If you qualify for the Golden visa, take it. If you're an employee who doesn't yet meet the salary bar, a standard employment visa is the starting point.
A 5-year residence visa you sponsor yourself — no employer or company sponsor. It's designed for skilled employees, freelancers and investors, and it isn't cancelled if you change or leave a job.
Three groups. Skilled employees earning from AED 15,000 a month with a degree and a qualifying occupation in MoHRE skill levels 1—3. Freelancers and self-employed people with a freelance permit, a degree or diploma, and AED 360,000 a year over the past two years — the figure most pages leave out. And investors or partners holding a valid commercial or industrial licence. We confirm which route fits before applying.
An employment visa is sponsored and cancelled by your employer. The Green Visa is self-sponsored and lasts five years, so your residency stays yours even if you switch jobs — plus you get a six-month grace period instead of the standard 60 days.
Yes. Green Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children and parents, subject to the standard income and housing requirements. We handle the family applications alongside yours.
If you meet a Golden Visa threshold — a large investment, AED 30,000+ salary or recognised talent — the Golden Visa is stronger. Note its term is 5 or 10 years depending on the route, so a property-based Golden Visa is 5 years, the same as a Green Visa. If you do not meet a threshold, the Green Visa gives you five self-sponsored years at a lower bar, and you can upgrade later.
Once your route and documents are confirmed, processing usually takes a couple of weeks plus the medical and Emirates ID. Freelance or establishment permits, where needed, can add a little time.
Self-sponsored residency for investors, talent and high earners — 5 or 10 years depending on how you qualify.
Residency through your own UAE company — the standard route for founders and shareholders.
Bring your spouse, children and parents onto your UAE residency.
Ask AgentBiz — with your salary, work and goals in mind — or talk to a human advisor. Real eligibility, honest guidance, no obligation.