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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched its new “Blue Visa,” a 10-year residence program for environmental champions. Introduced early in 2024 and officially unveiled at the World Government Summit in February 2025, the Blue Visa provides an initial 180-day multiple-entry visa (renewable once) and a possible route to a full 10-year residence. The visa is reserved for persons who have achieved “exceptional contributions” in environmental conservation, sustainability, or clean/renewable energy.
As declared by the UAE government, it is awarded to “environmental action supporters,” such as members of international organizations and NGOs, winners of environmental awards, researchers, and activists. The initial phase of the program, unveiled at the Dubai summit, gave Blue Visas to 20 internationally known thinkers of sustainability. The UAE has pointed out that the Blue Visa forms part of its long-term sustainability plan (2024 was announced as the Year of Sustainability) and supplements its other existing long-term residency schemes.
Who Is Eligible
The Blue Visa aims to cater to a limited number of professionals and specialists in the environmental sector. Successful applicants are:
- Notable environmental leaders – People with outstanding contributions, remarkable endeavors, and real positive influences in the area of climate, sustainability, or clean energy. This encompasses international award recipients, NGO heads, association members, and other known champions of environmental action.
- Researchers and scientists – Scholars or scientists who have made significant international contributions to the field of environmental science, sustainability, or renewable energy. They need to be nominated and endorsed by the UAE Council of Scientists. They are often possessors of higher degrees and authors of significant research.
- Entrepreneurs and investors – Founders or investors with an active involvement in ventures or businesses in green sectors like climate tech or clean energy. This could be entrepreneurs with UAE-incubated eco-friendly projects approved by a UAE-based incubator.
- Experts and senior specialists – Employees in environmental departments within UAE institutions, public or private. This encompasses executive-grade professionals or specialists who are designated by their employers.
Both UAE nationals and expatriates with the aforementioned qualifications can apply directly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Government institutions can also recommend candidates.
Application Process
Applicants eligible under the above criteria can make applications online through the ICP website or the UAEICP mobile application. The procedure involves:
- Creating/logging into an account on ICP Smart Services or the UAEICP app.
- Completion of personal information, including passport and contact.
- Uploading supporting documents, including evidence of environmental contributions.
- Payment of relevant fees online.
- Application submission and waiting for confirmation.
Both UAE residents and non-residents can apply. A valid passport (with a minimum of six months’ validity) and one recent passport-type photograph are required by applicants. Application time is about 5–7 minutes, and visa approvals are made within a working day.
Documents and Fees
Applicants need to prepare:
- A copy of a valid passport
- A recent passport-color photograph
- Supporting documents that attest to environmental contributions, for example, awards, publications, patents, or letters of recognition
An online application fee is payable. The specific amount is not stipulated and depends on the applicant’s nationality and other considerations. Approved applicants are issued a 180-day entry permit, which may be renewed once before it becomes the final 10-year Blue Residency.
Visa Benefits and Rights
The Blue Visa provides:
- 10 years of renewable residency in the UA
- Family membership sponsorship rights, such as spouses, children of any age, and parents
- Authority to sponsor domestic workers based on financial ability
- No need for Emirati sponsor or local employer
Although the visa confers long-term residency, the holders who intend to work will still need to secure a different UAE work permit or register the company under UAE law. Other usual conditions include the requirement to hold UAE health insurance and show financial stability.
Comparison to Golden and Green Visas
The UAE provides several long-term visa opportunities:
- Golden Visa: 10-year residence for entrepreneurs, investors, skilled workers, and creatives
- Green Visa: 5-year residence for freelancers, skilled workers, and independent professionals
- Blue Visa: 10-year residence only for environmental professionals and contributors
The Blue Visa stands out with its emphasis on leadership in sustainability. As opposed to the wider focus of the Golden and Green Visas, it only rewards individuals with green consciousness who have shown impact in environmental areas.
Official Statements
UAE authorities have promoted the Blue Visa as one of the nation’s overall climate and sustainability initiatives. Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak said that the visa is not just a residency, it is an acknowledgment of how environmental visionaries contribute to building a sustainable future. The ICP underscored the ease of the program, transparency, and quick processing via its online platforms.
