Latest news with #BlueVisa
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Blue Visa: No property or investment needed; how you can simply qualify by contributing to the environment
The UAE's Blue Visa supports global environmental leaders with 10-year residency and zero investment requirements/ Representative Image TL;DR: The UAE Blue Visa offers 10-year residency to people with notable contributions to environmental protection and sustainability It's open to scientists, activists, entrepreneurs, and professionals working on climate and sustainability issues. Applications are now open, with a 180-day multiple-entry visa to help with the process. The UAE has started the Blue Residency Visa program, offering a 10-year residency to individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability and climate protection. This visa is open to Emiratis and foreign experts inside and outside the UAE, aiming to attract global environmental advocates, scientists, and entrepreneurs. To assist applicants from abroad, a special 180-day multiple-entry visa is provided for completing the process. The program was announced in May 2024 and officially launched in February 2025 during the World Governments Summit in Dubai. What Is the UAE Blue Residency Visa? The Blue Visa grants a 10-year residency to people who have made notable contributions to environmental protection and sustainability, whether inside the UAE or abroad. It is available to a wide range of environmental supporters, such as members of international organizations, companies, NGOs, award-winning activists, and researchers. Both Emirati nationals and residents working in environmental fields can qualify. Those interested in the Blue Visa can apply directly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, or be nominated by authorized UAE bodies. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 21st Century Skills Start with Confident Communication Planet Spark Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Why Does it Matter? The Blue Visa offers several important benefits: 10-Year Residency: Long-term stay for people who contribute to environmental goals. Multiple Entry for 180 Days: A special multiple-entry visa valid for six months is granted initially to help applicants complete their Blue Visa paperwork. No Investment or Property Requirement: Unlike other long-term UAE visas, you don't need to buy property or invest money. Recognition and Support: The visa officially acknowledges your role in environmental protection and encourages global talent to contribute to the UAE's sustainability efforts. Who Is Eligible? The Blue Visa is designed for people who have proven records of impact in environmental fields. Here's a breakdown of eligible groups: Distinguished Influencers and Activists: People recognized for their measurable positive impact on climate change, sustainability, or clean energy. This includes global award winners and well-known environmental advocates. Scientists and Researchers: Professionals approved by the UAE Scientists Council with recognized expertise in climate science, sustainability research, or renewable energy. Entrepreneurs and Investors: Business owners or investors working in green energy, environmental tech, or sustainability sectors. Environmental Professionals: Employees in government or private agencies focused on environmental protection or sustainability projects in the UAE. The visa is merit-based, not tied to financial investments. You don't need to own property or invest money. Your achievements and influence in environmental work matter most. How to Apply for the UAE Blue Visa Applying is simple and done online through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): Documents needed: Valid passport Recent passport-size photo Proof of environmental achievements or awards Completed application form For applicants inside or outside the UAE: Go to the ICP website or download the mobile app. Complete the application form with your personal details. Upload documents proving your work and accomplishments in environmental fields. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity. Pay the application fees. Submit your application. The process takes about 7 minutes to complete online. Once your documents are verified, you typically get a response within one working day. For applicants outside the UAE, the process is the same and straightforward. After submitting, you get a 180-day multiple-entry visa to enter the UAE multiple times while your full Blue Residency application is processed. Can You Get the Blue Visa Without Buying Property? The Blue Visa doesn't require you to own property or make any financial investments in the UAE. This sets it apart from other visas like the Golden Visa, which often ask for real estate purchase, business ownership, or minimum bank balances. The Blue Visa is merit-based. It focuses on your contributions to environmental protection, sustainability research, or green innovation. Your achievements and official approvals weigh most during the evaluation. The Bottom Line The UAE Blue Visa is a unique opportunity for environmental professionals and advocates. It removes financial barriers and focuses on your real impact. If you've contributed to protecting nature, advancing sustainability, or developing clean energy solutions, this visa could help you live and work in the UAE for a full decade. FAQ 1. Do I have to invest or buy property to get the Blue Visa? No. The Blue Visa is based on your environmental work and achievements, not financial investments or property ownership. 2. Can I apply for the Blue Visa if I live outside the UAE? Yes. The application process is fully open to international applicants through the ICP online platform. 3. How long does it take to get the visa after applying? Usually, the application is processed within one working day after document verification.
