UAE Launches Five-Year Green Visa for Freelancers

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established a pathway for freelancers to obtain a five-year Green Visa, as confirmed by the Dhabi Residents Office. This visa allows self-employed professionals to secure long-term residency in the UAE.

To qualify, applicants must first obtain a freelance work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The minimum educational requirement includes a bachelor's degree, a specialized diploma, or an equivalent qualification.

Applicants must demonstrate an annual self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 (approximately N130,526,213.26) for the past two years or provide proof of financial solvency for the intended duration of stay. When applying, freelancers must present their MOHRE-issued work permit along with the necessary financial documentation.

Currently, nominations through the Abu Dhabi Residents Office portal for this category are unavailable, and applicants are advised to monitor official channels for updates. This initiative is part of the UAE's strategy to attract skilled professionals, particularly freelancers from African countries engaged in remote work.