DUBAI: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has begun offering the 180-day entry visa to eligible individuals currently residing outside the UAE. This visa is designed to help applicants complete all required procedures to obtain the blue residency, which was first announced during the World Government Summit in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

The blue residency visa targets individuals who have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection, sustainability, and renewable energy. It is open to:

Distinguished influencers with proven impact in climate-related fields

Scientists and researchers with global recognition, nominated with the approval of the UAE Scientists Council

Investors and entrepreneurs in environmental and sustainability ventures

Specialists working with government or private environmental institutions within the UAE

The application process, available via the UAEICP smart services platform and app, involves four simple steps: providing required information and documents, paying applicable fees, submitting the application, and receiving email confirmation. Required documents include a valid passport (minimum six-month validity), a recent colored photograph, and proof of eligibility.

According to ICP, the entire application process takes about seven minutes, with visa issuance completed within one working day upon fulfilling all criteria.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts in sustainability, complementing the country’s golden and green residency programs. In the first phase of the blue residency rollout, 20 sustainability pioneers were already granted the 10-year visa. Authorities continue to accept nominations from related government bodies through a fully digital approval system.