United Arab Emirates: The UAE has introduced a 180-day multiple-entry visa to streamline access for exceptional talents outside the country applying for the Blue Residence Permit, a 10-year residency aimed at leaders in sustainability, climate action, and renewable energy, with a swift, digital five-step application process.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security has recently announced an important new measure aimed at attracting exceptional talent to the United Arab Emirates. Eligible individuals currently outside the country can now apply for a multiple-entry visa valid for 180 days, facilitating the process for obtaining the coveted Blue Residence Permit. This new permit is appealing not just for its length—granting a ten-year residency—but also for its focus on individuals who have made significant contributions in the fields of environmental protection, sustainability, and clean and renewable energy.
The introduction of the Blue Residence Permit reflects the UAE’s broader strategic goals to position itself as a hub for sustainability and innovation. Specific groups eligible for this visa include distinguished influencers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, and specialists recognised for their efforts in climate change and environmental initiatives. Such diversification in eligibility aims to attract a wide range of expertise critical to addressing contemporary global challenges.
The application process for the Blue Residence Permit has been designed with efficiency in mind. According to the authority, applicants can complete their submissions in just five steps through a user-friendly smart services system and the UAEICP mobile application. These steps include filling out necessary information, attaching required documentation, paying the associated fees, and finally receiving the processed application via email. The average processing time is notably swift, taking just one working day post-application, illustrating the UAE’s commitment to hassle-free bureaucratic procedures.
During the recent World Government Summit, the first phase of this initiative was unveiled, granting the Blue Residence Permit to twenty distinguished innovators in the field of sustainability. This represents a significant leap forward in recognising and rewarding meaningful contributions towards the UAE’s sustainability agenda. The electronic system currently in place also aims to simplify the application process, allowing for quicker approvals and enhancing collaboration between various government entities.
The Blue Residence Permit complements the UAE’s existing residency options, such as the Golden and Green Visas. These permits are part of a wider trend in the UAE towards creating a more attractive environment for foreign talent, particularly in the wake of increasing global competitiveness in sustainable development sectors. For instance, the recent surge in demand for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa highlights a broader desire for flexibility among business visitors and relatives of UAE residents, indicating an enduring appeal of the country as a destination for both tourism and permanent residence.
As the UAE continues to enhance its immigration framework, the introduction of this new permit system is expected to draw a larger pool of talent. Notably, the Blue Residence Permit not only allows for an extension of residency but also provides unprecedented flexibility. Visa holders now have a 180-day grace period after their visas expire, enabling them to regularise their status without facing penalties, thus reflecting a commitment to retaining skilled individuals in the region.
In summary, the Blue Residence Permit is emblematic of the UAE’s strategic vision towards becoming a leader in sustainability and innovation. With its robust support framework, streamlined application process, and appealing residency benefits, it sets a precedent for how governance can engage with and facilitate global talent to address pressing environmental challenges.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.emaratalyoum.com/local-section/other/2025-05-13-1.1944130 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.emaratalyoum.com/local-section/other/2025-05-13-1.1944130 – The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security has introduced a 180-day multiple-entry visa for eligible individuals currently outside the UAE. This visa facilitates the completion of procedures to obtain the Blue Residence Permit, a 10-year residency granted to individuals with exceptional contributions in environmental protection, sustainability, and clean and renewable energy. Eligible categories include distinguished influencers, scientists, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, and specialists in relevant fields. The application process involves five steps through the smart services system and the UAEICP mobile application, with a processing time of one working day after fulfilling requirements.
- https://www.timeoutdubai.com/news/uae-blue-visa-launch – The UAE has officially launched the first phase of the Blue Visa system, a 10-year residency for individuals contributing to environmental sustainability. Announced during the World Governments Summit 2025, the initiative aims to attract sustainability leaders, innovators, and researchers. Applicants can apply directly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security or be nominated by competent authorities. The application process requires supporting documents demonstrating contributions to sustainability, climate change, and environmental protection. The Blue Visa extends the UAE’s existing residency programs, such as the Golden and Green Visas.
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/life-and-living/visa-and-immigration-in-uae/uae-why-demand-for-5-year-multiple-entry-tourist-visa-is-on-the-rise – The UAE has observed a significant increase in demand for its 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, reflecting the flexibility offered by the permit for frequent visitors. Travel agencies report a substantial number of inquiries, particularly from businessmen, regular visitors, and relatives of UAE residents. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days per entry, extendable to 180 days annually, without the need for a local sponsor, simplifying the application process for travelers.
- https://m.economictimes.com/nri/migrate/uae-launches-first-phase-of-blue-visa-system-offering-foreigners-10-years-residency-permit/amp_articleshow/118165056.cms – The UAE has introduced the first phase of the Blue Visa system, a 10-year residence visa designed for individuals contributing to environmental sustainability. Announced during the World Governments Summit 2025, the initiative targets individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection, including members of international organizations, non-governmental groups, corporate leaders, global award winners, and researchers. Eligible individuals can apply directly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security or be nominated by UAE authorities.
- https://emirabiz.com/blog/new-visa-rules-uae/ – The UAE has introduced a new multi-entry tourist visa with a validity period of five years. This visa allows holders to make self-sponsored visits to the UAE for up to 90 days at a time, with the option to extend the length of stay by a further 90 days, bringing the total possible period of stay in the UAE to six months for each entry. The visa requires evidence of a bank balance of at least USD 4,000 in the previous half-year period.
- https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-arab-emirates-new-grace-period-relaxed-in-country-residency-rules-for-uae-blue-residency-visa-holders-and-others.html – UAE Blue Residency visa holders are now eligible for a 180-day grace period after their visa expires or is cancelled, allowing them to regularize their immigration status or exit the country without penalty. Previously, there was no such provision for Blue Residency visas in the regulations. Separately, Blue Residency visa holders and foreign spouses of UAE nationals holding residence permits can now remain outside the United Arab Emirates indefinitely without losing their residency status.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references a recent announcement by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security, dated May 2025, and the recent World Government Summit, indicating current developments. No indication of recycled or outdated information was found.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
No direct quotes or named individuals are cited; the text attributes information generally to the federal authority and refers to official procedures and events. This absence of explicit quotes reduces the possibility of misattribution and implies original reporting rather than recycled quotations.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Emarat Al Youm, a prominent UAE news outlet. While well known regionally, it is less globally recognized than top-tier international outlets but is considered generally reliable for local governmental and policy news.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The described visa measures align with UAE’s known strategic focus on sustainability and talent attraction, consistent with broader immigration reforms such as the Golden and Green Visas. The details on application procedures, eligibility, and processing times are plausible and fit known government digitalisation efforts.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is a fresh and credible report on a newly introduced UAE residency permit targeting sustainability professionals. It is consistent with known UAE policy directions and current events, based on a reliable regional publication, and lacks indications of recycled content or unverifiable statements.
