Immigration
UAE | Blue Residency Visa
Summary
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new 10-year Residency Visa called ‘Blue Residency’ for individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. This initiative targets a broad range of environmental advocates, including members of international organisations, award-winning activists, and researchers. The Blue Residency is part of the UAE’s broader commitment to sustainability, coinciding with the country’s declaration of 2024 as the Year of Sustainability.
The Detail
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised the link between economic sustainability and environmental sustainability during a Cabinet meeting. This Residency initiative is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to promote sustainability, following the success of its previous efforts in 2023. The UAE has unveiled long-term visas in recent years, including the Golden Visa introduced in 2019 for investors and professionals. The Green Visa was announced in 2022 for skilled workers and entrepreneurs although we are waiting for an official roll out of this category.
The Blue Residency Visa will be granted to individuals recognised for their exceptional efforts in environmental protection. This includes sustainability initiatives outside as well as inside the UAE. Eligible candidates include supporters of environmental action from international companies, associations, NGOs, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers. Applications for the Blue Residency can be submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, and relevant authorities can nominate individuals.
What this means
The Blue Residency Visa represents the UAE’s commitment to environmental sustainability and acknowledges the
importance of global cooperation in tackling environmental challenges. By offering long-term residency to those contributing significantly to environmental protection, the UAE aims to attract and retain top talent in the field, furthering its sustainability goals. This initiative also highlights the UAE’s proactive stance in linking environmental sustainability with economic growth, setting a precedent for other nations to follow in integrating sustainable practices into their long-term development strategies.
We await further details from the authorities as to how individuals can apply, the documentary requirements and when the route will be open to applications. Vialto Partners will monitor developments closely.
How we can help
At Vialto Partners we have the in-house expertise you need to stay abreast of Immigration changes. We can provide assessments of individuals’ eligibility for long term visas in the UAE, and assist clients in the application process
Contact us
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner
Rekha Simpson
Director, Middle East Immigration
Umme Salma
Senior Manager, Middle East Immigration
Rens Jongerius
Manager, Middle East Immigration
Further information on Vialto Partners can be found on our website: www.vialtopartners.com
For additional alerts, please visit www.vialtopartners.com/regional-alerts Contact us on the following address – me-immigration@vialto.com.