The United Arab Emirates has taken another significant step toward reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and climate action. In line with its long-term environmental goals, the UAE officially launched the Blue Visa in 2025.
This new long-term residency visa offers a 10-year stay to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainability-related fields.
Originally announced in 2024, the Blue Visa is now open for applications, offering both residents and international applicants the opportunity to live and work in the UAE while contributing to the country’s growing sustainability efforts.
If you’re one of those environmental enthusiasts wondering how to make the most of this visa, then here’s a quick guide to give you the insights.
The UAE Blue Visa – What You Need to Know
– What is the UAE Blue Visa?
The Blue Visa is a newly introduced 10-year residency visa granted to people working in the environmental sector, including climate change, sustainability, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation.
Unlike traditional visas, this one targets a very specific group of contributors — those whose work is directly aligned with the UAE’s long-term environmental vision.
It is essentially a specialized counterpart to the UAE’s Golden Visa, which has already drawn global attention for its attractive terms for investors, entrepreneurs, and talent in select sectors.
The Blue Visa reflects a strategic focus on ecological progress, introduced during what the UAE marked as its second consecutive Year of Sustainability in 2024.
– Who Is Eligible for the Blue Visa?
The Blue Visa is not open to all, but instead, is designed for a distinct group of high-achieving individuals and professionals. Those who are eligible must be able to demonstrate a proven track record in environmental and sustainability-focused work. According to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the visa is open to:
- Scientists and researchers who have made globally recognized contributions in environmental studies or climate change.
- Entrepreneurs and investors, looking for business setup in the UAE, whose businesses focus on environmental technologies or sustainability innovations.
- Specialists working in environmental roles within both public and private sectors inside the UAE.
- Specialists working in environmental roles within both public and private sectors inside the UAE.
In short, the Blue Visa is intended for those with a meaningful, measurable impact on environmental issues – whether through science, business, or advocacy.
– Key Features of the Blue Visa
- 10-Year Residency: Like the Golden Visa, the Blue Visa grants long-term residency status, allowing visa holders and their families to stay in the UAE for a decade.
- 180-Day Entry Window: After receiving the visa, applicants have a 180-day period to enter the country and activate it.
- Multiple Entry: The visa allows for multiple entries during its validity.
- Renewable Validity: While the visa offers a 10-year stay, applicants entering on the initial six-month visa can extend it if more time is needed before activating their long-term residency.
- Accessible from Abroad: The entire application process can be completed online, making it accessible even to those not currently in the UAE.
– How to Apply for the UAE Blue Visa?
Applications for the Blue Visa can be submitted both from within the UAE and from abroad, such as from India or other countries. The process is handled by the ICP through their smart services platform or mobile application.
– Steps to Apply from Within the UAE or Abroad
- Visit the ICP smart services platform or download the mobile app.
- Fill in the application form, providing your email address and personal details.
- Upload required documents, including:
- A valid passport (minimum six-month validity)
- A recent color photograph
- Documents proving achievements or active work in environment-related fields
- Pay the applicable fees as indicated on the platform.
- Submit the application through the portal.
- Wait for confirmation, which will be sent to your email.
According to the ICP, the initial processing time for a Blue Visa application is remarkably efficient. The online submission process takes around seven minutes, and once the documents are verified, the full service is completed within one working day.
– Why the UAE Blue Visa Matters?
This initiative is more than just a new residency scheme. It reflects a growing recognition by the UAE of the importance of global collaboration in fighting climate change.
By offering long-term residency to people with proven environmental impact, the country is positioning itself as a hub for green innovation and sustainability leadership.
With increasing global pressure to meet climate targets, and with events such as the COP28 conference hosted in the UAE, this visa further cements the country’s role as an active player in shaping a sustainable future.
The Blue Visa is also a practical step to attract the kind of talent that can drive meaningful environmental outcomes, from reducing emissions to protecting biodiversity.
Summing Up
As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, the UAE’s Blue Visa is a timely and visionary policy. It not only rewards those who have made exceptional contributions to sustainability, but also actively brings such individuals into a region increasingly focused on ecological responsibility.
Whether you’re an environmental scientist, clean energy innovator, or sustainability-focused entrepreneur looking for company formation in the UAE, you now have a long-term platform to continue and expand your work.
With a seamless digital application process and clear eligibility criteria, the Blue Visa stands as both a recognition of past impact and an invitation to future collaboration.