UAE Announces New 10-Year Blue Residency Visa Apply Now. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a 10-year Blue Residency visa to attract and retain global talent, skilled workers, and investors. This new visa is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to enhance its appeal as an international hub for business and tourism. Here’s a detailed overview of who can apply and how:
New 10-Year Blue Residency Visa
Eligibility Criteria
- Investors:
- Real Estate Investors: Individuals who invest in properties worth at least AED 2 million can apply. This includes those who purchase properties with loans from specific local banks or buy off-plan properties from approved local real estate companies.
- Real Estate Investors: Individuals who invest in properties worth at least AED 2 million can apply. This includes those who purchase properties with loans from specific local banks or buy off-plan properties from approved local real estate companies.
- Entrepreneurs:
- Entrepreneurs own a technical or future economic project based on risk and innovation. They need an approval letter from an auditor in the UAE confirming the project’s value, from the authorities in the emirate, and an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
- Entrepreneurs own a technical or future economic project based on risk and innovation. They need an approval letter from an auditor in the UAE confirming the project’s value, from the authorities in the emirate, and an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
- Highly Skilled Workers:
- Professionals with educational qualifications and professional experience in medicine, sciences, engineering, information technology, business, education, law, culture, and social sciences. Applicants must have a valid employment contract in the UAE and be classified at the first or second occupational level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. They also need a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 and at least a bachelor’s degree. (UAE)
- Outstanding Talents:
- Talents in vital fields such as culture, art, sports, and digital technology. This category is based solely on talent and does not require an employment status or a minimum salary. It requires a recommendation or approval from a relevant government entity.
- Talents in vital fields such as culture, art, sports, and digital technology. This category is based solely on talent and does not require an employment status or a minimum salary. It requires a recommendation or approval from a relevant government entity.
- Scientists and Researchers:
- The Emirates Scientists Council recommends individuals with significant achievements and influence in their field. They should have a PhD or master’s from top universities in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences.
- Exceptional Students:
- Outstanding high school and university students. High school students must be national-level toppers with a minimum grade of 95%. University students must have a high GPA and have graduated from top-rated universities within the last two years.
- Outstanding high school and university students. High school students must be national-level toppers with a minimum grade of 95%. University students must have a high GPA and have graduated from top-rated universities within the last two years.
- Humanitarian Pioneers:
- Individuals involved in humanitarian work for at least five years or have received awards from recognized organizations. This includes members and employees of international or regional organizations and civil associations.
- Individuals involved in humanitarian work for at least five years or have received awards from recognized organizations. This includes members and employees of international or regional organizations and civil associations.
Application Process Blue Residency Visa
- Preparation:
- Gather all necessary documents, including proof of investment, employment contracts, educational certificates, and recommendation letters, as applicable to the category.
- Submission:
- Applications can be submitted through the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) websites. Real estate investors need to provide a letter from the land department of the respective emirate.
- Applications can be submitted through the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) websites. Real estate investors need to provide a letter from the land department of the respective emirate.
- Approval:
- The processing time varies but has been significantly reduced for specific categories under the new rules. Applicants may also need to undergo background checks and provide biometric data.
- Issuance:
- Once approved, the Blue Residency visa will be issued, allowing the holder and their family to live in the UAE for up to 10 years, with the possibility of renewal.
How to Apply:
- Online Application:
- Applications can be submitted through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) website or the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) in Dubai.
- Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Valid health insurance
- Letter of endorsement (for specialized talents)
- Proof of property ownership or investment (for investors)
- Academic records (for students)
- Relevant professional certificates and approvals (for specialized talents and entrepreneurs)
Benefits
- Stability: Visa holders and their families can enjoy long-term residency in the UAE, fostering a sense of stability and security.
- Flexibility: Holders can sponsor family members, including spouses and children of any age, and there are no restrictions on the duration of stay outside the UAE to maintain the visa’s validity.
- Investment Opportunities: Investors can benefit from the UAE’s thriving real estate market and other business opportunities.
Blue Residency Visa: The introduction of the 10-year Blue Residency visa is a strategic move by the UAE to attract global talent and investment and enhance its position as a leading international destination for living, working, and investing.