What is the difference between a golden UAE visa and a green visa, and how can a freelancer move to Dubai?

Let's explore what opportunities there are for obtaining a visa for a freelancer, entrepreneur and IT specialist.

UAE Golden Visa

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced the launch in 2019 of the Golden Visa, which gives some residents long-term residence rights for up to 5 or 10 years. This program targets investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talents, including students, doctors, scientists, researchers, lawyers, and artists.

Individuals in the investor category are eligible to apply for a golden visa in accordance with the requirements set by the government for the type and amount of investment. Those eligible for a Golden Visa under this category are mainly investors who make a public investment of at least AED 10 million (about USD 2.7 million) or a deposit of at least AED 10 million in an investment fund in the UAE. The right applies to persons who create or enter into partnerships with a company in the UAE with a capital of at least AED 10 million, provided that investments in sectors other than real estate account for at least 60% of the total investment. Likewise, investments must be kept for at least three years and are not subject to credit.

Investors in real estate in the UAE have the right to obtain a visa for 5 years. The value of the property must be at least AED 5 million (about US $1.3 million). The amount invested in real estate must not be leased and the property must be owned for three years.

Entrepreneurs leading a project with a capital of at least AED 500,000 (USD 136,000), or who have received approval from one of the UAE business incubators, can also apply for a UAE Golden Visa for 5 years.

In addition, to obtain a visa from individuals with special talents, it is required to confirm a high level of accreditation in the field in which they specialize. The golden visa applies to spouses and children, as well as business partners and consultants.

The main purpose of the Golden Visa is to provide safe living in the UAE for talented ex-pats and investors who continually contribute to the economic and social development of the UAE.

UAE Green Visa

On September 5, the UAE government announced a new visa category - "Green Visa". The Green Visa also targets skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students and talented alumni, but how is it different from the Golden Visa?

First, a green visa will allow foreign residents to sponsor their parents and sons under 25, as opposed to the traditional rule that a parent can only sponsor sons under 18. In addition, the Green Visa will not be linked to a work permit and this will allow those whose visa has expired or those who have lost their jobs to stay in the UAE for 180 days, compared to a general grace period of 30 days, this is considered an important incentive. Since most visas are tied to employment. It is emphasized that the Golden Visa and the Green Visa complement each other.

Freelance visa

An additional visa category has also been announced called "Visa for Freelancers", which makes it easier for self-employed persons without obtaining work permits and employment contracts; this category is aimed at attracting specialists and professionals to modern sectors of the economy. Previously, this type of visa could be issued through various free zones, but now freelancers can get a visa directly from the state. With the new visa system, the UAE is supporting both the family and the economy. Residents can now go through a comprehensive path from entering the country to obtaining a long-term Golden Visa. The system aims to attract more talent and investment from around the world to pursue its economic development plans through the 50 Projects campaign dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the UAE, as conceived by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The specialists of our company accompany the obtaining of all types of UAE visas for our clients. Leave a request on the website and we will advise you which version of the UAE visa is best for you.