UAE Green Visa vs Golden Visa: Two Long-Term Residency Paths for Professionals and Investors
February 8, 2026
The UAE provides two main long-term residency options for professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs: the Green Visa and the Golden Visa. Both visas allow people to live and work in the UAE without relying on a local employer. The Green Visa gives a renewable five-year permit primarily for skilled workers, freelancers, and mid-level investors. Applicants must meet salary or investment criteria, such as earning a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000 or investing AED 1,000,000 in a UAE business. It allows holders to sponsor themselves without needing a sponsor company or national. To apply, applicants submit documents like passport, degree, and proof of income through UAE government portals. The Golden Visa, launched in 2019, targets high-value investors, entrepreneurs, top professionals, and outstanding students. Residency lasts five or ten years and is renewable. Investors must invest at least AED 2 million or own property of similar value. Entrepreneurs must lead innovative projects worth at least AED 500,000. The Golden Visa offers family sponsorship and lets holders travel freely without strict stay requirements. Applications are also done online via official UAE platforms with required documents and fees. In short, the Green Visa fits those seeking medium-term independence and stability, while the Golden Visa suits those planning long-term settlement with extra benefits and fewer restrictions.
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Tags:
Uae
Green Visa
Golden Visa
Residency
Investors
Professionals
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