UAE’s 10-year Blue Residency Visa targets attracting environmentalists
Rewarding Environmental Stewardship with UAE's Blue Residency Visa

UAE Launches 10-Year Blue Residency Visa to Attract Global Environmental Leaders
UAE has launched a long-term residency visa aimed at individuals with exceptional contributions and efforts in the field of protecting the environment. The UAE Blue Residency aims to attract global environmental leaders to contribute to the UAE’s sustainable economic and social development. This initiative is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to position itself as a hub for environmental innovation and sustainability.
The Blue Residency visa will be granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability, offering them a ten-year residency in the UAE. This initiative is aligned with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, which underscores the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. By recognizing and rewarding individuals who are at the forefront of environmental conservation, the UAE aims to foster a community of experts dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges.
It is expected that the visa will lead to job opportunities for people with training or education in sustainability-related fields such as environmentalists, researchers, and scientists studying the environment. By attracting top talent in these fields, the UAE hopes to drive innovation and progress in sustainable technologies and practices. This, in turn, will contribute to the country’s long-term economic and social development goals.
The 10-year Blue Residency Visa program seeks to attract and maintain global leaders in environmental research, advocacy, and technology solutions. The program is designed to provide stability and support for individuals who are making a significant impact in their respective fields. The Blue Residency Visa is in contrast to the UAE’s ordinary two-year residency permit, offering a more extended period for eligible individuals to live and work in the UAE. It joins previously established programs such as the Golden Visa, which grants investors, entrepreneurs, and specialists ten years of residency, and the Green Visa, which grants competent professionals and company owners five years. These programs collectively aim to create a diverse and dynamic community of skilled professionals contributing to the UAE’s growth and development.
The government communicated: “We approved the ‘Blue Residency’… which is a long-term residency for a period of 10 years that will be granted to individuals with exceptional contributions and efforts in the field of protecting the environment, whether marine or land. Or the quality of the air environment, sustainability and its modern technologies, the circular economy, or other fields.” This statement highlights the comprehensive scope of the Blue Residency Visa, encompassing various aspects of environmental conservation and sustainability.
The government states that those who have contributed to environmental conservation are eligible for a 10-year visa. These contributions can include efforts related to the environment on land, the ocean, the quality of the air, sustainable technologies, and the circular economy. By providing a long-term residency option for these individuals, the UAE aims to create a supportive environment where they can continue their important work and collaborate with local institutions and organizations.
The UAE’s Blue Residency Visa is a forward-thinking initiative designed to attract and retain top global talent in the field of environmental protection and sustainability. By offering a 10-year residency, the UAE is providing a stable and supportive environment for environmental leaders to contribute to the nation’s sustainable development goals. This program, alongside other long-term residency options like the Golden Visa and Green Visa, reinforces the UAE’s commitment to fostering a diverse and skilled community dedicated to innovation and progress in various fields.