UAE opens applications for Blue Residency visa
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have opened the opportunity to apply for a 10-year Blue Residency visa for environmental experts. The visa, first announced in May 2024, aims to attract sustainability and climate change experts, allowing them to contribute to the country’s environmental, economic and social development.
Visa applications can be submitted through the federal Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) at the official online platform smartservices.icp.gov.ae. ‘The Blue Visa is for people who have made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development both in the UAE and outside the country. It is granted to key supporters of environmental initiatives, including members of international organisations, associations and NGOs, as well as recipients of prestigious environmental awards and outstanding activists.
Visa applicants must be exceptional individuals in the environmental field, including scientists, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs and professionals in the fields of sustainability, energy and climate change. They also include distinguished members of international organisations, financial backers of environmental initiatives and holders of degrees in environmental or sustainable development.
Mandatory application requirements include supporting documents that demonstrate achievements in sustainability and the environment, a passport with at least six months validity and a recent photograph on a white background.
The application process begins with a request for nomination, which must be approved by the competent authority in the UAE. The cost of the nomination request is AED 350. Once approved, you can proceed to submit the visa application itself by providing all the necessary personal details and uploading the required documents. There is also the option of applying through ICP Customer Service Centres or authorised centres.
For those who are outside the UAE and have been nominated for a Blue Visa, it is necessary to apply for a six-month visa, which costs AED 1,250. This visa will help finalise all procedures for the Blue Visa.
Source: Gulf News
