UAE Green Visa rumours squashed: freelancers welcome just with more scrutiny
Contrary to rumours, the UAE is not scrapping the green visa, which allows foreign freelancers to live and work income-tax free.
As reported by Emarat Al Youm, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, said the green visa is still going strong.
However, a tightening of the application process has been implemented to prevent the misuse or trading of visas. The UAE government has ensured the new rules are not being brought in to make the process harder for legitimate candidates who plan on using the system legally.
Started in September 2021, the UAE Green Visa has remained an appeal for freelancers and remote workers looking to establish themselves in an international hub.
Foreign freelancers under the green visa do no pay personal income tax, which means that salaries, freelance income, or business earnings are generally tax-free for Green Visa holders. However, there are other taxes you may have to pay, so please do not go in blindly.
According to Citizen Remote, there are some important tax considerations:
- “Value-Added Tax (VAT): If you operate a freelance business or provide services in the UAE and your annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000 (~USD 102,000), you are required to register for VAT and collect it from clients according to UAE law. This applies regardless of your visa type.
- Corporate Taxes: If your self-employment is structured as a company or registered entity, certain corporate taxes may apply depending on your business structure and activities. The UAE has recently implemented a 9% corporate tax on business profits above AED 375,000 (~USD 102,000), but freelancers may be exempt if operating solely as individuals without a registered company.
- International Tax Obligations: Green Visa holders should also consider tax obligations in their home country, especially if they maintain residency or earn income there. Many countries tax global income, so consulting with a tax advisor is recommended.
- Other Indirect Taxes: Import duties, municipality fees, and service charges may apply for certain activities, but these are separate from personal income tax and usually specific to business or property transactions.”
You don’t need a sponsor to get a green visa in the UAE
The Green Visa is a self-sponsored residence permit designed to make it easier for skilled professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to live and work in the UAE without the need for a local employer or sponsor. According to the government, “the permit, once granted, is renewable for an additional similar period or periods under the same conditions as when it was first issued.”
For freelancers, this allows them to legally work with clients both within and outside the UAE while also providing the freedom to manage multiple projects at a time. Often, this is not the case in other nomad visa markets such as Spain or the EU.
Applicants typically need to demonstrate relevant qualifications or experience in their field, as well as a freelance or self-employment permit from the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Time to get your green visa typically takes 2–6 weeks, depending on document completeness, medical fitness test, and processing through the ICP or GDRFA portals.
What you’ll need to apply for the UAE green visa
1. A passport copy must be valid for at least 6 months.
2. A permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
3. An employment contract if the establishment is governmental, semi-governmental or from free zones.
You can apply online via the website/smart application:
1. Log in to the smart services system through (UAE Pass or username).
2. Search for the service to be applied for.
3. Fill in the application data, where applicable.
4. Pay the service fee (if any).
Fees for the UAE green visa
Residence permit fee: AED200
Extra charges
Knowledge Dirham: AED10
Innovation Dirham: AED10
Fee inside the country: AED500
Delivery: 20 Dirhams
The issuance fee increases by AED100 annually whenever the residency is over two years.
Other ways to apply include visiting a Customer Happiness Centre:
1) Get the automated turn ticket and wait.
2) Submit the application that fulfils all conditions and documents (if any) to the customer service employee.
3) Pay the service fee (if any)
Or an Amer Service Centre:
1. Visit the nearest Amer Service Centre.
2. Get the automated turn ticket and wait. (“Issuance of a green visa (self-employment)”)
3. Submitting the application that fulfils all conditions and documents (if any) to the customer service employee
4. Pay the service fee (if any).
Once approved, the visa grants residency for up to five years, with the added benefit of enabling holders to sponsor their family members.
However, those wishing to obtain a Green Residence permit for the self-employment category are advised not to cancel their current residence, if any, before obtaining a Green Residence permit for the self-employment category issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
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