The UAE has introduced a 180-day permit for expats to apply for the Blue Residency visa, a 10-year residency granted to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in protecting the environment.
Eligible individuals outside the UAE can now apply for a multiple-entry visa valid for 180 days from the entry date, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), which will help facilitate the completion of all necessary procedures for obtaining the Blue Residency.
This initiative targets those who have made significant contributions in environmental conservation, sustainability, and renewable energy, either within the UAE or abroad. The authority has outlined several categories of individuals eligible for this visa, including outstanding influencers in climate-related fields, scientists and researchers endorsed by the UAE Council of Scientists, investors and entrepreneurs involved in environmental sectors, and innovators or specialists in governmental or private environmental institutions.
This multi-entry permit program was initially offered for the UAE’s Golden Visa applicants and provides a six-month entry permit that can be extended for a similar period to complete the residency procedures.
To apply, individuals can submit their applications through the ICP’s official website or mobile app, where the process involves filling in personal details, attaching documents such as a valid passport, a personal photo, proof of eligibility, paying fees, and submitting the application, with all services completed within one working day once documents are verified.
This announcement follows the first phase of the Blue Residency initiative launched at the World Government Summit in February, where 20 prominent sustainability leaders were granted the residency.
The Blue Residency is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in climate action and innovation, building on earlier long-term visa programs like the Golden and Green visas.
