The Blue visa in Dubai: who it is for and how to apply

How to go about it

1. 1

   Check that your profile matches

   The Blue visa is for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution towards the environment's protection and sustainability, both inside and outside the UAE. Contribution outside the UAE counts — you do not need to have done the work here.

2. 2

   See which category you fall into

   The visa is given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations, international companies, members of associations and non-governmental organisations, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work. Work out which of these describes you, because that is what your evidence has to prove.

3. 3

   Pick your route: apply, or be nominated

   Sustainability advocates and experts interested in obtaining the UAE's Blue visa can apply to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, or be nominated by competent authorities in the UAE. The two routes are alternatives, not steps — if a UAE body is already prepared to nominate you, that is the shorter path.

4. 4

   Apply through the Federal Authority

   The direct route goes to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Start from icp.gov.ae and follow the Blue visa service there.

5. 5

   Confirm the current fees, validity and processing time yourself

   The official text we work from does not state a fee amount or a processing time, and we will not guess at either. Check the current figures — including how long the visa is issued for — on icp.gov.ae, and for anything handled in Dubai, on gdrfad.gov.ae. Anyone quoting you a number without pointing at one of those two sites is quoting from memory.

Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.

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