What is green residency?

Green residency is a concept that reflects the commitment of individuals and institutions to adopt a lifestyle that preserves the environment and limits negative impacts on it. Green residency involves the use of techniques and traditions that promote environmental sustainability and strike a balance between the needs of the present and the rights of future generations. This is represented by switching to renewable energy sources, reducing waste in resource consumption, recycling waste, organizing public transportation, and adopting responsible consumption behaviors. This approach seeks to improve the quality of the environment and life, with a focus on reducing the environmental footprint and enhancing awareness of the importance of sustainability. Green residency encourages changing personal and organizational behaviors and traditions to contribute to the health and future of the planet.

Benefits offered by obtaining green residency?

Obtaining green residency or investor residency in many countries provides a range of benefits to individuals. Among the common benefits that green residency can enjoy are:

1. Freedom to travel: Green residency allows its holder the freedom to travel between the country granting the residency and the country of origin without the restrictions of repeated travel tickets or visas.
2. Permanent Residency: In some cases, green residency can lead to permanent residency or citizenship in the donor country, providing stability and security for the individual and their family.
3. Legal and social protection: Green residency can provide legal and social protection to its holder, including rights to work, education, health care, and social security.
4. Investment and Business: Obtaining green residency may provide individuals with opportunities to invest or establish businesses in the granting country, which contributes to the development of the local economy and provides job opportunities.
5. Education: Green residency holders may enjoy education privileges, such as access to discounted or even free public schools or academic institutes.
6. Social and cultural rights: Green residency can allow individuals to participate in the social and cultural life of the donor country, such as joining clubs or participating in cultural and sporting events.

Procedures necessary to obtain green residency

The procedures for obtaining green residency may vary from one country to another, but a general form can be provided that includes many common steps. Here is a general sample procedure:

• Meeting the conditions: Check the conditions and qualifications for green residency, and make sure you meet them.
• Determine the category of residence: Choose the correct category for green residence, as there may be different categories that vary depending on the purpose of the residence.
• Submitting the application: Submitting the green residency application to the competent authority, along with submitting all the required papers and documents.
• Medical examination: Conduct a medical examination if this is a required step, and provide the results.
• Payment of fees: Pay the fees related to the residency application, and ensure adherence to the specified amounts and dates.
• Waiting for approval: Waiting for the review and processing period which may take a different time depending on the country.
• Receipt: Receive the green residence card upon approval of the application.
• Adherence to conditions: Adherence to the conditions and laws related to green residence.

The difference between green residency and other types of visas in Dubai?

There are many types of visas and residency in Dubai, and the difference between green residency and some other types lies in the purpose, duration, and benefits. Here are some key differences:

• Tourist accommodation:

Purpose: For short visit for tourism purposes.
Duration: Short, usually not exceeding several days or weeks.
Benefits: No work or study is allowed, the main purpose is tourism.

• Work visa:

Purpose: To work in Dubai.
Duration: varies according to the type of work and contractual agreement.
Benefits: Allows work based on the conditions specified in the employment contract.

• Student accommodation:

Purpose: To study in recognized educational institutions.
Duration: depends on the period of study.
Benefits: It allows students to study without the need for an additional visa and allows work based on some conditions.

• Green residence:

Purpose: Granted for permanent or long-term residence.
Duration: long or permanent.
Benefits: It allows its holder to reside permanently or for a long period with the right to work without restrictions, and provides other benefits such as the right to education and health care.

Categories that can obtain golden residency in the Emirates

The Golden Residency in the UAE has seen new updates; It has become granted to several categories; Including investors, entrepreneurs, brilliant talents, scientists, and specialists, in addition to the top students, graduates, pioneers of humanitarian work, and the first line of defense, and it extends for 10 years.

First: People with exceptional talent

Golden residency is granted to those with exceptional talent in fields that are in the interest of the state, and does not require a work contract therein. There is no minimum academic qualification, professional level, or monthly salary. Granting it depends only on talent.

Residency is granted to talented people based on the recommendation or approval of federal or local government agencies, examples of which include those that specialize in the fields of culture, art, sports, innovators and inventors, digital technology, and other fields.

