DUBAI (Kashmir English): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rolled out a 180-day multi-entry permit to ease the application process for the states’ newly launched Blue Residency visa, a 10-year residency granted to individuals with outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability, Khaleej Times has reported.
The five-step application process would take only seven minutes to complete.
The announcement comes from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), confirming that eligible applicants outside the UAE can now apply for the permit via the mobile app or ICP website.
The decision aims to ease the completion of procedures required to obtain the long-term residency.
UAE’s first long-term visa
The UAE had offered Blue Residency, the UAE’s first long-term visa, earlier this year during the World Government Summit, targeting climate and environmental contributors.
It complements existing initiatives such as the Golden and Green residency programmes.
Eligibility for the Blue Residency, according to the ICP, includes:
Influencers with notable impact in climate-related fields
Scientists and researchers approved by the UAE Council of Scientists
Entrepreneurs and investors in environmental sectors
Innovators and elite professionals working in government or private environmental institutions
According to the ICP, the service is completed within one working day once all documents are verified.
Applicants must provide a passport valid for at least six months, a personal photo, proof of eligibility, and pay the necessary fees.
Previously, a similar multi-entry permit was made available for foreigners applying for the UAE’s Golden Visa.
That service also provided a 6-month validity period, extendable once, to allow completion of visa formalities.
The Blue Residency is part of the country’s broader national strategy to position itself as a global hub for climate innovation and environmental action.
During its launch phase in February this year, 20 prominent individuals in the field of sustainability were awarded the residency.
