Can I change my visa status without leaving the UAE?
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
Official Source
ICA Status Change ↗Related Questions
Can I hold multiple UAE visas simultaneously?
No — only one active residence visa is permitted at a time. You must cancel any existing residence visa before a new one can be issued. Exceptions are rare: some investor visa holders with employment in a free zone may hold both under specific GDRFA guidance. Tourist entry stamps are separate and not classed as residence visas.
What is the difference between a Green Visa and an employment visa?
Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence visa for freelancers, skilled workers, and investors with no employer needed. Employment Visa is 2–3 years, tied to an employer who can cancel it if you leave the job (with a 60-day grace period). Green Visa gives more independence but requires proof of income or a freelance licence.