The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the first phase of the Blue Visa Program, a new long-term visa dedicated to sustainability and environmental action professionals.
The decision was confirmed earlier this month at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Blue Card of UAE was announced in May 2024, following a cabinet meeting in Abu Dhabi.
The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment, and our national directions in this area are clear and consistent.
In this regard, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, told Earth.org that the Blue Residency comes in line with the UAE’s efforts to achieve Net Zero by 2025.
She also said that the program also strengthens the UAE’s position as a global hub for sustainability.
Blue Card Announced in May 2024
Authorities in the UAE approved last year the launching of the ten-year Blue Card for persons who made exceptional efforts and contributions to protect the environment.
The decision was confirmed through a post made on May 15 on his X account, by the Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Announcing the new program, the UAE’s Prime Minister in May 2024 said that those eligible for the ten-year visa could be concentrating their eco-efforts on land environmental or marine protection, or the quality of the air, sustainability or other fields related to environmental protection.
Golden Visa for Wealthy Foreigners
Authorities in the UAE issue residency visas that are valid for two years. However, back in 2019, authorities in the UAE launched the new Golden Visa Program for wealthy foreigners.
The program grants residency to wealthy internationals in exchange for financial investments, provided applicants meet all the needed requirements.
In January this year, authorities in Dubai abolished the minimum down payment requirement of one million Dirhams (about US $270,000) required for persons seeking to benefit from this program.
These changes make the process easier for foreign nationals interested in acquiring residency through this scheme.
Before the new changes applied, applicants were required to purchase a property worth at least two million Dirhams.
Soon after the launching of the program, the UAE authorities said the scheme became among the most famous ones of this kind in North Africa and the Middle East.
In addition to the Residency-by-Investment Scheme, the UAE authorities also launched the so-called green visas for skilled professionals, investors, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.