UAE Blue visa: No property or investment needed; how you can simply qualify by contributing to the environment

TL;DR:

• The UAE Blue Visa offers 10-year residency to people with notable contributions to environmental protection and sustainability
• It’s open to scientists, activists, entrepreneurs, and professionals working on climate and sustainability issues.
• Applications are now open, with a 180-day multiple-entry visa to help with the process.

The UAE has started the Blue Residency Visa program, offering a 10-year residency to individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability and climate protection. This visa is open to Emiratis and foreign experts inside and outside the UAE, aiming to attract global environmental advocates, scientists, and entrepreneurs. To assist applicants from abroad, a special 180-day multiple-entry visa is provided for completing the process.

The program was announced in May 2024 and officially launched in February 2025 during the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

What Is the UAE Blue Residency Visa?
The Blue Visa grants a 10-year residency to people who have made notable contributions to environmental protection and sustainability, whether inside the UAE or abroad. It is available to a wide range of environmental supporters, such as members of international organizations, companies, NGOs, award-winning activists, and researchers.

Both Emirati nationals and residents working in environmental fields can qualify. Those interested in the Blue Visa can apply directly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, or be nominated by authorized UAE bodies.

Why Does it Matter?The Blue Visa offers several important benefits:

• 10-Year Residency: Long-term stay for people who contribute to environmental goals.
• Multiple Entry for 180 Days: A special multiple-entry visa valid for six months is granted initially to help applicants complete their Blue Visa paperwork.
• No Investment or Property Requirement: Unlike other long-term UAE visas, you don’t need to buy property or invest money.
• Recognition and Support: The visa officially acknowledges your role in environmental protection and encourages global talent to contribute to the UAE’s sustainability efforts.

Who Is Eligible?
The Blue Visa is designed for people who have proven records of impact in environmental fields. Here’s a breakdown of eligible groups:

• Distinguished Influencers and Activists: People recognized for their measurable positive impact on climate change, sustainability, or clean energy. This includes global award winners and well-known environmental advocates.
• Scientists and Researchers: Professionals approved by the UAE Scientists Council with recognized expertise in climate science, sustainability research, or renewable energy.
• Entrepreneurs and Investors: Business owners or investors working in green energy, environmental tech, or sustainability sectors.
• Environmental Professionals: Employees in government or private agencies focused on environmental protection or sustainability projects in the UAE.

The visa is merit-based, not tied to financial investments. You don’t need to own property or invest money. Your achievements and influence in environmental work matter most.

How to Apply for the UAE Blue Visa
Applying is simple and done online through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP):

Documents needed:

Valid passport

Recent passport-size photo

Proof of environmental achievements or awards

Completed application form

For applicants inside or outside the UAE:

Go to the ICP website or download the mobile app.

Complete the application form with your personal details.

Upload documents proving your work and accomplishments in environmental fields.

Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity.

Pay the application fees.

Submit your application.

The process takes about 7 minutes to complete online. Once your documents are verified, you typically get a response within one working day.

For applicants outside the UAE, the process is the same and straightforward. After submitting, you get a 180-day multiple-entry visa to enter the UAE multiple times while your full Blue Residency application is processed.


Can You Get the Blue Visa Without Buying Property?

The Blue Visa doesn’t require you to own property or make any financial investments in the UAE. This sets it apart from other visas like the Golden Visa, which often ask for real estate purchase, business ownership, or minimum bank balances.

The Blue Visa is merit-based. It focuses on your contributions to environmental protection, sustainability research, or green innovation. Your achievements and official approvals weigh most during the evaluation.

The Bottom Line
The UAE Blue Visa is a unique opportunity for environmental professionals and advocates. It removes financial barriers and focuses on your real impact. If you’ve contributed to protecting nature, advancing sustainability, or developing clean energy solutions, this visa could help you live and work in the UAE for a full decade.

FAQ

• 1. Do I have to invest or buy property to get the Blue Visa?

No. The Blue Visa is based on your environmental work and achievements, not financial investments or property ownership.

• 2. Can I apply for the Blue Visa if I live outside the UAE?

Yes. The application process is fully open to international applicants through the ICP online platform.

• 3. How long does it take to get the visa after applying?

Usually, the application is processed within one working day after document verification.