What's On
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Big visa changes in the UAE: here's what's new in 2025
Whether you've lived in the UAE for a decade or just arrived, staying on top of the country's evolving visa policies is key. And this year, the government has introduced several major changes to make the residency system more inclusive, efficient, and talent-driven. From creative professionals and climate experts to long-serving nurses and esports athletes, 2025 is opening more doors than ever before. Here are the biggest updates worth knowing… AI-powered visa processing with Salama Say goodbye to long queues and paperwork. The Salama system, launched by Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), is a new AI-powered platform that makes the visa process smarter and more seamless. You'll be able to apply, track, and pay online for most visa types. Think of it as your new digital front desk. The new Blue Visa for environmental advocates In a move that underlines the UAE's sustainability goals, the Blue Visa is a new 10-year residency granted to individuals making impactful contributions to the environment. This includes marine biologists, environmental scientists, climate researchers, sustainability experts and members of influential NGOs. It's part of the UAE's broader push to lead in climate tech and conservation. Golden Visas for gaming professionals Gamers, this one's for you. Under the Dubai Gaming Visa Programme 2033, professional esports players, developers, and gaming creatives aged 25+ can now apply for a 10-year Golden Visa. With the UAE investing billions in building a regional gaming hub, it's a clear signal that digital talent is top priority. Creators and filmmakers now eligible The Creators Platform (Creators HQ) has opened up Golden Visa eligibility for content creators, filmmakers, YouTubers, podcasters, and other digital creatives. If you've built an audience and created meaningful work in the UAE's media space, you could be eligible for long-term residency—especially helpful for freelancers and independent creators. Golden Visas for nurses with 15+ years' service Dubai Health has expanded its Golden Visa programme to include senior nurses and frontline medical workers who have served for 15 years or more. It's a major recognition of their vital contributions, especially during the pandemic years, and strengthens the UAE's healthcare workforce. No Golden Visa for crypto investors – yet Contrary to some online speculation, crypto investors and traders are not currently eligible for a Golden Visa in the UAE. While the country remains bullish on blockchain technology, the investment criteria have not yet extended to cryptocurrencies. Faster online applications As part of its digital overhaul, the GDRFA has rolled out user-friendly online services to apply for, renew, or track the status of various visas. This includes employment visas, family sponsorship, and Golden Visa applications. All you need is your Emirates ID, passport, and a few scanned documents. Expanded visa-on-arrival options for Indians Indian passport holders with valid visas or residency permits from select countries — including the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada — are now eligible for visa on arrival in the UAE. This is a game-changer for frequent travellers and expats with global mobility. The bigger picture All these updates reflect the UAE's continued ambition to attract global talent across key sectors — from healthcare, education and tech to climate innovation and creative media. Whether you're building a startup, curating culture, or protecting the planet, 2025's visa updates are designed to make your life (and your future) in the UAE much easier. Key takeaways: Check if your profession now qualifies for Golden or Blue Visas Make use of the Salama platform for online applications Creatives, gamers, and sustainability experts are now in focus Visa processing is faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever Stay tuned to What's On for more updates on residency, work permits and life in the UAE. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
08-07-2025
- Business
- What's On
UAE Golden Visa: Everything you need to know
In 2019, the UAE first announced its Golden Visa which provides exceptional talents the opportunity to live, work or study in the UAE under their own sponsorship. The visa grants foreign nationals residency for either 5 or 10 years. What are the benefits of a UAE Golden Visa? Obviously, long-term residency is a huge benefit for Golden Visa holders, but there are also tax benefits, plus investment, education and retirement opportunities that don't exist for other visa holders. Of course, as a UAE resident you benefit from the country's world class infrastructure and amenities, and can also sponsor your family under the visa. Golden Visa holders can benefit from the following: an entry visa for 6 months with multiple entries a long term renewable visa which is valid for 5 or 10 years the ability to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual period of six months in order to keep their residence visa valid the ability to sponsor family members the ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers While these are the main benefits, there are other perks that come with the Golden Visa too such as: the ability to apply for a driving license without taking lessons exclusive health insurance packages greater flexibility with employment What are the criteria for a UAE Golden Visa? There are several categories within the scheme. You need to consider the category that you will be applying for and seek proper advice to ensure it is the correct fit for you and matches your timelines. You can take a quiz to find out if you are eligible. A rough guide to the different criteria is as follows: Property Golden Visa If you own a property or a portfolio of properties valued at over Dhs2,000,000, you may be eligible for a five-year residency visa. The property must be fully paid or financed through a loan