What is Blue Residence?
Blue Residence is a new type of long-term residence in the United Arab Emirates, launched in 2024.
This residence is granted to individuals who make exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability, whether within the UAE or internationally.
Key Benefits
- Residence duration: 10 years, renewable, without the need for a sponsor within the UAE.
- Residence permits for family members (spouse, children regardless of age, and parents) for a period of 10 years, renewable.
- The ability to sponsor domestic workers.
- A six-month multiple-entry entry visa, renewable for a similar period to complete the required procedures.
- Dependent family members may remain in the UAE for the duration of the residence validity period in the event of the sponsor’s death.
- The Golden Residence may be converted to Blue Residence upon meeting the eligibility requirements.
Target Categories
Environmental and Sustainability
Influencers
Key Requirements
- Provide proof of membership and participation in environmental initiatives.
- Submit official letters, membership certificates, and supporting documents.
- Submit recommendation letters and certificates of recognition.
- Provide proof of accreditation from relevant entities or organisations.
- Provide proof of receiving awards from accredited entities.
- Provide proof of financial support (of no less than AED 1 million).
- Provide proof of accreditation for supported projects.
- Submit reports confirming the utilisation of the financial support.
Scientists
and Researchers
Key Requirements
- Obtain a nomination from the UAE Council of Scientists.
- Hold a master's degree or PhD in environmental or energy-related fields.
- The qualifications must be from internationally ranked universities.
- Achieve recognised scientific indicators such as FWCI or h-index.
- Submit Scopus reports or evidence of research achievements.
Investors
and Entrepreneurs
Key Requirements
- Invest in high-value environmental projects.
- Capital of no less than AED 2 million.
- The capital must be fully owned.
- Register the project under the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) category.
- Achieve annual revenues of no less than AED 1 million.
- Obtain approval from the relevant authorities.
Inventors
and Innovators
Key Requirements
- Obtain a patent in the environmental field.
- Provide evidence of the added value of the invention.
- Obtain a recommendation from the relevant authorities.
Elite Specialists in
Environmental Organisations
Key Requirements
- Obtain a nomination from the relevant authorities.
- Hold leadership or specialised positions.
- Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
- Submit nomination letters from the employer.
Basic and Additional Documents
Basic Documents — For All Applicants
- A passport valid for more than 6 months.
- Recent personal photograph.
- Valid health insurance.
- Proof of medical fitness.
Additional Documents — Vary Depending on The Category
- Recommendation letters.
- Scientific publications.
- Business plans.
- Financial statements.
- Experience certificates.
Categories and Submission Steps
1. Self-application
- Submit the application electronically.
- Complete the application form and attach the required documents.
- Pay the fees.
- Application review.
- Approval issuance.
2. Nomination By The Relevant Authorities
- Submit the application through the relevant authority.
- Complete the form.
- Pay the fees.
- Application review.
- Approval issuance.
Conditions For Retaining The Blue Residence
Ability to provide financial support.
Valid health insurance.
Continued fulfilment of the requirements.
You May Also Be Interested In
Golden Residence
The Golden Residence is a long-term residency programme valid for 5 or 10 years, renewable upon meeting the requirements. It allows holders to live, work, and invest in the UAE without the need for a sponsor.
Green Residence
The Green Residence is a long-term residency programme valid for 5 years, renewable upon meeting the requirements. It allows holders to live and work in the UAE without the need for a sponsor.
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