UAE Golden, Green, Retirement Visas: Full Benefits Of Non-employment Visas Revealed

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The UAE continues to stand as a hub for commerce and tourism, attracting businesses and individuals from around the world. As part of the aim to attract visitors, residents and workers, the UAE has several visa offerings for non-working expats.

These visas allow foreign professionals to live in the UAE without the need of a work contract in the country, transforming the UAE into a haven for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers as well for students, retirees and jobseekers.

GREEN VISA

The UAE Green Visa is a five-year self-employed, freelance visa for skilled workers and professionals and their family members, offering job market flexibility and enhanced stability for residents in the UAE.

The five-year Green Residence visa is available for freelancers, self-employed individuals and can be issued for both government and private sector.

Eligibility

Freelancers and self-employed individuals: To be eligible for this type of visa, individuals must have a bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma and hold a freelance permit or self-employment permit from the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

The applicant must also prove an annual income of at least AED360,000 for two years or financial solvency throughout their stay in the country.

Investors or partners: Investors or partners must have investment approval and hold proof of their investment activities, along with approval from the relevant local authorities.

Benefits

The ability to sponsor children, spouses, and first-degree relatives.
The option to sponsor male children up to the age of 25 (previously 18 years), with no age limit for unmarried daughters.
Special provisions for children of determination (those with special needs), granting them a residence permit, regardless of their age.
A grace period of six months for overstay after visa cancellation or expiration.
Eligibility for overseas applicants to receive a 60-day entry work permit to facilitate the visa process.

Application

Download the GDRFA-Dubai application from authorised stores (Apple Store/Play Store) or visit www.gdrfad.gov.ae.
Register a new user account if one is not already registered.
Select the desired service, “Issuance of entry permit for green residence under Entry Permissions.”
Choose the relevant subcategory: skilled worker, investor, partner, or freelance work.
Attach the necessary documents.
Pay the applicable service fees.
Submit the request.

Applicants will receive notifications via text message and email regarding their application status. If any required documents are missing, applicants will be informed and given a 30-day window to upload the necessary documents; otherwise, the request will be automatically canceled.

Additionally, applicants can also apply for the UAE’s Green Visa through AMER Centres by following these steps:

Visit one of the service branches of the Amer Centres.
Select the desired service at the reception.
Submit the required documents to the service employee.
Document verification.
Pay the service fees.
Submit the application.

VIRTUAL WORK VISA

The UAE has introduced a virtual work visa allowing those who wish to live in the country to enter as a self-sponsor.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the virtual work visa, the applicant must have proof of work in an organisation remotely outside the UAE. Additionally, the individual must be able to prove a monthly income of $3,500 (three thousand five hundred US dollars, or its equivalent in a different currency).

This type of visa lasts for a duration of one year.

The visa is valid for one year, and can be renewed as per the terms and conditions of the visa

Application

How to apply for the virtual working programme?

To apply for the virtual working programme, the applicant must hold a passport with a validity of minimum six months and a valid health insurance.

If you work for a company:

Hold an employment with a contract valid for one year
Prove a minimum salary of $5,000 per month
Salary slip for the last month and bank statements for the preceding three months.

If you are a company owner:

Provide proof of ownership of the company for one year or more
Prove average monthly income of $5,000 per month
Bank statements of the company’s account for the preceding three months.

Cost: $287 per applicant.

STUDENT VISA

An individual who intends to study in the UAE can apply for a relevant student visa under the sponsorship of the university or college. Academic institutions are usually equipped with student affairs offices that assist with the application processes.

Duration

Student visas are usually valid for one year at a time and is subject to renewal upon further proof of study duration.

Eligibility and requirements

Certificate from the university or institute specifying the duration of the study.
Other general requirements stated in the general provisions for the residence visa.

JOBSEEKER VISA

Those who intend to work in the UAE have the flexibility to look for a job in the country by obtaining a jobseeker visa. This visa has a validity of 60, 90 or 120 days and grants a visitor permit to look for a job without having a sponsor or host in the UAE.

Eligibility

The applicant must be in the first, second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) professional levels of jobs.

The individual must have graduated from the best 500 universities in the world according to the classification approved by the Ministry of Education and must have graduated within a two year period.
A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Fulfill the prescribed financial guarantee.