from one of the UAE's approved local banks. If you are an entrepreneur, you may be eligible for a visa for a period of 5 years if you own an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk & innovation. The project value should not be less than Dhs500,000 Executive Directors Golden Visa If you are at a certain level in your corporation, you may also be eligible. You'll need a monthly salary over Dhs50,000 a fully attested and translated degree, 6 months' bank statements and other documents. Special talents applicable for UAE Golden Visa Outstanding talents include: doctors scientists creative people specialising in culture and art inventors specialists in scientific fields athletes doctoral degree holders specialists in engineering content creators and influencers esports and gaming professionals luxury yacht owners in Abu Dhabi top achieving students humanitarian pioneers frontline heroes It was also recently announced that nurses may be applicable to receive the golden visa, along with teachers that have proven exceptional contribution. There are also similar concepts to the Golden Visa too such as the Blue Visa and Green Visa. Image: Archive > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
News18
20-05-2025
- Business
- News18
UAE Launches Blue Visa For Environmental Champions With 10-Year Residency
Last Updated: As per the UAE government, those who have contributed to environmental conservation qualify for a 10-year visa. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now begun the application process for the Blue Visa, a long-term resident visa for people who have made remarkable contributions to environmental protection. It is a multiple-entry permit that allows eligible tourists to stay in the Emirates for up to six months, with the possibility of a 10-year residency beginning this year. First introduced in May 2024, the UAE Blue Residency program aims to attract worldwide environmental leaders to help the UAE achieve sustainable economic and social development. Beginning February 2025, individuals can apply for an environmental visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. If you're looking forward to applying for the Blue Visa, here we've mentioned the details related to the eligibility criteria and key steps. Take a look. Eligibility Criteria Influencers: Those who have made major contributions, put up extraordinary efforts, and had a significant impact on the environment, climate change, sustainability, and clean and renewable energy are eligible to apply for this Visa. Scientists and Researchers: Scientists with significant global achievements and influence in the disciplines of environment, climate change, sustainability and clean and renewable energy, as certified by the UAE Scientists Council. Investors and Entrepreneurs: Young businessmen or investors working in the field of climate change, sustainability, environment and renewable energy can also apply. Steps To Apply: Applicants can start the process by going to the ICP smart services platform or the official website. Next up, select Blue Residency Services. After that, one must decide where to apply for the Blue Visa. It can be filed both within the country and outside of it, including in India. The Blue Visa joins previously established programs such as the Golden Visa, which grants investors, entrepreneurs and specialists ten years of residency, and the Green Visa, which offers competent professionals and business owners five years. As per the UAE government, those who have contributed to environmental conservation qualify for a 10-year visa. These include the land and marine environments, air quality, sustainable technology, and the circular economy.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
UAE 10-year Blue Residency Visa 2025: Applications open for expats — know how to apply, eligibility, and more
The United Arab Emirates has officially opened applications for its newly introduced 'Blue Visa' – a multiple-entry permit which enables eligible visitors to stay in the Emirates for an initial period of up to six months, followed by the potential for a 10-year residency thereafter, starting early this year, in 2025. In May of last year, the country introduced a long-term residency programme aimed at environmental advocates, designed to build and promote a culture of sustainability within the Emirates, in line with the country's commitment to environmental conservation. It is offered to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to environmental preservation, sustainability, and clean or renewable energy, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). The Blue Visa, a special residency permit, will be offered to those demonstrating extraordinary dedication and influence in the environmental and energy sectors. i. Distinguished influencers who have made significant contributions, made exceptional efforts, and had a measurable positive impact on the environment, climate change, sustainability, and clean and renewable energy. ii. Scientists and researchers who have major global achievements and influence in the fields of environment, climate change, sustainability, and clean and renewable energy, as approved by the UAE Scientists Council. iii. Investors and entrepreneurs who operate in the fields of environment, climate change, sustainability, and clean and renewable energy. iv. Working professionals and specialists who are working in government and private environmental agencies within the UAE. The required documents like a valid passport for at least six months, a recent colour photograph, achievements or proof of work in the specified fields, and payment of applicable fees. Applicants can begin the procedure using the ICP smart services platform or official website: and click the section 'Blue Residency Services.' Following that, one has to select the place of application for the Blue Visa. It can be filed for from within the country or from abroad, including India. To apply, people will need: After applying, one will receive a confirmation email.
