Golden Visa at a Glance

The Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residency. It covers investors with AED 2 million in property or equity, specialised talent earning AED 30,000 or more a month, entrepreneurs with AED 500,000 projects, and qualifying students, nurses, teachers, and content creators. No sponsor, no employer tie, and it extends to family members.

Green Visa at a Glance

The Green Visa is a 5-year residency aimed at a different audience: skilled workers earning AED 15,000 or more a month, freelance workers, and investors. It also removes the sponsor requirement, which is the key break from the traditional two-year employment visa. It is the practical entry point for professionals who are not yet at Golden Visa investment levels.

• • Skilled workers earning AED 15,000+ per month
• • Freelancers and self-employed with valid permits
• • Investors below the AED 2 million Golden threshold
• • 5-year duration, renewable

Comparing Costs, Family, and Renewal

Golden Visa fees run roughly AED 2,800-4,000 with a 10-year term; Green Visa fees are lower with a 5-year term. Both allow family sponsorship. Renewal is simpler under both schemes than the standard employment visa, and neither requires an employer's signature at renewal.

• • Golden: 10 years, AED 2.8K-4K fees, investor/talent categories
• • Green: 5 years, skilled worker or freelance categories
• • Both: no sponsor, family sponsorship included
• • Both: renewable while you keep qualifying

Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Golden Visa if you hold AED 2 million in property or equity, earn AED 30,000+ monthly, or qualify through the professional categories. Choose the Green Visa if you are a skilled professional or freelancer earning AED 15,000+ and want sponsor-free residency without a large investment. You can upgrade from Green to Golden later if your circumstances change - an immigration consultant in Dubai can map the upgrade path against your current contract and asset position.