The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has formally introduced the Blue Residency Visa, a 10-year residency permit intended to draw in international trailblazers in the domains of climate action, renewable energy, and environmental preservation, in a historic step to foster sustainability leadership and environmental innovation.
This most recent addition to the UAE’s long-term residency program was unveiled at the esteemed World Government Summit 2025 with the goal of establishing the nation as a global center for environmental excellence and honoring those who have made exceptional efforts to protecting the environment.
What Is the Blue Visa and Why Was It Launched?
A long-term residence program called the Blue Visa was created especially to help the United Arab Emirates achieve its strategic environmental objectives, such as its Net Zero 2050 plan. By concentrating only on sustainability leaders and ecological changemakers, it enhances the country’s Green and Golden Visas.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment collaborated to introduce the visa. At the 2025 Dubai conference, the first group of 20 international innovators and thought leaders received the Blue Visa, demonstrating the nation’s strong commitment to sustainable innovation and climate action.
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Benefits of UAE Launches 10-Year Blue Visa:
- Long-Term Residency Valid for 10 Years: Similar to the Golden Visa but specifically designed for environmentalists, this visa allows you to live in the United Arab Emirates without interruption for ten years.
- No Need for Local Employer Sponsorship: Holders are not bound by any particular employer and are free to live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates.
- High Mobility with a Multientry Visa: Take advantage of a 180-day multiple-entry permit, which makes it simple to enter and exit the nation while fulfilling Blue Visa requirements.
- Acknowledgment of Environmental Leadership: The visa increases your reputation and access by formally recognizing your contributions to clean energy, sustainability, or conservation.
- Ability to Sponsor Immediate Family Members: Your Blue Visa allows you to sponsor spouses and kids, which promotes stability and unity within the family.
- Eligible to Sponsor Domestic Staff: In accordance with UAE laws, holders of Blue Visas are permitted to sponsor domestic workers such as nannies, maids, and drivers.
- Freedom to Work for Any Employer or Freelance: This visa gives you the freedom to work for more than one company and pursue independent projects or numerous roles.
- Funding and Collaboration Opportunities: Holders can work directly with UAE-based organizations on research collaborations, policy positions, and environmental projects.
- Enhanced Security and Residency Stability: Even if you want to travel overseas for longer periods of time, you have legal certainty and flexibility with a ten-year visa.
- Access to the High Living Standards of the UAE: Take advantage of first-rate infrastructure, safety, healthcare, and education made possible by a steady, permanent visa status.
- Competitive Advantage for Global Environmental Work: Enhanced professional prestige globally by being positioned as a renowned authority in sustainability and environmental circles.
- Encourages Sustainability in the UAE Vision: You join the UAE’s efforts to draw in international talent dedicated to environmental innovation and advancement.
- Simplified Federal Authority Application: Submit an application through the ICP or be nominated by reputable UAE or global environmental organizations.
- No Employer Risk of Visa Cancellation: Self-sponsorship greatly lowers personal risk because it does not impact residency in the event of job loss or role change.
- Considered Serious Through the International Community: According to Reddit users’ confirmation:
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Applicants of all nationalities who fulfill any of the following requirements are eligible for this esteemed 10-year visa:
| Eligible Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Academic & Research | Researchers with publications or patents in climate science, renewable energy, water sustainability, etc. |
| Industry Professionals | Individuals employed in sustainability roles in UAE or internationally |
| Entrepreneurs & Investors | Business owners or investors in clean energy or eco-innovation projects |
| Award Winners | Recipients of national/international environmental awards |
| NGO Members & Leaders | Active members of environmental non-profits or global environmental bodies |
Candidates must present proof of effect, such as project results, records of innovation, or leadership positions in environmentally friendly industries.
How to Apply for the UAE Blue Visa
The UAE ICP Smart Services Portal is used to complete the entirely digital application procedure for the UAE Blue Visa. Take the actions listed below:
Step 1: Nomination Phase
- Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by reputable environmental authority in the United Arab Emirates.
- At this point, a 350 AED nomination fee is needed.
Step 2: Application Submission
- Applicants must use the ICP Smart Services Portal to submit their Blue Visa application after being nominated.
Step 3: Entry Permit (For Applicants Outside the UAE)
- International applicants who are accepted will be granted a 180-day multiple-entry permit, which will enable them to enter the UAE and finish the remaining requirements.
- Fee for an entry permit: AED 1,250
Step 4: Visa Issuance
- The Blue Visa is granted and stamped in the applicant’s passport following their arrival in the United Arab Emirates and completion of all necessary processes.
- When the 10-year visa expires, it can be renewed.
Blue Visa Application Fees & Processing Time
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nomination Fee | AED 350 |
| Entry Permit (if applying from outside UAE) | AED 1,250 |
| Visa Processing Fee | Varies (included in final application package) |
Processing Time: If all paperwork is in order, applications are typically completed in a single working day. It could take up to two weeks to complete the entire process, including the nomination and entry permit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Blue Visa?
The Blue Visa is a long-term, renewable 10-year residence visa designed for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection, sustainability, and climate-related innovation, either within or outside the UAE.
Who qualifies for the Blue Visa?
Eligibility includes sustainability experts, environmental researchers, NGO leaders, award winners, activists, and contributors in areas like marine preservation, air quality, renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable technology.
Can anyone apply, or is nomination required?
Applications can be submitted directly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), or candidates can be nominated by UAE authorities or relevant organizations.
