UAE Launches Blue Visa: A 10-Year Residency for Environmental Changemakers

In a decisive step towards reinforcing its sustainability mission, the UAE has officially introduced the Blue Visa, a long-term residency program aimed at individuals making a meaningful impact in the environmental sector.

First announced in 2024 and launched in 2025, this new visa category offers a 10-year residency to environmental professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors committed to driving change in sustainability and climate-focused fields through business setup in the UAE.

This move follows the country’s consistent efforts to integrate sustainable development into its national agenda and coincides with its recognition of 2024 as the second consecutive Year of Sustainability.

A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE BLUE VISA

- What Is the UAE Blue Visa?

The Blue Visa is the latest addition to the UAE’s evolving residency framework, sitting alongside the highly sought-after Golden Visa. While the Golden Visa targets business leaders, creatives, and specialized talent, the Blue Visa narrows its focus to those who are actively contributing to environmental protection, climate action, and ecological sustainability.

The visa not only reflects the UAE’s environmental ambitions but also addresses the global demand for policies that reward environmental leadership. It provides an opportunity for experts and change-makers in this domain to base themselves in a country known for its rapid growth, innovation, and increasingly eco-conscious vision.

- Who Is Eligible?

The UAE’s Blue Visa isn’t available to the general public; it’s designed for those with an established background and measurable achievements in sustainability-related fields.

According to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), applicants should fall into one of the following categories:

1. Scientists and academics whose work has contributed significantly to understanding or addressing climate change and environmental degradation.

2. Businesses developing technologies or initiatives in clean energy, waste reduction, environmental conservation, or sustainability practices and looking for company formation in the UAE.

3. Environmental experts and specialists working in public or private sector organizations that focus on environmental policy, biodiversity, or resource conservation.

4. Individuals engaged in climate science, marine protection, air quality research, or any sector directly aligned with sustainability goals.

- Key Benefits of the Blue Visa

The Blue Visa offers several long-term advantages that make it an appealing option for sustainability professionals:

· 10-Year Residency: Recipients of the visa can live and work in the UAE for up to a decade without the need for continuous renewal.

· Multiple Entry Access: Visa holders can enter and exit the UAE multiple times without restriction during the 180-day validity window prior to activation.

· Six-Month Validity Before Residency: The visa is valid for 180 days from the date of entry, providing applicants with a flexible entry window and time to settle initial arrangements.

This initiative not only rewards environmental professionals for their contributions but also embeds them into a supportive ecosystem that encourages further innovation and collaboration.

- How to Apply for the UAE Blue Visa?

Whether you’re applying from within the UAE or from abroad, the process to secure the Blue Visa is entirely digital and streamlined for ease of access. Applications can be submitted through the ICP Smart Services portal or its official mobile app.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the application process:

1. Access the Application Platform: Visit the ICP website or download the mobile app to begin your application.

2. Create Your Account: Enter your basic information, including your email address and contact details.

3. Provide Required Documentation:

o A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity

o A recent passport-sized photograph

o Proof of professional accomplishments or affiliations in the environmental or sustainability space

4. Pay the Application Fee: Fees vary slightly depending on specific requirements, but the portal will guide you through the payment process.

5. Submit Your Application: After uploading all relevant documents and completing the form, submit your application.

6. Receive Confirmation: Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an official confirmation via email.

According to the ICP, the application process itself can be completed in under 10 minutes, and if documents are in order, final confirmation typically arrives within one working day.

- Applying from Outside the UAE

If you’re applying from another country, the same steps apply. However, it’s important to ensure that your documents are prepared in advance, especially certifications or endorsements proving your involvement in the environmental field.

- Why This Matters?

The UAE has made significant strides in positioning itself as a future-ready nation with strong environmental commitments. Hosting major climate conferences, investing in renewable energy, and embedding sustainability into urban planning are just a few examples of its evolving approach.

The launch of the Blue Visa reinforces this direction by actively inviting the global environmental community to take part in shaping the region’s green future.

Final Thoughts

The Blue Visa is more than a residency permit; it’s a platform for environmental pioneers to thrive in a nation that values innovation, responsibility, and long-term impact.

For individuals making waves in sustainability, climate science, or environmental entrepreneurship, this visa represents both recognition and opportunity.

If you’re looking for business setup services in the UAE to solve the planet’s environmental challenges, the UAE is opening its doors.