The UAE has opened applications for its new 10-year Blue Residency Visa, designed exclusively for environmental experts, researchers, and sustainability leaders. This merit-based long-term visa highlights the nation’s commitment to climate action and positions the UAE as a global hub for green innovation and environmental leadership.
Dubai, UAE : The United Arab Emirates has officially opened applications for its long-awaited 10-year Blue Residency Visa, a landmark initiative designed to attract leading environmental experts and sustainability pioneers from around the world. The visa, which was first announced earlier this year, highlights the UAE’s commitment to combating climate change, fostering green innovation, and positioning itself as a global hub for environmental leadership.
This bold step reflects the UAE’s strategic focus on sustainability, especially after declaring 2024 as the “Year of Sustainability” and hosting the COP28 climate conference. By offering long-term residency to professionals in the environmental field, the country is creating a platform that not only rewards global talent but also aligns with its vision for a greener, climate-resilient future.
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The Blue Residency Visa is unique among the UAE’s long-term residency options. Unlike other programs such as the Golden Visa or Green Visa, the Blue Visa is awarded based on contributions to environmental protection, climate action, and sustainability research. It is not linked to property investment, financial deposits, or business ownership. Instead, it is merit-based, recognizing individuals whose work demonstrates real impact in addressing the world’s pressing environmental challenges.
Authorities explained that the visa is targeted at individuals and organizations whose efforts in sustainability have advanced knowledge, innovation, and real-world solutions. The goal is to encourage talented experts to contribute directly to the UAE’s ambitious environmental projects while also benefitting from the stability of long-term residency.
The scope of eligible applicants is broad, ensuring that a wide range of professionals working in environmental and sustainability sectors can benefit. Among those invited to apply are:
By including such a wide range of categories, the UAE has made the Blue Residency Visa accessible not just to scientists and researchers but also to innovators, business leaders, and activists who are driving real change.
The application process for the Blue Residency Visa begins with a nomination step. Candidates must either be nominated by an accredited UAE authority or submit their own nomination request through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).
The nomination request fee is set at AED 350. Once a nomination is approved, the applicant can move forward with the full visa application.
For individuals applying from outside the UAE, there is a provision for a six-month multiple-entry permit costing AED 1,250. This permit allows foreign applicants to enter the country, complete formalities, and transition into the long-term residency process.
Applications can be submitted online through the ICP’s Smart Services platform or in person at Customer Happiness Centres and authorized typing offices.
The Blue Residency Visa offers significant advantages that go beyond the usual residency benefits.
For the UAE, the benefits are equally significant. By attracting world-class environmental talent, the nation strengthens its reputation as a regional and global leader in green innovation.
The launch of the Blue Residency Visa comes at a critical time when climate change and environmental degradation are top global concerns. The UAE, already investing heavily in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and desert ecology research, is seeking to accelerate its transformation into a green economy.
The visa program builds on the momentum of COP28, where the UAE emphasized its leadership in climate diplomacy and sustainable solutions. It also ties directly into the country’s Net Zero 2050 strategy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and achieve climate neutrality in the coming decades.
By inviting global experts to live and work in the UAE for a decade, the Blue Visa ensures that the country is not only investing in technology and infrastructure but also in the people who can drive innovation forward.
The Blue Residency Visa joins the family of long-term visa options such as the Golden Visa, which rewards investors and outstanding talents, and the Green Visa, which supports skilled professionals and freelancers.
What sets the Blue Visa apart is its exclusive environmental focus. It is the first residency program of its kind in the region dedicated solely to climate action and sustainability, sending a clear message that the UAE considers environmental leadership a national priority.
The UAE government has emphasized that the launch of the Blue Residency Visa is not just a residency program but a global call to action. By opening its doors to environmental experts from around the world, the country is positioning itself as a hub for sustainable innovation and a platform where global solutions can be tested and scaled.
As the world grapples with climate challenges, the UAE hopes to attract visionaries who can contribute to renewable energy, water conservation, sustainable urban development, and biodiversity protection.
The opening of applications for the UAE’s Blue Residency Visa marks a milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainability and climate leadership. By offering a decade of residency to environmental specialists, researchers, and innovators, the UAE is creating an environment where talent and ideas can flourish.
This initiative goes beyond traditional residency schemes—it reflects a forward-thinking vision where environmental responsibility is placed at the heart of national development. For global experts committed to making a difference, the UAE now offers not just opportunity, but also a long-term home.
