UAE Green Visa · Freelance & Skilled Professionals

UAE Green Visa for Freelance & Skilled Professionals

A 5-year, self-sponsored UAE residence in Dubai for freelancers, skilled employees and investor partners — renewable, family-friendly and not tied to an employer.
5-year residence
Self-sponsored
6-month grace period
Check Your EligibilityBook an Assessment Call
30-minute call with a Global Mobility Expert — no obligation.
Why This Route

Why the UAE Green Visa is a flexible 5-year base

The Green Visa gives freelancers, skilled employees and investor partners a 5-year, self-sponsored residence in the UAE — renewable, family-friendly and not tied to an employer. It is a strong route for professionals who don't yet meet the Golden Visa thresholds but want long-term stability. Tech Nomads helps you confirm your category, prepare the documentation and free zone permit, and move to the residence visa stage with regulated support where required.

5-year residence

Long-term residency, renewable upon expiry.

Easy to renew

Straightforward renewal without re-applying from scratch.

Sponsor your family

Spouse and children can be sponsored under your visa.

Enrol children in schools

Full access to the UAE education system for dependant children.

6-month grace period

You get six months after expiry or cancellation to arrange your affairs — more breathing room than a standard work visa.
See If You're a Fit for This Route
Official source
UAE.gov
Golden Visa overview
Primary conversion

Start with a 30-minute assessment call

A Global Mobility Expert reviews your profile against the UAE Green Visa eligibility criteria for your category — freelancer, skilled employee or investor partner — and gives a clear view of your readiness and the documents needed. The final decision rests with the UAE authorities.

What we discuss

Investment basis
Source of funds
Business track record
Category fit
Tax / solvency
Document readiness
Risk areas
Timeline

Possible outcomes

ACCEPT

Ready to prepare

Investment basis looks ready — we can move into case preparation.
CONDITIONAL

Strengthen first

Viable, but documentation or source-of-funds needs structuring first.
DECLINE

Foundation first

Foundation work needed before case preparation makes sense.
These outcomes are about whether we can take your case forward — not the eligibility decision, which rests with the UAE authorities.
Book an Assessment Call
FreelancerSkilledInvestor
74 Match

Strong Green Visa freelancer profile

Your freelance profile fits the route. A valid MOHRE permit and two years of income evidence are the priorities to confirm.
Strong
Needs Documentation
Priority Gap
Freelance permit (MOHRE)
Needs Documentation
Income AED 360k (2 yrs) / solvency
Needs Documentation
Undergraduate degree / diploma
Strong
Professional track record
Strong
Document readiness
Needs Documentation
Evidence & portfolio
Priority Gap
78 Match

Strong skilled-employee profile

Your employment and salary level fit the skilled route. Qualification attestation is the main document to finalise.
Strong
Needs Documentation
Priority Gap
Valid employment contract
Strong
Salary AED 15,000+/month
Strong
Occupational level 1–3 (MOHRE)
Strong
Undergraduate degree / equivalent
Strong
Document readiness
Needs Documentation
Qualification attestation
Priority Gap
79 Match

Promising entrepreneur profile

Your project shows technical and future focus. Financial documentation and an accredited incubator letter strengthen the case before submission.
Strong
Needs Documentation
Priority Gap
Project value (AED 500K+) / incubator letter
Strong
Technical / future focus
Needs Documentation
Business track record
Needs Documentation
Financial documentation
Needs Documentation
Category fit
Strong
Document readiness
Priority Gap
Illustrative model — your real assessment is run by a Global Mobility Expert.
Book a Call
Three Routes

UAE Green Visa categories & eligibility

There are three qualifying categories. The right one depends on whether you freelance, are employed or invest. We confirm the strongest fit on the assessment call.

