United Arab Emirates: Blue Residency Visa Eligibility, Family and Domestic Worker Sponsorship Benefit Announced

• Validity period. The Blue Residency Visa will grant holders a right to reside in the country for up to 10 years, and can be renewed without limit (each renewal being for 10 years).
• Work rights. It is currently expected that Blue Residency Visas will not grant a right to work. Rather, to be authorized to work, such visa holders would need to obtain a work authorization sponsored by their employer.
• Eligibility criteria. The Blue Residency Visa will be available to the following types of applicants:
  • Distinguished individuals. Individuals who have made significant contributions in the environmental, climate change, sustainability, or renewable energy sectors (henceforth, ‘environmental sector’). This includes individuals who are members of recognized international organizations or have received prestigious awards in the environmental sector, or have provided financial support of at least AED 1,000,000 to environmental sector initiatives (where the initiatives have been approved by competent UAE authorities).
  • Scientists and researchers. Individuals who hold an environmental sector-relevant master’s or doctorate degree from a top-ranked global university or specialized institutions with a proven research impact; or those with notable achievements in establishing research and development outcomes in the UAE environmental sector.
  • Investors. Individuals who invest at least AED 2,000,000 in projects, businesses or companies that advance UAE goals in the environmental sector. The capital must not be financed by loans.
  • Small- to medium-sized enterprise owners/partners. Owners or partners in small- to medium-sized enterprises working in the environmental sector, where the enterprises have an annual revenue of at least AED 1,000,000, and have already been accredited by the UAE Ministry of Economy or another competent UAE entity.
  • Business incubator-approved entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs whose entrepreneurial projects in the environmental sector have been approved by a UAE-accredited business incubator, provided that the project is, or will be, conducted in the United Arab Emirates.
  • Inventors and innovators. Individuals holding patents that contribute to the UAE’s goals in the environmental sector, with approval from the UAE Ministry of Economy or relevant local authorities.
  • Elite specialists. Senior professionals in public or private environmental institutions in the United Arab Emirates, such as executive directors or specialists, with at least a bachelor’s degree, nominated by their employer and recognized for their expertise in the environmental sector.
• Related visa pathways:
  • Family member eligibility. Family members of Blue Residency Visa holders – including spouses, children of any age, and parents – will be eligible to apply for a dependent Blue Residency Visa. This dependent visa will be valid for the duration of the principal holder's Blue Residency Visa residency.
  • Domestic worker eligibility. Permit holders will be able to sponsor an unlimited number of residence visas (though not Blue Residency Visas) for domestic workers, subject to the sponsor’s financial capacity.
• Insurance and financial capacity conditions. To hold a Blue Residency Visa, individuals must demonstrate the ability to support themselves, their families, and any domestic workers, without government assistance and maintain valid health insurance provided by a local health insurance provider.
• Conversion from a Golden Visa. Those currently holding a UAE Golden Visa will be able to apply to convert their status to the Blue Residency Visa by meeting the Blue Residency Visa specific eligibility requirements and conditions, as well as paying applicable fees.
• Application process. Authorities are yet to clarify when the permit type will be available. Once confirmed, foreign nationals will be able to apply for the visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security online portal, or via nominations by relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Office of the United Arab Emirates Special Envoy for Climate Change.

The Blue Residency Visa is likely to increase the attraction and long-term retention of talented individuals in the environmental, climate change, sustainability, or renewable energy sectors.

This visa was approved in May 2024 and it joins the likes of the UAE’s Golden Visa and Green Visa in providing long-term residency pathways for eligible individuals.

Authorities are yet to clarify when the permit type will be available and related rules for work rights for those entering under this visa.