All You Need to Know About The 'Green' and 'Freelance' Visa in UAE

UAE ministers have made a series of announcements as they unveil the 50 new national development projects as part of the Year of the 50th celebrations. Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, unveiled two new visas - 'Green' and 'Freelance' at the press briefing on Sunday,

Green visas will be granted to "entrepreneurs and pioneers, among other professions", who will be able to sponsor their sons until the age of 25 and parents.

Once expired, holders have a 90-180 days grace period.

Zeyoudi said the green visa is not linked to companies. Usually, after people lose their jobs, their visas are cancelled and they have a grace period of 30 days to exit the country. That will be extended to 90-180 days.

Meanwhile, freelance visas will be granted to owners of independent businesses or self-employed individuals.

The ambitious scheme was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, last week.

The UAE has previously announced a plan to grant visas of five to 10 years to wealthy property investors, entrepreneurs and “specialized talents and researchers.”