Second: Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs obtain golden residency on the condition that the applicant has ownership or partnership in an entrepreneurial project registered in the Emirates, which falls within the category of small or medium enterprises, and that it achieves annual revenues of no less than 1 million UAE dirhams, and that obtaining approval for An idea for a pilot project from an approved business incubator, or from the UAE Ministry of Economy, or through the competent local authorities is sufficient to obtain golden residency. Golden residency is granted if the person presented is one of the founders of a previous entrepreneurial project or projects that were sold for a total value of no less than 7 million UAE dirhams. The approval of the Ministry of Economy or other local authorities concerned with projects or supporting ideas is required.

Third: Top students and graduates

It is granted for a period of ten years to top high school graduates or its equivalent, in addition to top graduates of state universities, in addition to graduates of the top 100 universities in the world to begin their academic and professional careers in the country.

Fourth: Investors

Investors can obtain golden residency upon full ownership of a property with a value of no less than 2 million UAE dirhams. The feature of obtaining golden residency was also introduced when purchasing the property with a loan from a specific group of banks in the Emirates. A feature was also introduced that enables the real estate investor to obtain golden residency. When purchasing real estate, its value must not be less than 2 million UAE dirhams from approved local companies.

Fifth: Golden residency for scholars and specialists

Residency is granted based on the recommendation or approval of the Emirates Scholars Council, according to certain conditions, the most important of which is that the applicant must have a master’s or doctorate in the disciplines of engineering and technology or life sciences and natural sciences, and that it be one of the best international universities according to approved international classifications, and that The applicant has accredited research achievements, or is an accomplished person in the research and development sector inside or outside the country.

This category includes those with educational qualifications and professional experience in all specializations in several fields: Such as medicine, engineering, technology, science, education, law, culture and sociology. This category must meet a set of conditions; Of which :

• The person must be a skilled worker with a first or second professional level according to the professional classification approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• Obtaining a work permit in the country under a valid employment contract.

Sixth: Pioneers of humanitarian work

Humanitarian pioneers obtain golden residency in the Emirates ; This type of residence is limited to the categories that we will mention successively:

• Members of international and regional organizations and their employees.
• Members of public benefit associations and institutions and their employees.
• Distinguished volunteers and supporters of humanitarian work.
• Recipients of awards in the field of humanitarian work.

Seventh: The first line of defense

The first line of defense includes cadres working to address global crises; Like the Corona pandemic.

Eighth: Creative people of art and culture

Creative people of culture and art can obtain golden residency in the Emirates provided that they meet 3 of the following conditions and criteria:

1. To have a creative production that has gained remarkable appreciation from society and the media.
2. The work of the applicant for residency must have been presented in prestigious forums locally, regionally or internationally.
3. Nominating or obtaining a well-known international or regional award in the creative field.
4. The presenter must have an honorary position from a prestigious international body because of his outstanding creativity.
5. To have an active membership in a prestigious international artistic organization or association.

Golden residency is also granted to those who work in the media field, but 3 of the conditions mentioned must be met, in addition to that the candidate must have practical experience in the same field of no less than 7 years in a well-known media organization, with proof of this being provided, in addition to his nomination. From his place of work, or from a specialized media outlet, and to have works that have been published in media outlets on a regular basis; Such as: press reports, articles, and television programs.

 Documents and documents required for green residency 

In order to obtain green residency in some countries, the documents required may vary according to local policies and regulations. In many cases, applicants must submit a variety of documents to confirm their identity and legal location. Here is a general list of documents that may be required:

1. Passport: A copy of the personal data pages and valid visa pages in the passport.
2. Personal Photos: Recent, color photos may be required.
3. Marriage certificate (if going to family): A copy of the marriage certificate for applicants applying for family residency.
4. Birth Certificate: A copy of the birth certificate to confirm the date of birth.
5. Proof of Address: A water or electricity bill or rental agreement to confirm your residential address.
6. Education or experience certificates: In some cases, authorities may request education or experience certificates to provide evidence of professional competence or experience.
7. Criminal record certificate: A certificate proving the absence of a criminal record.
8. Health Insurance: Some countries may require health insurance to provide medical care.
9. Application Fee: Pay the fees required to submit a green residency application.