UAE's Green Visa vs Golden Visa

Are you an entrepreneur looking to tap into the thriving business landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? The UAE has introduced two innovative visa programs, the Golden Visa and the Green Visa, to attract global talent, encourage entrepreneurship, and diversify its economy. Both visa programs offer unique benefits and are aimed at different target groups. This article comprehensively compares the UAE's Golden Visa and Green Visa, highlighting their key features, benefits, and eligibility criteria to help you decide which one aligns best with your business goals.

If you are looking to obtain your UAE visa, IndiaFilings experts are here to help you secure the right visa quickly and efficiently.

Green Visa and Golden Visa

The UAE's Golden Visa and Green Visa are two innovative long-term residency programs designed to attract global talent and foster economic growth. These visas offer extended residency options, self-sponsorship, and the ability to sponsor family members, providing greater stability and long-term planning opportunities. Both programs aim to encourage entrepreneurship and support economic diversification, making the UAE an attractive destination for skilled professionals and investors worldwide.

What is the Green Visa?

The UAE's Green Visa is a type of residence visa that allows the holder to sponsor themselves for five years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor their visa. This visa is designed to attract freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled employees.

Who Can Apply for a Green Visa?

Freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled employees are eligible to apply for the Green Visa.

Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals

• Permit: Obtain a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

• Education: Provide proof of a bachelor's degree or a specialized diploma.

• Income: Show evidence of an annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to at least AED 360,000, or demonstrate financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.

Skilled Employees

• Employment Contract: Have a valid employment contract.

• Occupational Classification: Be classified at the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

• Education: Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• Salary: Earn a salary of at least AED 15,000 per month

Benefits of the UAE Green Visa

The UAE government introduced the Green Visa regime to attract exceptional talents and boost the economy. The Green Visa offers several advantages over regular residence visas, particularly for family members:Ã???Ã??Ã?· 

• Family Sponsorship: Green Visa holders can quickly obtain residency permits for their children, spouses, and first-degree relatives. They can sponsor their sons up to 25 and unmarried daughters regardless of age. There is no age limit for residence permits for children of determination (those with special needs).

• Extended Grace Period: After a residence permit is cancelled or expires, Green Visa holders benefit from a grace period of up to 6 months to stay in the UAE.

• Same Residency for Family Members: Family members will receive the same residency duration as the original visa holder.

• Entry Work Permit: Applicants seeking the UAE Green Visa can complete the application with the help of a 60-day entry work permit upon arrival in the Emirates. 

These benefits make the Green Visa particularly appealing for families, offering greater stability, flexibility, and support in the UAE.

What is the Golden Visa?

The UAE's Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa designed to attract and retain talented individuals from around the world. It allows foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE for an extended period, contributing to the country's economic and social development.

Eligibility Criteria for the UAE's Golden Visa

The eligibility criteria for the UAE's Golden Visa vary based on the applicant's background and contributions. Here are the main categories and their specific requirements:

Investors in Public Investments

• Investment Amount: Minimum deposit of AED 2 million in a UAE-certified investment fund or possession of a commercial or industrial license with a capital of at least AED 2 million.

• Annual Tax Contribution: Proof of a minimum annual tax contribution of AED 250,000 to the UAE government.

• Ownership: The investment must be fully owned by the applicant and not financed through a loan.

• Medical Insurance: Applicants and their family members must have valid medical insurance coverage.

Real Estate Investors

•  Property Value: Must own property worth at least AED 2 million.

•  Documentation: A letter from the land department is required confirming property ownership.

•  Financing: Property purchases can be financed through certain approved local banks.

•  Visa Duration: Eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same conditions.

Entrepreneurs

• Project Requirements: Must own a technical or future-oriented economic project based on innovation and risk.

• Project Value: A letter from a UAE auditor confirming the project's value is at least AED 500,000.

• Local Authority Approval: Require approval from the local emirate authorities attesting to the project's technical or futuristic nature.

• Business Incubator Support: Must have backing from a UAE-accredited business incubator to initiate the activity in the country.

Outstanding Specialized Talents

•  Medical Professionals: Must have an approval letter from the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice medicine.

•  Scientists: Should have a letter of recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.

• Creatives: Individuals in culture and art must obtain an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts of the respective emirate.

• Innovators: Must present a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy indicating that their patent significantly contributes to the UAE's economy.

• Business Leaders Need a Bachelor's degree accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, a minimum of 5 years in the same executive position, a salary certificate showing earnings of at least AED 50,000, and a valid work contract.

• Academics: Includes doctoral degree holders and specialists in various fields of engineering and science, such as epidemiology, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.

Executive Directors

• Education: Must possess at least a Bachelor's degree accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.

• Experience: Need a minimum of 5 years in the same executive position.

• Salary: A salary certificate showing earnings of at least AED 50,000 should be required.

• Employment: Must present a valid work contract.

Athletes

• Endorsement: A recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or a relevant sports council is required.

Individuals who meet these eligibility criteria can apply for the UAE�?�¢??s Golden Visa, which allows them to contribute to and benefit from the UAE's dynamic growth and development.

Benefits of Obtaining the Golden Visa

Obtaining the UAE's Golden Visa comes with numerous exclusive benefits, including:

• Entry Visa: Receive an entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance.

• Long-term Residency: Gain a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years.

• No Sponsor Required: Enjoy the privilege of not needing a sponsor to stay in the UAE.

• Extended Stay Outside the UAE: Maintain your residence visa validity even if you stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six-month period.

• Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their ages.

• Domestic Helper Sponsorship: Sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.

• Family Security: Ensure that your family members can stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration, even if the primary holder of the Golden Visa passes away.

These benefits make the Golden Visa an attractive option for talented individuals and investors looking to live, work, and thrive in the UAE.

Click here to learn more about how to Apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE.

Similarities between Green and Golden Visa

Both the Green Visa and the Golden Visa offer self-sponsorship, allowing individuals in the UAE to sponsor themselves without the need for an employer. This feature is a significant departure from traditional visas, which typically provide residency for only 2 or 3 years. In contrast, both the Green and Golden Visas provide long-term residency options, significantly extending the potential duration of stay for individuals and enhancing their stability and long-term planning capabilities in the UAE.

Also read: Freelance Visa in Dubai

Green Visa vs Golden Visa

For better understanding, we have provided the differences between the UAE's Golden Visa and Green Visa in tabular format:

 Conclusion

The UAE's Golden Visa and Green Visa programs attract global talent, promote entrepreneurship, and diversify the economy. Both offer long-term residency and valuable benefits but target different groups. The Golden Visa is ideal for investors, specialised talents, and researchers seeking stability and business opportunities. The Green Visa is perfect for freelancers, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs needing flexibility and job mobility. Understanding the differences helps individuals and businesses choose the best visa for their needs.

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