A residence visa for work or Green Visa for Work allows foreigners to live and work legally in the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. This visa is typically sponsored by a UAE-based employer or obtained through new visa options like the Green Visa or Job Seeker Visa.
| Visa Type | Description | Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | Standard work visa sponsored by a company | Company |
| Green Visa | 5-year visa for skilled workers, freelancers, investors | Self-sponsored |
| Job Seeker Visa | Short-term visa to find a job | No sponsor |
| Golden Visa | Long-term visa for top talent or investors | Self-sponsored |
What is the UAE’s Green visa?
The UAE’s Green visa is a type of residence visa, that allows its holder to sponsor himself/herself for 5 years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor his/her visa.
Who can apply for a Green visa?
Freelancers, self-employed and skilled employees can apply for a Green visa.
1-Freelancers and/or self-employed people
Freelancers and/or self-employed people who wish to apply for a Green visa need to submit:
- a freelance/self-employment permit from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma
- evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to not less than AED 360,000, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
2-Skilled employees
To apply for a Green visa, skilled employees must:
- have a valid employment contract
- be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- hold a minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- have a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month.
Renewing the visa
The visa is renewable for the same term upon its expiry.
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For more information on the Green visa, contact:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
Standard work visa
A foreigner can get a normal employment visa, usually for two years, if he/she is:
- Employed in the private sector
- Apply for a residency visa for a person working in the private sector – GDRFAD Dubai
- Employed in the government sector or a free zone
- Apply for a residency visa for an individual in (free zone) – GDRFAD Dubai
The employer must apply for the standard residence visa
📋 Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants
- Must have a job offer or valid contract from a UAE-based company (except Green or Job Seeker Visa)
- Age: 18–60 years
- MOHRE Skill Level: Level 1–3 preferred
- Must pass medical test in UAE
- Must not have a criminal record
- Must have educational qualifications relevant to job
🧾 Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for 6+ months |
| UAE Visa Application Form | Filled and signed |
| Passport Photos | White background |
| Employment Contract | Attested by MOHRE |
| Academic Degrees | Attested by HEC + MOFA Pakistan |
| Police Clearance | From Pakistan |
| Entry Permit | Provided by employer (if sponsored) |
| Emirates ID Application | After arrival |
| Medical Report | Done in UAE |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory |
💰 UAE Residence Visa Costs (2025 Estimate)
| Item | Cost (AED) | Cost (PKR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Permit | 500–1,000 AED | 38,000–75,000 PKR |
| Medical Test | 300–700 AED | 22,000–52,000 PKR |
| Emirates ID | 370–1,100 AED | 28,000–83,000 PKR |
| Visa Stamping | 500–800 AED | 38,000–60,000 PKR |
💡 Note: Costs may vary based on visa type and emirate.
🔁 Step-by-Step Application Process
✅ Step 1: Get a Job Offer
You must secure a job in the UAE (unless applying for self-sponsored visa).
✅ Step 2: Employer Applies for Entry Permit
The employer applies for your employment entry permit through:
- ICP Portal (Federal)
- GDRFA (for Dubai visa)
✅ Step 3: Travel to UAE
After receiving the entry permit, you can travel to the UAE legally.
✅ Step 4: Complete Medical Tests
Go to a certified UAE medical center for blood test and chest X-ray.
✅ Step 5: Apply for Emirates ID
Register biometric data and apply for your Emirates ID at ICP or authorized centers.
✅ Step 6: Visa Stamping on Passport
Once cleared, your residence visa is stamped on your passport.
✅ Step 7: Start Working Legally
You can now begin working with full legal rights under UAE Labor Law.
🏠 Family Sponsorship
Once you get a residence visa, you can sponsor your family (spouse, children, parents) if:
- You earn at least AED 4,000–10,000/month
- You provide accommodation
- You hold a valid Emirates ID
📌 Validity & Renewal
- Employment Visa: 2 years (renewable)
- Green Visa: 5 years (renewable)
- Golden Visa: 10 years (renewable)
- Renewal: Must be done 30 days before expiry
❌ UAE Visa Rejection Reasons
- Incomplete or fake documents
- Criminal record
- Overstayed previous UAE visa
- Invalid sponsor/employer
- Failed medical test
✅ Benefits of a UAE Residence Visa
- Legal stay in the UAE
- Access to banking, housing, and medical services
- Eligible for UAE driving license
- Can sponsor family
- Multiple re-entry without issues
