Expats can now apply for UAE Blue Residency with multi-entry 180-day permit
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The United Arab Emirates has introduced a 180-day multi-entry permit to facilitate the application process for the country's newly launched Blue Residency visa, a 10-year residency granted to individuals with outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability, according to Khaleej Times.
The announcement was made by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), which confirmed that eligible applicants outside the UAE can now apply for the permit via the ICP website or mobile app.
The move aims to ease the completion of procedures necessary to obtain the long-term residency.
The Blue Residency, announced earlier this year during the World Government Summit, is the UAE's first long-term visa targeting climate and environmental contributors. It complements existing initiatives such as the Golden and Green residency programmes.
According to the ICP, eligibility for the Blue Residency 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
'The service is completed within one working day once all documents are verified,' the ICP stated. Applicants must provide a passport valid for at least six months, a personal photo, proof of eligibility, and pay the necessary fees.
The five-step application process reportedly takes around seven minutes to complete.
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 UAE's broader national strategy to position itself as a global hub for climate innovation and environmental action. During its launch phase in February, 20 prominent individuals in the field of sustainability were awarded the residency.
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