Golden, Green and Blue residence in the UAE compared: who qualifies, length, family and grace period

The UAE has three long-term residences that need no employer as sponsor: Golden, Green and Blue. This guide compares them from the official pages of ICP, GDRFA Dubai and u.ae. The Golden categories, the property route and the grace period each have their own guide.

At a glance

• Golden: 10 years, renewable, self-sponsored (retirees 55+ get a separate 5-year residence).
• Green: 5 years, renewable, no sponsor inside the UAE.
• Blue: 10 years, renewable, no sponsor inside the UAE; launched by ICP in 2024 for exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.

Who qualifies

Golden (ICP): investors (for example AED 2,000,000 in a deposit, company capital or partner share), property worth at least AED 2,000,000, entrepreneurs, scientists and specialists (including MOHRE level 1 or 2 with a bachelor's degree and at least AED 30,000 a month), outstanding students, exceptional talents, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.

Green (ICP):

• Skilled workers: valid UAE employment contract, MOHRE level 1, 2 or 3, at least a bachelor's degree, monthly salary of at least AED 15,000.
• Freelancers and self-employed: MOHRE freelance or self-employment permit, bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, an annual freelance income of at least AED 360,000 during the previous two years (or proof of solvency).
• Investors and partners: proof of the investment and its licences. In Dubai, GDRFA asks for a paid share of at least AED 1,000,000 in a company of an accepted legal form.

Blue (ICP):

• Environmental influencers: environmental initiatives and financial support of at least AED 1 million.
• Scientists and researchers: nomination by the UAE Council of Scientists and a master's or PhD in environment or energy.
• Investors and entrepreneurs: fully owned capital of at least AED 2 million and annual revenue of at least AED 1 million.
• Inventors: an environmental patent, proof of the invention's added value and a recommendation.
• Specialists in environmental organisations: nomination, a leading or specialised role and a bachelor's degree.

Family members

• Golden: spouse, children regardless of age and parents; the family may stay until their permits expire if the holder dies.
• Green: spouse and children under the approved requirements.
• Blue: spouse, children regardless of age and parents, each for 10 years; the family may stay for their permits' full validity if the holder dies.

Grace period and time abroad

• ICP's residence-cancellation page lists 180 days for Golden, Green and Blue holders and their families after cancellation or expiry; GDRFA Dubai's Green pages also say 180 days. The official system shows your exact date.
• Golden holders are exempt from the rule that cancels a residence after 180 days abroad, and u.ae says Golden and Green holders need no ICP re-entry permit.
• Golden and Blue applicants abroad can get a 6-month multiple-entry visa, renewable once.

How an application runs

1. Choose the residence whose conditions you meet today, with proof.
2. Collect the proof: contract, salary certificate and degree; freelance permit and income; property certificate; or nomination.
3. Apply through GDRFA Dubai for Dubai files or ICP for other emirates; Golden property applications in Dubai go through DLD-accredited centres.
4. Complete the medical test, Emirates ID fingerprints if called, and health insurance.
5. Receive the residence, then apply for your family.

Fees

Official fees depend on the category; ICP's Green and Blue pages publish none. DLD listed its 10-year Golden property package for one person at AED 9,884.75 (checked 8 October 2026). MARIO E.G.S.H's own price is on each service page.