All You Need to Know about the UAE's 10-Year Blue Residence Visa

The UAE is highly regarded across the world for its architectural development, modern infrastructure, and vast oil reserves. But apart from offering a stunning skyline filled with magnificent skyscrapers and serving as a major hub for business ideas in the Middle East, the nation has made unprecedented efforts to recognise the value of sustainable development, such as through the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Among the many efforts in the protection of the environment, the Government of the UAE has been particularly applauded for introducing the UAE Blue Residence Visa. A program that recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to preserving the environment and adding sustainability, it serves as a major help for countless individuals who make a positive change in society.

So, all you eco-warriors out there, this is a program that you need to get acquainted with, as it has been developed specifically for you. And we are here to assist you in understanding the basics of it, who is eligible for it, what advantages it brings for you, how you can apply for it, and what documents you need for the same.

What is the UAE Blue Residency Visa? 

The UAE Blue Residency Visa, or Blue Visa, as it is simply known, is a long-term residency permit that allows individuals the opportunity to live and work in the UAE for 10 years who have made positive contributions to protecting the environment and maintaining sustainability. 

This path-breaking initiative by the Government of the UAE speaks volumes about its dedication to the conservation of the environment and has been deemed a powerful tool that will drastically transform the green landscape of the nation. 

Whether you have made a contribution within the UAE or outside of it, the government recognises your efforts and rewards you with this exclusive visa. It is believed that the nation will fortify its green initiatives as more and more environmentalists, green researchers, and sustainability activists make their way to the UAE through this visa.

Who is Eligible for the UAE Blue Residency Visa?

Anyone who is actively involved in safeguarding the environment is eligible for the UAE Blue Visa. Members of international companies, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and associations who have supported positive environmental actions are eligible for the visa.

Furthermore, researchers of environmental work, distinguished activists, and global award winners in the field of environment and sustainability are eligible for the visa, irrespective of whether you are an Emirati or a resident advocate of the environment.

Benefits of the UAE Blue Residency Visa 

Applying for a UAE Blue Residency Visa can bring several benefits to its holders, the primary among them being the following.

• It provides long-term security, stability of residence, and opportunities for individuals to establish their roots in the country.
• It connects interested candidates to major environmental projects of the country, such as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 project, thereby adding to innovative collaboration to protect the environment.
• There are also provisions for financial incentives for specific Blue Visa holders, along with access to high-quality healthcare and education.
• Blue Visa holders can sponsor their family members, particularly their parents.

How to Apply for the UAE Blue Residency Visa?

Applying for the UAE Blue Residency Visa is a pretty easy process, and if you fulfil the eligibility criteria mentioned above, then you can directly get in touch with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to apply for it. Recognised and competent authorities in the UAE can also nominate you based on your work for this visa.

From 2025, ICP has also begun allowing eligible candidates presently residing outside the UAE to apply for a multiple-entry visa valid for 180 days from the date of entry.

It might be worthwhile to note that, unlike most other types of visas, this one doesn’t have an age limit, which means that this is a perfect choice for candidates who are retirees or those who want to permanently settle down in the UAE.

Candidates have to go through a medical examination and have to present a set of documents, which brings us to our next point.

Documents Needed for the UAE Blue Residency Visa

Eligible candidates have to provide the following set of documents to apply for the UAE Blue Residency Visa.

Passport and ID 

Similar to the procedure of applying for other forms of visas, the Blue Visa also requires a valid passport, ID proof, and photographs from you.

Proof of Eligibility 

Candidates need to present documents that showcase their contribution to the environment. This can include anything from project reports to research papers, membership certificates in relevant institutions to awards and recognition in the concerned field.

Endorsement

You can boost the strength of your application by presenting reports of endorsements by relevant environmental authorities.

Other Popular UAE Visas 

Apart from the UAE Blue Residency Visa, there are several other ways to get a UAE residence visa. You can apply for them if you are looking to stay and work in the UAE. Here are the notable ones among them. 