Freelancers & Self-Employed

Category 1
Freelancer / self-employment permit from MOHRE. Undergraduate degree or diploma. Proof of annual income of AED 360,000 for the past 2 years, or proof of financial solvency.
MOHRE · Free Zone authority

Skilled Employees

Category 2
Valid employment contract. Salary of AED 15,000+/month with an undergraduate degree or equivalent. Occupational level 1, 2 or 3 per MOHRE classification.
MOHRE classification

Investors & Partners

Category 3
ICP approval on the investment per the investors' rating system. Proof of investment (total capital across all business licences). Approval from concerned local authorities.
Federal Authority (ICP) · local authority

Each category has its own evidence

The documents that matter differ by category — income proof, an employment contract or investment approval. We map exactly what you need on the call.
Find my route — Book an Assessment Call
Who Decides

How the Green Visa works

The Green Visa runs through a permit or contract, then the residence visa. Tech Nomads selects the right free zone where relevant, prepares the documentation and coordinates the application until your Emirates ID and visa are issued.
MOHRE
Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation — freelance / self-employment permits and the occupational-level classification for skilled employees.
UAE Free Zone authority
Issues the freelance licence and establishment card for the self-employed category, where relevant.
Federal Authority (ICP)
Approves the investment per the investors' rating system and coordinates the residence application.
GDRFA
General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs — handles entry permits, visa stamping and Emirates ID in the relevant emirate.
Tech Nomads is not a UAE government entity. We prepare and coordinate the permit, documentation and visa application; the authorities issue the licence, approval and residence.
Check Your EligibilityBook an Assessment Call
Official source
UAE.gov
Green Visa
MOHRE
Permits & classification
Deliverables

What Tech Nomads prepares

We prepare and coordinate everything needed to evidence your category and obtain the residence. You review and approve before anything is submitted.

Documentation

Document collection & preparation
Income / salary or investment proof structured
Qualification attestation guidance
Employment contract review (skilled route)

Permit & Licence

Free zone selection (self-employed)
Freelance permit / licence application
Establishment card
Investment approval coordination (investor)

Visa & Emirates ID

Visa application preparation & filing
Entry permit & appointment booking
Biometrics, medical & Emirates ID
Family visa applications

Liaison & QC

On-the-ground UAE government liaison
Health insurance coordination
Submission pack assembly
Quality-control review of all documents
Check Your EligibilityBook an Assessment CallSee pricing for this service ↓
Regulated Where It Matters

How the work is delivered

Case preparation, the permit or licence and the visa application are handled as non-regulated advisory and on-the-ground work by Tech Nomads LLC-FZ (Dubai). UK-regulated immigration legal work, where engaged on the Elite package, is handled by Tech Nomads Limited (IAA-regulated, London).

Permit ≠ Residence

The permit, contract or investment approval supports your case but does not itself grant residence. A separate visa application, medical, biometrics and Emirates ID complete the 5-year residence.
RESIDENCE VISA STAGE
Visa application preparation & filing
Entry permit processing
Appointment booking — biometrics & medical
Medical examination guidance
Emirates ID application & processing
Visa stamping
Family visa applications
On-the-ground UAE government liaison

Two service levels

Pro covers case preparation, the permit or licence and document structuring. Elite adds the full visa application, post-approval support and UK-regulated review where engaged.
Elite-specific
The Elite package adds visa application & filing, post-approval visa-stage management, family visa applications and UK-regulated support where engaged.
Discuss visa-stage support — Book a Call
Official source
UAE.gov
Residence visa & Emirates ID
Tech Nomads fees

