The United Arab Emirates announced the launch of a new resident visa category called the Green Visa on Sunday. Green Visa holders can sponsor their sons' visas till their boys reach the age of 25. Sons are usually only sponsored until they reach the age of 18. Green visa holders can support their parents as well.

The new Green Visa will not be linked to work permits from firms, according to Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. It would be targeted at highly talented persons, investors, entrepreneurs, top students and graduates. He also announced a new category of Visa for freelancers.

Green visa holders will be given a 90-180 day grace time to leave the country once their visas expire, rather than the current 30-day grace period.

When asked about the difference between Golden visas and Green, the minister stated that they are all complimentary. "It is a full package that includes UAE golden visas, green visas and tourist visas. Freelancer visa is part of green visas. There will be multiple categories for each pillar. Those specifics will be released soon". Dr Al Zeyoudi said that some golden visa holders are unable to sponsor their parents. "It will be changed in the same way that the green Visa has been changed. The reform will be rolled out across the entire residency system".