UAE Blue Visa guide: Eligibility, documents, application process and fees

Dubai: The UAE government has introduced a wide array of long-term residency programmes for expatriates, from the Golden Visa for investors, exceptional talents and humanitarian pioneers, to the Green Visa for freelancers , skilled workers and business partners. There’s another visa category that came into effect last year, with a focus on rewarding and retaining global talent dedicated to environmental protection, renewable energy and the circular economy: the Blue Visa. What is the Blue Visa? The Blue Visa is a 10-year residence visa designed for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution towards the environment’s protection and sustainability, both inside and outside the UAE. The visa was first announced on May 15, 2024, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ initiatives. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) officially launched the first phase of the Blue Visa at the World Government Summit in February 2025. Applications opened shortly after, in April of the same year. Key features of the Blue Visa The Blue Visa allows visa-holders to live and work in the UAE and contribute to the country’s green initiatives. Here are some of its standout features, according to the ICP: The Blue Visa offers an extended residency duration of 10 years, rather than the usual residence visa of two years. It is renewable. It is a self-sponsored residency programme, so it operates without the need for a local sponsor. Applicants are issued a multiple-entry visa, valid for six months (180 days), and renewable for a similar period, to complete residency procedures. Visa-holders can apply for residency permits for family members (spouse, children regardless of age, and parents) for 10 years, renewable. Visa-holders have the ability to sponsor domestic workers . Individuals who already hold a Golden Visa and meet the eligibility criteria may apply to convert their status to the Blue Visa. Dependent family members may remain in the UAE for the full duration of the residency period, in the event of the primary visa-holder’s death. Eligibility criteria According to MOCCAE, this visa is given to supporters of environmental action across diverse fields, including: Marine life conservation and marine ecosystem restorations Land-based ecosystem preservation Air quality improvement Sustainability technologies Circular economy initiatives Renewable energy Carbon emissions reduction Environmental governance and regulatory frameworks In order to be eligible, individuals must belong to one of the following categories: Distinguished influencers: This includes members of international organisations, associations, companies, and non-profit groups accredited by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as global award winners. Individuals who have provided financial support of at least Dh1 million to accredited UAE environmental projects also qualify. Scientists and researchers: Professionals who have made significant achievements in environmental fields, and hold master’s or doctoral degrees in environmental science, energy, sustainability or climate change. The individual is required to have obtained a PhD from a university listed in the world’s top 500 universities, or a master’s degree from a world top-250 university. Alternatively, a degree from a world top-100 university in a relevant environmental subject can be presented, or the individual can show he/she has achieved high research metrics (such as a Scopus h-index of 10 or higher). The Scopus H-index is a popular metric used to evaluate a researcher's academic impact by combining both productivity and citation frequency. Investors and entrepreneurs: Individuals and entrepreneurs who have made investments in environmental businesses, with a minimum capital of Dh2 million, or owners of registered small- or medium-business enterprises (SMEs) in the sustainability sector with an annual revenue of at least Dh1 million. Inventors and innovators: Individuals who hold patents that contribute to UAE’s environmental goals, with approval from the Ministry of Economy or relevant local authorities. Elite specialists: Senior professionals working within governmental or private environmental organisations, such as executive directors or specialists, with at least a bachelor’s degree. These individuals must be nominated by their employer. Furthermore, competent authorities in each emirate can also nominate individuals for the Blue Visa, based on their unique endeavours and impact on the country’s natural resources. Required documents For a seamless application process, you will need to ensure you can provide evidence of your contributions to environmental conservation. Each catego