Key takeaways
- The Golden Visa lasts 5 or 10 years, depending on the category.
- The Green Visa lasts 5 years and is for skilled workers, freelancers and investors.
- A skilled worker on the Green Visa needs a bachelor's degree and a salary of at least AED 15,000 a month.
- Neither visa is tied to an employer sponsor.
| Golden Visa | Green Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 or 10 years | 5 years, renewable |
| Sponsor | Not needed | Self-sponsored |
| Who | Investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talent, outstanding students and others | Skilled workers, freelancers, investors and business partners |
| Family | Spouse and children | Spouse and children, under approved requirements |
Golden Visa categories
- Investors: minimum capital of AED 2 million, with property or a stake in a company meeting the stated conditions.
- Entrepreneurs: proof of an innovative project and a letter from an incubator or authority.
- Exceptional talent: category-specific proof, such as recommendation letters or accredited degrees.
- Outstanding students: certificates of excellence.
Green Visa categories
- Skilled workers: a valid employment contract, a bachelor's degree or higher, professional levels 1 to 3 and a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000.
- Freelancers: a freelance permit, a degree or specialised diploma, and income of at least AED 360,000 in each of the previous two years.
- Investors and business partners: proof of investment and the necessary licences.
Check the Golden Visa
A free estimate of your position.
General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules, fees and thresholds change; we confirm what applies at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the UAE Golden Visa valid?
5 or 10 years, depending on the category. Public investments and most talent categories get 10 years.
How long is the UAE Green Visa valid?
Five years, renewable, and it lets you live and work without a sponsor.
What salary do I need for the Green Visa?
For skilled workers, at least AED 15,000 a month, plus a bachelor's degree and the right professional level.
Can I sponsor my family?
Holders can sponsor a spouse and children under the approved requirements.
Official sources
General information only, current at the date shown. It is not immigration advice for your circumstances. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.
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Who will assist you
Sumit Kumar
Chartered Accountant & Australian Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1803385
I migrated from India to Melbourne as a skilled migrant in 2005 and became an Australian citizen in 2010, so I know first-hand what it takes to rebuild a career and a life in a new country — the paperwork and the waiting, and also the job search, the loneliness and the pressure of starting over far from home. Since 2013 I have advised individuals, families and businesses on migration and cross-border moves, combining migration casework with a Chartered Accountant's view of tax, funds and business structure.