Choose the level of support you need

Both service levels cover full case preparation and the permit or licence. Government fees are separate and paid directly to UAE authorities.
Pro — Endorsement Stage
Documentation, permit and licence prepared, ready for the visa stage.
Pricing shared on your assessment call
Document collection & preparation
Income / investment proof structuring
Free zone selection & permit application
Establishment card application
Health insurance coordination
On-the-ground UAE government liaison
QC review of all documents
Case preparation only — no regulated visa-stage representation.
Discuss My Case
Elite — Endorsement + Visa
Full service — case preparation, permit and visa processing included.
Pricing shared on your assessment call
Everything in Pro, plus:
Visa application preparation & filing
Immigration compliance documentation
Post-approval visa stage management
Emirates ID application & family visas
UK-regulated support where engaged
Recommended for clients who want end-to-end visa-stage support.
Discuss My Case
⭐ Recommended
Family add-on — dependants
Spouse & children — separate visa, Emirates ID & medical handled.
On call
Book an Assessment CallCheck Your Eligibility
All fees in GBP. Government fees are paid separately to UAE authorities. Final service scope is confirmed after assessment and depends on your category, free zone, case complexity, family members and whether regulated visa-stage support is required.
Official Costs

Government fees paid to UAE authorities

Government fees are not paid to Tech Nomads. They go directly to UAE government entities. Estimates below are per applicant and vary by emirate and category.
GOVERMENT FEE
ESTIMATED (USD)
NOTES

Visa fee

~AED 200 + 5% VAT
Paid upon visa submission

Knowledge + Innovation Dirham

AED 20
Government fees

Fee inside the country

AED 500
If applying from within the UAE

Emirates ID

Varies
Paid upon ID application

Medical examination

Varies
Paid at examination

Health insurance

Varies
Mandatory — depends on plan

Dependant fees

Per applicant
Varies by dependant type
Each dependant requires a separate visa, Emirates ID and medical exam. Fees can change — always check official UAE sources before payment.
Get a full cost breakdown on a call
Official source
UAE.gov
Golden Visa & fees
The Decision

What happens after your assessment call

After the call, a Processing Team specialist reviews your profile, evidence summary and the Global Mobility Expert's notes. This is an internal commercial review — Tech Nomads decides whether we can take the case forward, not whether you are eligible for the visa.
1
Assessment Call
30-minute call with a Global Mobility Expert.
2
Processing Team Review
Internal commercial review of your profile.
3
Decision
Shared within 1 working day.

Internal commercial decision types

ACCEPT

Ready for case preparation

Your profile appears ready. We move into documentation, permit and visa preparation.
CONDITIONAL

Gaps to close first

Income, contract or documentation gaps should be strengthened before preparation begins.
DECLINE

Not in a position to take it

We are not in a position to take the case at this time. We share what would need to change.
These outcomes describe whether Tech Nomads can commercially take the case. The eligibility decision rests with the UAE authorities and ICP.
Ready to start? Book an Assessment Call
The Process

Green Visa application process

The process runs across five stages from onboarding to visa issuance — documentation and permit first, then the residence visa.
01
Step 1

Initiation

Welcome call, profile review, category assessment and a document checklist.
02
Step 2

Document preparation

Document collection, income / salary proof, qualification attestation and employment contract, then QC review.
03
Step 3

Free zone & permit

Free zone selection, permit application and establishment card, with QC review and a summary call.
04
Step 4

Visa application

Application pack, online submission, entry permit and appointment booking, then QC review.
05
Step 5

Post-approval

Medical exam, biometrics, Emirates ID, visa stamping and family applications.

The licence is not the residence

The permit or contract supports your case; the residence visa is issued through the separate visa-application stage.
Start at Step 1 — Book an Assessment Call
Official source
UAE.gov
Golden Visa process & times
Why Us

Why prepare your case with Tech Nomads?

Document strategy
Free zone permit
UAE government liaison
Quality control
Official source
IAA
Check the UK register
Tech Nomads is a global mobility platform built for talented professionals and founders, specialised in UK, UAE and USA programmes. We combine document strategy, free zone permits and on-the-ground UAE liaison, with UK-regulated immigration support where required. We work with two offices — London and Dubai — and a team of 20+ from 12 countries.

1,000+ relocations supported

Professionals guided through UK, UAE and USA routes.

On-the-ground in Dubai

Free zone selection, permits and government liaison handled locally.