Golden Visa 

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that allows individuals to live, study, and work in the UAE. Public sector investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, frontline heroes, skilled professionals, and students, among others, can apply for this visa. Eligible candidates can also sponsor their parents, spouses, kids, and other dependent family members with the help of this visa.

Green Visa 

The UAE Green Visa is a long-term residency visa that allows its holders to sponsor themselves for five years on their own without needing an employer or a UAE national to sponsor them. Skilled employees, freelancers, and self-employed individuals can apply for this visa.

Student Visa 

A Student Visa allows a student to live and study in the UAE for a year, after which it can be renewed for a similar time frame upon proof of continuation of their study period. A student can be sponsored by his or her parent, who must be a UAE resident or get sponsored by an accredited college or university.

Retirement Visa 

Evident by its name, the UAE Retirement Visa allows retired foreigners to apply for a long-term visa of 5 years. Retired individuals above the age of 55 years who have worked at least 15 years within or outside the UAE can apply for this visa.

To Conclude 

The year 2024 has been declared the year of sustainability by the UAE Government, and the Blue Visa serves as a great ambassador for promoting the cause. 

Furthermore, by making remarkable changes in boosting the greenery of the environment, the Blue Visa will inadvertently open up new doors of opportunities and add to the economy of the nation by giving a boost to the tourism sector. This is undeniably one of the environmentally friendly efforts made by the Government of the UAE.

FAQs 

What is the main goal of the UAE Blue Residence Visa? 

The main goal of the UAE Blue Residence Visa is to grab the attention of individuals who have made positive contributions to the protection and sustainability of the environment and reward them with a long-term 10-year residency program. 

Why is it called the “Blue” Residency Visa?

The Blue Residency Visa is called blue because this residency permit is specially designed for people who have made positive contributions to the environment, which symbolises a connection to the natural "blue" spaces of the planet.

What are the eligibility categories?

Those who are actively involved in safeguarding the environment are eligible for the prestigious UAE Blue Visa. They can be members of international organisations, international companies, non-governmental organisations, as well as associations that have supported positive environmental actions.

In addition, distinguished activists, researchers of environmental work, and global award winners in the field of environment and sustainability are also eligible for this visa. Both residents and Emiratis are eligible for this visa.

Can current UAE residents apply for it? 

Yes, current UAE residents can apply for the Blue Residence Visa as long as they meet the eligibility criteria of having made positive contributions to environmental protection, sustainability, or clean energy. Both residents and UAE nationals can apply for this visa either directly through the ICP or through nomination from an authorised UAE body. 

Can foreigners outside the UAE apply? 

Yes, foreigners living outside the UAE can apply for the Blue Residence Visa since the program is designed to attract individuals who have made positive contributions to environmental protection and sustainability worldwide.

Eligible foreign applicants will initially receive a special 180-day multiple-entry visa to facilitate their entry into the UAE. They can then complete the necessary procedures to receive the full 10-year residency visa.

How is the Blue Visa different from the Golden Visa?

The UAE Blue Visa and UAE Golden Visa differ primarily in their eligibility requirements. While the UAE Blue Visa is designed for individuals with positive contributions to environmental protection and sustainability, the UAE Golden Visa is for a broader range of high-achieving individuals, such as entrepreneurs, investors, and specialised professionals.

Can Blue Visa holders work in the UAE? 

Yes, the UAE Blue Residency Visa allows its holders to live and work in the UAE for 10 years.

Can family members and domestic workers be included? 

Yes, the UAE Blue Residency Visa holders can sponsor their family members (spouses, children of any age, and parents) for a dependent Blue Residency Visa, along with standard residence visas for domestic workers. 

Is there an age limit for applicants? 

No, there is no specific age limit for the UAE Blue Residency Visa since it is based on the environmental contributions of the applicants, not their age.