Green Residency is a program organized by the United Arab Emirates that aims to attract distinguished talents and specialists to the UAE labor market by providing a long-term residency system for investors and talents. The Green Residency aims to enhance the business and innovation environment in the country by offering a range of privileges to residents, including residency facilities and frequent extensions. This system is characterized by facilitating residency and innovation procedures, which enhances the attractiveness of the Emirates as a global center for talent and investment. We will review many details on how to obtain residencies and what is the Green Residency in the Emirates

Green Residency is a type of long-term residency offered by the United Arab Emirates, designed to attract high-skilled talent, professionals and investors to the country. The Green Residency system has several key aspects:
- Length of stay: Green Residence provides a renewable residence permit, usually for a period of 5 years, renewable.
- Flexible terms: The program includes multiple categories such as investors, entrepreneurs, specialists, and highly skilled workers.
- Additional benefits: The program offers benefits such as ease of presence and residence in the country, access to advanced government services, and the ability to apply for visas for family members. The green residency aims to support economic growth by attracting bright minds and investors, and enhancing the business and innovation environment in the UAE.
Steps to obtain green residency to establish companies in Dubai
To obtain the green residency for company formation in Dubai , specific steps must be followed to ensure that all requirements are met. Here are the main steps:
- Determine the appropriate category: Check the categories eligible for green residency, such as investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and highly skilled workers.
- Prepare documents: Gather the required documents such as passport, personal photos, company registration certificate, and business plan.
- Submitting the application: Submit the green residency application through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website or through approved service offices.
- Passing the medical examination: After submitting the application, you will need to undergo a medical examination at one of the approved centers.
- Obtaining the permit: Once your application is approved, you will receive your Green Card.
- Receiving your residence card: After completing all the procedures and checks, you can receive your green residence card.
Make sure to follow all steps carefully and contact the relevant authorities for the latest information and updates on procedures and requirements.
Documents required to obtain a green residency in the Emirates
To obtain a green residency in the UAE, you need to submit a set of basic documents. The requirements may vary slightly depending on the category you are applying for, but usually include the following documents:
- Passport: A valid, coloured copy of your passport.
- Personal Photos: A number of recent personal photos, according to the specified criteria.
- Valid Entry Visa: A copy of your UAE entry visa if you are inside the country.
- Company Registration Certificate: Documents proving the company’s registration in the UAE, including the certificate of incorporation or trade license.
- Business plan: A detailed business plan for the company, showing its activity and objectives.
- Lease Contract: A copy of the lease contract for the company’s office or business premises.
- Health Insurance: Health insurance documents, if required.
- Professional Certificates: Your experience certificates or academic qualifications, if relevant.
- Proof of income: Documents that prove financial ability such as a bank statement or financial reports.
- Residence application: Green Residence application form, which can be obtained from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or submitted via the electronic platform.
You may also need to submit additional documents depending on the type of green residency you are applying for (such as an investor or entrepreneur residency). Be sure to check the requirements for each category via the official authorities for a complete and up-to-date list.
The importance of green residency in the Emirates
Green residency in the UAE is of great importance for several reasons, including:
- Attracting global talent: Green residency helps attract professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs from all over the world when they want to establish companies in Dubai , enhancing the diversity of skills and expertise in the UAE market.
- Promoting innovation and economic growth: By providing long-term residency, green residency encourages innovation and investment in new projects, supporting economic growth and enhancing the country’s entrepreneurial environment.
- Providing long-term stability: Green residency provides individuals and their families with long-term stability, helping them better plan their lives and contribute effectively to society.
- Facilitating administrative procedures: Green residency facilitates the procedures for obtaining licenses and visas, which reduces bureaucracy and contributes to accelerating the process of establishing and managing businesses.
- Encouraging foreign investment: Green residency provides incentives to foreign investors, enhancing the UAE’s attractiveness as an investment destination and supporting sustainable economic development.
- Improving Quality of Life: Green residency allows individuals to benefit from advantages such as advanced health and education services, enhancing their quality of life in the UAE.
- Support for families: Green residency holders can bring their family members, allowing them to settle and live with their families in the UAE. Thus, the green residency contributes to strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for business and investment, which benefits the local economy and society.
Who is eligible for green residency?
The validity period of the green residency in the UAE is five years. Green residency holders can renew it after this period, provided that they meet the conditions and requirements specified by the relevant authorities. This residency provides long-term stability for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals who wish to invest in Dubai , which contributes to supporting economic growth and innovation in the country. Those eligible for the green residency in the UAE include the following categories:
- Investors: Individuals who invest in projects or companies in the UAE, and own a significant stake in those projects.
- Entrepreneurs: People who run start-ups or innovative companies, and have clear business plans that lead to growth and development.
- Specialists: Individuals who possess skills or expertise in specific fields that the UAE considers to be of strategic value, such as science, technology, medicine, and engineering.
- Highly skilled workers: Workers in jobs with special skills that require higher education or distinguished professional experience, such as executives, engineers, and doctors.
- Family members of Green Residence holders: Green Residence holders can bring their family members under specific conditions.
The Green Residence aims to attract these individuals to support economic development and foster innovation in the UAE, while providing benefits such as long-term stability and the possibility of renewing the residence.
Possibility of converting the green residence to another type of residence
The green residency can be converted to another type of residency in the UAE to establish a company in Dubai if the person’s circumstances or needs change. For example:
- Long-term residency: Green residency holders can convert to long-term residency, such as gold residency, if they qualify based on new criteria.
- Family Residence: Green Card holders can adjust their status to suit their family’s needs or renew based on changes in family status.
- Residence based on an employment contract: It is possible to transfer to another type of residence based on a new employment contract or a change in the type of business activity.
- Residence based on new business activity: If a Green Card holder changes their business activity, they may need to adjust their residence type to suit the new activity.
- It is important to follow the laws and regulations related to residency in the UAE and contact the official authorities or a legal consultant to obtain appropriate advice on transferring residencies and meeting the requirements.
In conclusion, the UAE Green Residency is an important strategic step towards enhancing the business environment and attracting global talent to the country. By offering multiple benefits such as long-term stability, facilitating administrative procedures, and supporting innovation and investment, the Green Residency enhances the UAE’s attractiveness as a global business hub. This initiative contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and boosts economic growth, which benefits the local community and the national economy. By providing a supportive environment for investors and professionals, the Green Residency reflects the UAE’s commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for individuals and companies alike, contributing to the country’s future vision as a global hub for innovation and development.