Five-year self-sponsored residence permit for freelancers and self-employed professionals — no employer or company sponsor required, full UAE residence rights.
Official name: Green Residence (Self-Employed / Freelance Track)
Not legal or immigration advice
This page summarizes publicly available information from official immigration authorities. Visa rules change frequently and individual circumstances matter. Verify with the relevant consulate, embassy, or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
$3,500–$8,000
14–45 days
60 months
Yes
The UAE Green Visa, launched in October 2022 as part of the long-term residence overhaul, grants a five-year self-sponsored residence permit for freelancers, skilled employees, and investors. The freelance track requires either a Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) freelance permit or a Free-Zone freelancer license, plus proof of $26,500/year (AED 100,000 minimum) earnings or savings. Holders can sponsor spouse, children, and parents, and stay outside the UAE for up to 6 months without losing residence (vs. 6 months on the older standard visa). The UAE has 0% personal income tax; corporate tax of 9% applies only to business profits over AED 375,000.
Government fee
$850
Lawyer / agent
$500–$1,500
All-in (incl. medical, translation, travel)
$3,500–$8,000
Minimum income/savings: ~$27,000/year. AED 100,000 minimum savings, OR AED 360,000 annual freelance income from the prior 2 tax periods.
Initial visa
60 months
Path to residency
Direct on arrival
Path to citizenship
No
The UAE has 0% personal income tax for both residents and non-residents. Corporate tax (9%) applies only to business profits exceeding AED 375,000 (~$102,000). For freelancers earning below this threshold, the effective tax rate is essentially zero — see /tax/calculator/ae for a detailed breakdown. Note: your home country may still tax you on UAE income depending on tax treaties and your residency status there.
Triggering threshold: more than 183 days physical presence.