The United Arab Emirates has announced the launch of a new "blue residency visa" for a duration of 10 years under specific conditions as part of its evolving residency permit system. This initiative follows the introduction of the "golden residency" in 2019, allowing holders to obtain residency for either 5 or 10 years, depending on the category. In 2021, the "green residency" was introduced, offering 5 years of residence without needing a sponsor, typically granted to exceptional students, talented individuals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, declared on the social media platform X, "The year 2024 will be the year of sustainability. Today, we approved the blue residency, which is a long-term residency for 10 years."
Ahmad Abu Bakr, owner of a transaction completion office that works with Dubai's "Tam" government center, explained the main conditions for applying for this residency. He stated in an interview with "Al-Nahar Al-Arabi": "Sustainability initiatives are aimed at individuals both inside the UAE and abroad. The blue residency will be granted to environmental activists, including members of international companies, associations, and NGOs that have received global awards, as well as distinguished researchers and activists in environmental work."
He added, "Eligible individuals have been invited to submit their applications through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Relevant authorities can also nominate individuals for long-term residency."
Abu Bakr noted that the most significant benefit of the 10-year residency is that it allows individuals to live here without needing to be under the sponsorship of a company. This visa is expected to attract hundreds of talents and distinguished individuals from both inside and outside the country. Applicants are required to present documents such as a passport and certified documents from established environmental NGOs with a track record in the field, rather than from small environmental associations, with the application costing around 5,000 AED (1,800 USD). The processing of the application takes about a month at most, after which a text message will be sent to the individual's phone and email regarding approval or rejection.
After approval, the applicant must visit a transaction completion office such as "Tam" in Dubai or affiliated offices, or "Aamer" offices in Abu Dhabi, within two days to print the visa and begin medical examination procedures. In the final stage, the resident ID is issued online and sent to the individual's residence in the UAE.
Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amina Al-Shamsi, commented on Twitter stating, "The blue residency will play a key role in attracting talents in this field, including innovators and climate champions from all over the world, who will contribute to the UAE's progress in promoting a sustainable future for all."
It's worth mentioning that several types of visas are currently in use in the UAE, in addition to the golden, green, and blue visas. In March 2021, the UAE introduced a remote worker residency, which came into effect in September 2022, typically valid for one year. There are also work and labor visas that require a sponsor (an employer) and are usually granted for two years, with the employer obliged to provide health insurance; failure to do so is considered a violation subject to legal action. There is also a three-year visa for those working in media, public relations, production, and advertising.
Additionally, a tourist visa has now been extended to a 60-day visit visa for tourists, replacing the previous 30-day visa, with a cost of 400 AED. A multi-entry visa for tourists allows entry multiple times for 5 years without a sponsor and permits the holder to stay in the UAE for up to 90 consecutive days, provided they have 4,000 USD or its equivalent in their bank account.
