Does the Green Visa mean the same as the conventional work visa?

No. The classical work visa (received 2 or 3 years) is closely dependent on the sponsoring employer. The Green Visa (5 years) to skilled workers is a self-sponsorship visa which is more flexible and does not as much rely on one employer.

What is the Degree equivalency certificate UAE?

This certificate will ensure that your foreign degree is equivalent to that of the UAE. Once the document attestation process is completed it is usually done through the MoHRE.

What is the duration of the Residency Visa renewal UAE?

The Green Visa to Skilled Workers can be renewed after five more years on fulfilling the same eligibility requirements (salary, skill level, etc.) during the renewal of the visa.

Does this visa permit me to work in Abu Dhabi but live in Dubai?

Yes. Green Visa is on the federal level and does not depend on the Emirate, but on the administrative procedures (such as the Medical Test) performed at the Emirate level.

UAE Skilled Worker Visa Full Application Details

UAE Skilled Worker Visa which in the first place was made possible by the flexible Green Visa program is one of the most drastic changes in the Emirates residency arrangement. It provides international talent of the highest caliber with unprecedented autonomy, stability and mobility. Contrary to the conventional Employment Contract visa whereby Employer Sponsorship is a mandatory requirement, the Green Visa permits competent Skilled Employees to sponsor themselves to stay a maximum of five years.

Knowing the UAE Green Visa to Skilled Workers

The Green Visa UAE policies apply to highly qualified professionals who earn a good amount of money. It is a residency program that is renewable over 5 years to attract and retain expert global talent.

Key Eligibility Factors

Applicants have to fulfill some rigid requirements of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the Federal Authority of Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to obtain the Skilled Employee Residence Permit UAE under the category of Green Visa.

Education: A Bachelor degree requirement UAE visa or any other specialized diploma is a requirement.
Occupational Classification: You have to fall under the Tier 1, 2 or 3 Skilled Worker classification based on the occupational levels at MoHRE. These are managers, specialists, engineers, scientists, and technicians.
E-A-T: E-A-T is improved with the introduction of the official governmental classification terms ( Occupational Levels UAE ), as well as the official bodies, such as MoHRE and ICP.
Salary: The Minimum monthly wage UAE qualified laborer should be AED 15,000 or its equivalent in a foreign currency. This makes the visa select high value contributors.
Employment: You need to be a holder of a Valid Employment Contract of a company or free zone entity based in the UAE.

Step-by-Step Application Process in Skilled Worker Green Visa

The process of application is usually done electronically through the official site of the ICP or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) where the Dubai Skilled Worker Visa applications are offered.

Pre-Application and Preparation

Job confirmation: Check and confirm that your existing or proposed Skilled Worker employment offer UAE is at least the required AED 15,000 minimum salary and is categorized properly in the MoHRE Levels 1, 2, or 3.
Document Attestation: It is the most important step. Every educational certificate (Bachelor, Master, and others) should go through Educational Certificate Attestation UAE of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the home country and the UAE Embassy and then the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
PCC: Get a PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) of your home country to the UAE work visa. There are also some applicants who might be asked to produce a Good Conduct Certificate UAE.

Online Submission

Access Portal: Sign in to the official ICP Smart Services portal (or GDRFA portal to Dubai applications) with your UAE Pass.
Service Selection: Find and start the service Issuance of a Green Residence Permit (High Skilled Worker).
Data Entry: Complete the application form with the personal information, passport information (compliant with Passport validity requirements UAE of at least 6 months) and the employment information.
Upload Documents: Upload the necessary UAE visa required Notarized documents such as attested degree, copy of passport, MoHRE permit/employment contract.
Payment of Fees: Pay the required fees. The issuance of the Green Visa costs about AED 200 not to mention a number of knowledge, innovation and service fee.

Post-Approval and Final Residency

Entry Permit: On initial approval, an Entry Permit of 60 days or a multi-entry permit to enter the UAE will be issued to you provided that you are an international applicant.
Medical Screening: In the UAE, a compulsory Medical Fitness Test Dubai / Abu Dhabi is needed at an approved government healthcare facility, to test communicable diseases.
Biometrics/ID: Complete and apply to the Emirates ID application by using the biometrics. The first document used to determine residency is Emirates ID.
Visa Stamping/Digital Endorsement The last Visa Stamping process UAE (which has now been digitized to a large extent, as associated with the Emirates ID) is done. Now you are a resident.

Green Visa Advantages and Family Sponsorship

The improved Family sponsorship UAE Green Visa rights are among the most appealing advantages of the Green Visa as they provide more stability to the expatriate families.

Self-Sponsorship: The original holder is self-sponsored so that they can change jobs during the 5-year period without making any difference to his or her residency as contrasted to the former visas, which were bound to a single employer.
Dependents: The holder of the Green Visa has an option to obtain Dependent visa of skilled workers UAE in favor of his or her spouse and children, and boys could be sponsored until the age of 25 (which is much longer than the former rule).
Grace Period: In case of any cancellation of your job or visa, Green Visa does offer you a grace period of 6 months in the UAE where you can have plenty of time to find another job or arrange the exit.

FAQs

Does the Green Visa mean the same as the conventional work visa?

No. The classical work visa (received 2 or 3 years) is closely dependent on the sponsoring employer. The Green Visa (5 years) to skilled workers is a self-sponsorship visa which is more flexible and does not as much rely on one employer.
What is the Degree equivalency certificate UAE?

This certificate will ensure that your foreign degree is equivalent to that of the UAE. Once the document attestation process is completed it is usually done through the MoHRE.
What is the duration of the Residency Visa renewal UAE?

The Green Visa to Skilled Workers can be renewed after five more years on fulfilling the same eligibility requirements (salary, skill level, etc.) during the renewal of the visa.
Does this visa permit me to work in Abu Dhabi but live in Dubai?

Yes. Green Visa is on the federal level and does not depend on the Emirate, but on the administrative procedures (such as the Medical Test) performed at the Emirate level.

Final Thoughts

The UAE Skilled Worker Visa program that hinges on the flexibility of the Green Visa is a definite indication that the Emirates is keen on attracting and retaining the best international talent. It offers the safety of a long term Residency Visa as well as the flexibility and freedom that contemporary professionals expect.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. The regulatory environment for UAE visas and residency permits is subject to change by official government bodies, including the ICP and MoHRE. Readers are advised to verify all application details, fees, and requirements from the official government portals of the UAE before making any financial or relocation decisions.