UAE: Golden Visa vs. Green Visa: What’s the difference?

The UAE is preparing to implement a new immigration system starting on October 3 that includes, among other visa alternatives, the Green Visa.

But what distinguishes this visa from the Golden Visa? There are notable similarities and differences between the two visa systems, despite the fact that both provide residents of the UAE with residency alternatives.

For example, a resident may sponsor himself or herself under the terms of a Golden or Green Visa without the assistance of a business (such as employment). Self-sponsorship is the term used for this. In addition, in contrast to the typical two- or three-year resident visas, both of these visas provide alternatives for a long-term stay.

The length of each visa, the requirements for eligibility, and the rewards are what differentiate them, though. What you need to know about the Green Visa and Golden Visa is put out here.

Green Visa

Duration

5 years

Benefits

1. A five-year residency permit in the UAE.
2. Self-sponsorship.
3. You can sponsor first-degree relatives.
4. Six-month grace period after visa cancellation or expiry.

Eligibility

The Green Visa is open to these three categories, per the decision made by the UAE Cabinet in April of this year:

1. Green Residence for freelancers (self-employment)

• The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization must issue the applicant with a freelance/self-employment permit (MOHRE).
• A bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma should be the minimum need for education.
• The applicant must demonstrate that they will be financially stable during their stay in the nation, or their self-employment income for the past two years cannot have been less than Dh360,000.

2. Green Residence for skilled employees

• Candidates must have a current job contract.
• In accordance with MOHRE, they should be categorized at the first, second, or third occupational level.
• A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is the minimum requirement for education.
• A salary of at least 15,000 dirhams is required.

3. Five-year Green Residence for investors and partners

• The holder of the Green Residency will not need a sponsor in this category either.

How does one apply for the Green Visa?

The Green Visa will start to take effect on October 3 along with the other new visas that the authorities have announced. The authorities are anticipated to release information on the application process.

Golden Visa

Duration

10 years

Benefits

According to the updates made public on April 18 of this year, the Golden Visa has the following advantages:

• Sponsor family members, including partners, kids, and helpers, without any limits.
• The Golden Residency can be used for an unlimited amount of time outside of the United Arab Emirates.
• While the applicant continues with the resident visa issuing process, an e-visa good for six months will be granted.
• In the case that the original Golden Visa holder passes away, family members may remain in the UAE until the expiration of their visa.
• There is no need for a sponsor or employer.

Eligibility

The following additional categories are now eligible under the revised Golden Visa programme:

1. Investors:

• Public investment
• Real estate investment

2. Entrepreneurs:

• Those who run legally recognised startups
• Those that have a startup idea that has been approved
• Former founders of an effective start-up that was sold inside or outside of the UAE

3. Exceptional talents in the fields of:

• Culture and art
• Investors and innovators
• Sports
• Digital technology
• Other vital fields

4. Scientists and professionals

• Scientists
• Chief executives and senior officials
• Science professionals
• Engineering professionals
• Health professionals
• Education professionals
• Business and Administration professionals
• Information technology professionals
• Legal, social and cultural professionals

5. Outstanding students and graduates

• Best performing students in secondary schools
• Best graduates from UAE universities
• Graduates of best 100 universities worldwide

6. Humanitarian pioneers

• Distinguished members of international and regional organisations
• Outstanding members of associations of public benefits
• Recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields
• Distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts

7. Frontline heroes

• Frontline workers who made extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic

How does one apply for a Golden Visa?

If you fit into any of the following categories, you can apply for a Golden Visa by:

1. An Amer centre in Dubai.  On behalf of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Amer centres handle visa processing.
2. the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security’s (ICP) centre for customer satisfaction in other Emirates. To begin the procedure, just stop by the centre with your passport and information about your job or investment.

Also Read: Visit Dubai frequently? How to apply for a multiple entry visa