UAE — Work (5-year green visa (skilled employee or freelancer))

Current status for Iranians (most important)

As of October 2026 this route is effectively closed to anyone applying from Iran on an Iranian passport. The UAE embassy in Tehran has been closed since 1 March 2026; travel agents report that new UAE entry permits for Iranians have been on hold since mid-March; from 1 April 2026 UAE airlines announced that Iranian nationals may not enter or transit, except a few groups such as Golden Visa holders and spouses/children of Emirati citizens; and many Iranians abroad reported their residence visas being cancelled. On 2 April the UAE foreign ministry rejected 'inaccurate' media claims about the residency status of the Iranian community, but said nothing about new visas. A travel site updated on 7 September 2026 says it can no longer verify a blanket entry ban, yet as of mid-October 2026 we found no official ICP, GDRFA or MoFA announcement that visas for Iranians have reopened.

On 19 August 2026 the UAE halted all trade, commercial exchange and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, and on 23 September 2026 the Central Bank barred Bank Melli Iran's UAE branches from any transactions to or from Iran, so paying tuition or moving money from Iran is practically impossible. On 24 September 2026 the UAE civil aviation authority (GCAA) suspended all flights by Iranian airlines until further notice; reports say Iran in turn closed its airspace to UAE carriers, and we found no news of direct flights resuming.

Don't spend money (applications, deposits, translations) until an official reopening is announced. The rest of this text describes the general UAE rules that apply once things reopen.

Main requirements

According to ICP's official guide, the green visa lasts 5 years, is renewable and lets you sponsor your spouse and children. Skilled worker: valid UAE employment contract, MOHRE skill level 1–3, at least a bachelor's and a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000. Freelancer/self-employed: MOHRE freelance or self-employment permit, at least a bachelor's or specialised diploma, and in ICP's words 'The annual income from freelance work during the previous two years must not be less than AED 360,000', or proof of financial solvency for the whole stay.

Documents

Passport valid 6+ months; employment contract (skilled) or MOHRE self-employment permit (freelancer); attested degree; income evidence or bank statements; health insurance.

Language

No formal language requirement.

Costs and proof of funds

GDRFA Dubai lists for the self-employment green visa: AED 200 residence fee, AED 10 knowledge dirham, AED 10 innovation dirham, AED 500 in-country processing and AED 20 delivery, plus AED 100 per extra year beyond two. Medical, Emirates ID and the freelance permit are extra. The AED 360,000 income test (about EUR 87,000 a year) is itself the main barrier.

Steps and timeline

Skilled: you first enter with an employer and then apply for the green visa if your salary qualifies. Freelancer: MOHRE freelance permit, then the green visa application; GDRFA states about 48 hours processing.

Notes for Iranian applicants

Besides the entry-permit freeze: proving AED 360,000 of income from Iran is nearly impossible under sanctions and the UAE halt on financial transactions with Iran, and rial income usually can't be shown through international banking. For skilled employees this route is usually step two after a normal work visa, not step one. Male applicants subject to conscription need an exit permit.

After arrival (work during studies, post-study stay, permanent residence)

The green visa isn't tied to an employer and GDRFA Dubai lists a 180-day grace period after it ends. It can be renewed after 5 years if you still qualify. With AED 30,000 salary and level 1–2 the 10-year golden visa is possible. There is no regular permanent residence or citizenship.