UAE Blue Visa: Eligibility for 10-Year Residency Explained

Key Takeaways:

The UAE’s Blue Visa grants 10-year residency for exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.
Applicants must be experts in sustainability, contributing to marine or land protection, air quality, or sustainable technology.
It’s part of UAE’s strategy to attract and retain global environmental leaders, enhancing the nation’s sustainable development goals.

What is the UAE’s Blue Visa and Who Can Apply?

The UAE has introduced the blue visa, a new long-term residency visa. This initiative offers a 10-year residency to individuals who have made “exceptional contributions” to protecting the nation’s environment. Announced after a Cabinet meeting led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the decision aligns with the UAE’s commitment to sustainability.

UAE Blue Visa: Eligibility for 10-Year Residency Explained

What is the Purpose of the UAE Blue Visa?

The blue visa underscores the UAE’s dedication to sustainability and environmental protection. It is part of the country’s broader effort to become more environmentally responsible. This initiative comes as the latest in a series of long-term residency options offered by the nation, following the likes of the golden visa, green visa, and remote working visa.

David Mackenzie, group managing director of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones, says, “The biggest benefit of a ten-year visa is that it has made it possible to live here without needing to be under the sponsorship of a company. It gives you so much freedom.”

Who Can Apply for the Blue Visa?

Individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability are eligible to apply for the blue visa. The criteria for eligibility include:

Exceptional contributions to marine or land environmental protection
Efforts to improve air quality
Advancement in sustainable technology

Ivano Iannelli, senior adviser for sustainability at Emirates Global Aluminium, elaborates on the visa’s benefits: “It will help retain talent because not everyone stays here for 10 years because they are tied to the standard visa, sponsored by their employers, which lasts for two years. Of course, it will attract new talent but it will also offer an element of security to those who are already here. It shows the ambition of the UAE.”

How Can You Apply?

Prospective applicants should be advocates and experts in sustainability. Applications can be submitted directly through the services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Alternatively, individuals may be nominated by competent authorities within the UAE.

Why is the UAE Blue Visa Important?

The introduction of the blue visa is a groundbreaking step towards attracting global environmental leaders. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, states, “The blue residency visa aims to attract global environmental leaders to contribute to the UAE’s sustainable economic and social development. It underscores the nation’s dedication to leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to create impactful solutions.”

According to Dr. Al Jaber, “With a forward-thinking approach, these solutions will address climate challenges and transform them into opportunities for a brighter future for humanity and our planet.”

The blue visa aligns with the legacy of the Cop28 conference, a UN climate change summit that took place in Dubai last year. Dr. Al Jaber adds, “The conference was a paradigm shift, showcasing the UAE’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, international co-operation, and developing a united global approach to the challenges of climate change.”

How Does the Blue Visa Attract Talent?

Dr. Amna Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, asserts, “The Blue Residency will have a major role in attracting talents in the field including innovators, and climate champions from all over the world, who will contribute to the advancement of the UAE’s work in fostering a sustainable future for all.”

What Are the Other Long-Term Residency Options in the UAE?

Residency Visa for Private Sector Workers

The most common visa in the UAE lasts for two years and is typically sponsored by an employer.

Golden Visa

This 10-year visa is available to individuals in several categories, including:

Property investors
Entrepreneurs
Highly talented individuals
Nurses, doctors, and other specialists
Outstanding pupils
Sportspersons
PhD holders

Green Visa

This 5-year visa caters to individuals with their own businesses who are not sponsored by any employer. Freelancers and self-employed individuals can also apply for this visa without needing a sponsor.

Remote Working Visa

Introduced in March 2021 and effective from September 2022, this visa supports remote workers with a residence permit in the UAE.

Golden Visa for Students

High-achieving high school pupils can receive a 5-year golden visa, extendable if their course exceeds five years.

Tourist Visa

The standard tourist visa now provides a 60-day visit, doubling the previous 30-day standard.

Multi-Entry Visa

The 5-year multi-entry tourist visa permits up to 90 consecutive days of stay without needing a sponsor, provided the holder maintains a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent.

The Broader Impact

The blue visa marks yet another advancement in the UAE’s extensive efforts to foster an environment that attracts and retains global talent, particularly those committed to environmental sustainability. This strategy is a part of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, emphasizing the nation’s goals to become a leading figure in innovative and sustainable development.

Conclusion

The UAE’s blue visa is a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. By offering a 10-year residency to environmental leaders, the UAE aims to attract and retain global talent, contribute to sustainable economic and social development, and address climate challenges through advanced technologies. This initiative, along with other long-term residency options, positions the UAE as a promising destination for those looking to make a lasting impact on the planet.

For more details on how to apply and further information, visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security official website.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms Related to the UAE

Blue Visa: A 10-year long-term residency visa in the UAE, granted to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. This visa is designed to attract global environmental leaders and experts.
Sponsorship: A traditional visa requirement in the UAE where individuals must be sponsored by an employer or family member to live and work in the country. The blue visa allows for residency without needing sponsorship.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICA): The UAE government body responsible for managing residency visas, identity cards, citizenship matters, customs, and port security operations.
Golden Visa: A 10-year residency visa offered by the UAE to property investors, entrepreneurs, highly talented individuals, and certain professionals including doctors and scientists. It aims to attract and retain exceptional talent.
Sustainable Technology: Advanced technologies focused on reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainability. Contributions in this field are one of the criteria for eligibility for the UAE’s blue visa.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The UAE’s new Blue Visa offers 10-year residency to environmental contributors. Applicants must excel in environmental protection, technology, and air quality. The visa attracts global talent and aligns with the UAE’s sustainability goals. Other residency options include Golden Visa and Green Visa, making the UAE a hub for innovation and sustainability.
— By VisaVerge.com