United Arab Emirates: 10-Year Blue Residency Visa for Exceptional Environmental Contributions Forthcoming
May 21, 2024
The United Arab Emirates Cabinet has approved a new, long-term, self-sponsored visa category called the Blue Residency visa. When available, the new visa will allow foreign nationals who have made exceptional contributions toward protecting the environment to reside and work in the United Arab Emirates for up to 10 years. Foreign nationals will be able to submit their Blue Residency visa applications directly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security electronic portal or through nominations by competent authorities. Further details on the Blue Residency visa are expected to be available in the coming months. The Blue Residency visa aligns with the UAE government announcement that 2024 will be the “Year of Sustainability” in the country and follows numerous initiatives to introduce long-term residency visas in the country since 2019.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.
Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.
Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.
Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.
Blog post
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.
Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.
Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.
Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.