Dubai has named three categories of foreigners eligible for the United Arab Emirates' 10-year Blue Visa, extending long-term residence to a defined group of foreign nationals under the new scheme.

The announcement sets out who can obtain the decade-long permit. Authorities in Dubai published the three eligibility categories alongside the visa's duration, giving applicants a clear picture of the residence route before they file.

What is the Blue Visa?

The Blue Visa grants successful applicants the right to live in the UAE for 10 years. Unlike shorter residence permits, it anchors the holder's status for a full decade without the renewal cycles that standard UAE visas require.

Dubai's announcement identifies three categories of foreigners who can qualify. The emirate named the groups directly, rather than opening the programme to all foreign residents.

Who is affected?

The change matters for foreign nationals who live in Dubai or plan to move there and want stability beyond the usual permit terms. The three named categories define the pool of eligible applicants; people outside those groups continue under existing visa rules.

What does this change for applicants? It replaces recurring renewal obligations with a single 10-year authorisation for those who fit one of the three categories, cutting paperwork and cost over the permit's lifetime.

How the announcement fits the UAE's visa trajectory

The Blue Visa adds to the UAE's expanding menu of long-term residence options. The country has spent recent years widening visas for investors, professionals and skilled residents, and the Blue Visa continues that pattern with its 10-year term.

Applicants should verify their own eligibility against the official criteria before acting. Dubai's designated visa authorities publish the rules and application steps, and only the official channels can confirm whether a person falls within one of the three categories.

For residents and prospective movers, the practical next step is straightforward: check the published category list, gather the required documents, and apply through the official portal once the process opens for each group.