Blue Residency

What is Blue Residency?

Blue Residency is a new type of long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates, launched in 2024. It is granted to individuals who make exceptional contributions in the fields of environmental protection and sustainability, whether within the UAE or internationally.

Residency Duration and Benefits

  • Duration: 10 years, renewable, without the need for a sponsor within the UAE.
  • Benefits: Blue Residency holders enjoy a range of benefits, including:

Residency permits for family members (spouse, children regardless of age, and parents) for 10 years, renewable.
The ability to sponsor domestic workers.
A multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months, renewable for a similar period to complete residency procedures.
Dependent family members may remain in the UAE for the full duration of the residency in the event of the primary holder’s death.
Individuals who already hold a Golden Residency and meet the eligibility criteria may apply to convert their status to Blue Residency.

Target Categories

  1. Distinguished influencers with exceptional contributions and tangible positive impact in the fields of environment, energy, sustainability, and climate change.
  2. Scientists and researchers with notable achievements and high-impact contributions in environment, energy, sustainability, and climate change.
  3. Investors and entrepreneurs operating in the sectors of environment, energy, climate change, and sustainability.
  4. Inventors and innovators in the fields of environment, clean and renewable energy, climate change, and sustainability.
  5. Elite specialists working within governmental and private environmental institutions.

General Requirements and Conditions

Required Official Documents for the Following Category:

First: Distinguished Influencers with Exceptional Contributions and Tangible Positive Impact

1. Proof of Membership, Contributions, and Exceptional Participation in the field of environment, with confirmation of membership in international organisations accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Official Letter from the Organisation: Confirming active membership, signed by a senior official and stamped.
Membership Certificate: Original or certified copy.
Other Supporting Documents: Membership cards, receipts, or emails.
Letters of Recommendation: From environmental experts detailing contributions.
Certificates of Appreciation and Awards: Certified copies.
Scientific and Research Publications: Copies of published work.
Reports and Projects: Copies of environmental work.
Other Supporting Documents: Photos, videos, or appreciation letters.
Proof of Organisational Accreditation: Evidence of accreditation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Proof of Membership in UAE-accredited entities:

Same documents as above.
Proof of accreditation by UAE authorities.

3. Accreditation of Awarding Entities:

Award Certificate: Original or certified copy.
Official Documents: Letters or media reports.
Award Website: Link if available.
Proof of Accreditation of the Granting Entity.

4. Minimum Financial Contribution (AED 1,000,000):

Bank Statement showing transfer.
Receipts and Donations.
Agreements and MOUs.

5. Accredited Projects:

Letter from Beneficiary Entity.
Permits and Approvals.

6. Proof of Fund Utilisation:

Financial Reports.
Invoices, receipts, or contracts.

Second: Scientists and Researchers with High Achievements and Impact

1. Approval or Nomination from the UAE Scientists Council:

Official Letter from the Council.
Supporting documents such as emails or minutes.

2. Master’s or PhD in Environmental Fields:

Degree Certificate.
Academic Transcript.

3. Ranking Requirement:

PhD from top 500 universities and Master’s from top 250 globally.

4. Top 100 Subject Ranking Requirement:

Degree from top 100 universities in the relevant subject.

5. Research Metrics:

FWCI of 1.0 or higher or h-index of 10 or higher, supported by Scopus or Web of Science reports.

6. Advanced Research Achievements:

Scopus h-index above 20.
Documentation of R&D contributions.

Third: Investors and Entrepreneurs

1. Investment in Environmental Businesses:

Company documents.
Business plan.
Feasibility studies.
Permits and approvals.

2. Minimum Capital (AED 2,000,000):

Bank statement.
Supporting financial documents.

3. Ownership of Capital:

Declaration and proof of ownership.

4. SME Registration:

Registration certificate.
Ownership proof.

5. Revenue Requirement:

Audited financial statements.
Tax reports.

6. Project Approval:

Approval letter.
Business plan.
Feasibility study.

Fourth: Inventors and Innovators

1. Patent Requirement:

Patent certificate.
Detailed description.
Illustrations or models.
Proof of added value.

2. Recommendation or Approval:

Official approval letter.
Supporting documents.

Fifth: Elite Specialists in Government and Private Environmental Institutions

1. Nomination:

Nomination letter.
Supporting documents.

2. Professional Role:

Experience certificate.
Employment contract.
Job description.

3. Education Requirement:

Bachelor’s degree.
Academic transcript.

4. Employer Nomination:

Official letter from employer.

Additional Documentation

Distinguished Influencers: Recommendation letters, awards, publications, reports, and supporting media.
Scientists and Researchers: CV, publications list, awards, recommendation letters.
Investors and Entrepreneurs: Investment proof, business plan, financials, approvals.
Elite Specialists: Experience certificates, job descriptions, recommendation letters.

Mandatory Documents for All Applicants

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity.
  • A recent personal photograph.
  • Valid health insurance covering the duration of stay in the UAE.
  • Must be medically fit.

Application Channels for Blue Residency

  • Self-application.
  • Nomination by relevant authorities.

Application Steps

Self-Application

  • Online Submission.
  • Application Form Completion.
  • Fee Payment.
  • Review and Evaluation.
  • Approval.

Through Nomination

  • Online Submission.
  • Application Form Completion.
  • Fee Payment.
  • Review and Evaluation.
  • Approval.

Conditions for Maintaining Blue Residency

  1. Financial capability to support oneself.
  2. Valid health insurance covering the residency holder and their family.
  3. Continued compliance with all eligibility requirements.

 

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Last updated on: March 23, 2026 /