A dedicated case team

Case Leader, Caseworker, Compliance Manager and QC on every case.
Tech Nomads Group

Two entities. One group.

Tech Nomads LLC-FZ

Advisory Entity · Dubai, UAE

Non-regulated advisory & case preparation. Meydan Grandstand, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai.

Tech Nomads Limited

IAA Regulated · London, UK

UK immigration law firm · Licence F202200044. 30 Churchill Place, London.

Check Your EligibilityBook an Assessment Call

Build your UAE network with Tech Nomads Club

Relocation is not only paperwork. Join a curated global community for expert talks, founder firesides, pitch days, networking and practical relocation conversations.
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Free to join · Application-based · Built for people creating across borders.
Verify Everything

Official UAE government sources

Verify everything against primary sources. These are the official UAE resources for the Golden Visa talent route. Tech Nomads is not affiliated with any of these entities.
UAE.gov

Green Visa — Overview & Eligibility

u.ae
MOHRE

Permits & Occupational Classification

mohre.gov.ae
ICP

Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship

icp.gov.ae
UAE.gov

Emirates ID — How It Works

u.ae
UAE.gov

Self-Employment & Freelancing

u.ae
Dubai DET

Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism

det.gov.ae
Always check official sources before any payment, document submission or application decision. Government fees, processing times and eligibility criteria can change.
Check Your EligibilityBook an Assessment Call
FAQ

Green Visa FAQs

Each answer reflects official UAE Green Visa guidance.
Book an Assessment Call

Who is eligible for the Green Visa?

Three categories: freelancers and self-employed professionals (MOHRE permit, degree, income or solvency), skilled employees (valid contract, salary AED 15,000+/month, occupational level 1–3) and investors or partners (ICP-approved investment).

How is the Green Visa different from the Golden Visa?

The Green Visa is a 5-year, self-sponsored residence, while the Golden Visa is 10 years. The Green Visa has accessible criteria for freelancers and skilled employees and is a strong route for those who don't yet meet Golden Visa thresholds.

What income or salary do I need?

Freelancers generally show annual income of AED 360,000 for the past two years (or financial solvency). Skilled employees need a salary of AED 15,000+/month with a relevant qualification and occupational level 1–3.

Do I need a sponsor?

No. The Green Visa is self-sponsored, so it is not tied to a specific employer. Skilled employees qualify through their contract and salary level rather than employer sponsorship of the residence itself.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Spouses and children of any age can be sponsored under your visa. Each dependant requires a separate visa, Emirates ID and medical examination.

Is there a grace period?

Yes. The Green Visa includes a six-month grace period after expiry or cancellation to arrange your affairs — more time than a standard work visa.

How much does it cost?

Tech Nomads fees are confirmed on your assessment call and depend on your category, case complexity and whether you choose the Pro (case preparation) or Elite (case prep plus visa stage) package. Government fees are separate and paid directly to UAE authorities, including the visa fee (around AED 200 + 5% VAT), Emirates ID, medical and mandatory health insurance.

Tech Nomads fees are confirmed on your assessment call and depend on your category, case complexity and whether you choose the Pro (case preparation) or Elite (case prep plus visa stage) package. Government fees are separate and paid directly to UAE authorities, including the visa fee (around AED 200 + 5% VAT), Emirates ID, medical and mandatory health insurance.

The Green Visa is a 5-year residence permit, renewable upon expiry through a straightforward process rather than re-applying from scratch.

Find out if you qualify for the UAE Green Visa

If you are a freelancer, skilled professional or investor partner considering the UAE, the first step is a 30-minute call with our Global Mobility Expert. We will confirm your category, the documents needed and what case preparation would look like — so you can decide whether to proceed.
Check Your EligibilityBook an Assessment Call
Assessment calls are commercial conversations, not regulated immigration advice. UAE case preparation is non-regulated advisory work by Tech Nomads LLC-FZ; UK-regulated immigration work, where engaged, is provided by Tech Nomads Limited (IAA-regulated).

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