How to Apply for UAE’s 10-Year Blue Residency Visa
<p><strong>UAE Opens Applications for 10-Year Blue Residency Visa for Environmental Experts</strong></p><p><strong>Dubai, UAE – September 5, 2025:</strong> The UAE has officially opened applications for its <strong>10-year Blue Residency Visa</strong>, a long-term residency program aimed at attracting top talent in <strong>sustainability, climate change, energy, and environmental protection</strong>. Launched in May 2024, this initiative supports the UAE’s vision to become a <strong>global leader in sustainability and climate action</strong>. Applications are processed via the <strong>Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)</strong> through its smart services portal: <a href="https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae">smartservices.icp.gov.ae</a>.</p><h3>What is the Blue Residency Visa?</h3><p>The <strong>Blue Visa</strong> grants a <strong>10-year residency permit</strong> to individuals who have made notable contributions in environmental fields. It is the first long-term UAE visa dedicated specifically to <strong>environmental leadership</strong>, complementing other programs like the Golden Visa. Eligible individuals include:</p><p>International and regional environmental advocates</p><p>Award-winning experts and researchers</p><p>Scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors in sustainability and energy</p><p>Distinguished NGO and association members</p><p>Financial supporters of green initiatives</p><h3>Who Can Apply?</h3><p>Eligibility extends to:</p><p>Scientists and researchers in environment, sustainability, energy, and climate change</p><p>Recipients of national, regional, or global environmental awards</p><p>Distinguished members of international or regional environmental organizations</p><p>Holders of Master’s or PhD degrees in relevant fields</p><p>Environmental investors, entrepreneurs, and inventors</p><p>Individuals actively funding or supporting climate and sustainability projects</p><h3>Key Requirements</h3><p>Applicants must provide:</p><p>Proof of achievements in environmental or sustainability fields</p><p>A valid passport (minimum six months validity)</p><p>A recent passport-sized photo (white background)</p><p>Category-specific documents (research papers, patents, awards, recommendation letters)</p><h3>How to Apply</h3><p><strong>Step 1: Apply for Nomination</strong></p><p>Submit a nomination request or be nominated by a competent UAE authority</p><p><strong>Nomination fee:</strong> AED 350</p><p>Approval is mandatory before applying for the visa</p><p><strong>Step 2: Submit Visa Application</strong></p><p>Apply through the <strong>ICP online portal</strong>, Customer Happiness Centres, or authorized typing centres</p><p>Provide personal details and upload required documents</p><p>Pay the visa fee and update your visa status if already in the UAE</p><p><strong>For Applicants Outside the UAE</strong></p><p>Nominated applicants must obtain a <strong>6-month multiple-entry permit</strong> to complete the process</p><p><strong>Cost:</strong> AED 1,250</p><h3>Why the Blue Visa Matters</h3><p>The Blue Residency Visa reinforces the UAE’s <strong>environmental leadership globally</strong>, attracting top experts and innovators to advance:</p><p>Climate resilience</p><p>Renewable energy projects</p><p>Biodiversity protection</p><p>Sustainable urban development</p>