UAE 5-Year Retirement Visa: Eligibility, Requirements & Benefits Explained
The UAE, long recognized as a hub for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, has expanded its residency options to include retirees. With the launch of the 5-year renewable Retirement Visa, expatriates aged 55 and above can now enjoy long-term residency in the Emirates — even without employment or business ownership.
This initiative, first introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in December 2024, reflects the country’s vision of becoming a destination not only for careers and investments but also for retirement living.
Who Can Apply for the UAE Retirement Visa?
The program applies across all emirates, with Dubai offering a flexible version of its own.
General Eligibility Criteria (Federal Regulations)
Applicants must:
- Be 55 years or older
- Have at least 15 years of work experience (inside or outside the UAE)
In addition, they must meet one of the following financial conditions:
- Own UAE property worth at least AED 1 million (≈ USD 270,000)
- Hold savings of at least AED 1 million
- Earn a monthly income of at least AED 20,000 (≈ USD 5,400)
Special Case (Dubai only): Dubai residents qualify with a lower monthly income of AED 15,000 (≈ USD 4,050).
Applicants must also provide a 6-month bank statement to confirm financial eligibility.
Dubai’s Special Retirement Visa Program
Dubai offers additional flexibility with four financial qualification options. Applicants need to meet one of the following:
- Minimum monthly income of AED 15,000 (or annual income of AED 180,000)
- Fixed deposit of AED 1 million maintained for at least 3 years
- Ownership of unmortgaged property worth AED 1 million in Dubai
- A combined portfolio (savings + property) worth AED 1 million
Applications in Dubai can be submitted through the GDRFAD website under the section “Issuing a residence permit for the retired foreigner.”
Required Documents
Depending on the chosen financial route, applicants must provide:
For Real Estate Owners:
- Passport copy
- Proof of property ownership or property evaluation certificate
For Fixed Deposit Holders:
- Passport copy
- Personal photo
- Certificate of financial deposit
- Acknowledgment letter confirming transfer of deposit to UAE
For Pensioners with Regular Income:
- Passport copy
- Personal photo
- Bank statement (last 6 months)
- Official letter confirming income source
Visa Validity and Renewal
- Valid for 5 years
- Renewable if eligibility conditions are still met
- Provides a stable, long-term residency pathway
Costs and Fees
While sometimes referred to as a “free visa,” several processing and administrative fees apply.
Estimated Costs:
- Medical Examination: AED 700 (≈ USD 189)
- Emirates ID: AED 653 (≈ USD 176)
- Visa Fees: AED 2,256.75 (≈ USD 609)
- Dubai Land Department Fees: AED 2,020 (≈ USD 545)
- Administrative DLD Fees: AED 1,155 (≈ USD 312)
- Health Insurance: Varies by age and provider
Total estimated cost: AED 2,300 – AED 3,800 (≈ USD 621 – USD 1,026), excluding insurance.
Key Benefits of the Retirement Visa
- No income, property, or wealth tax
- Ability to sponsor spouse and dependent children
- Access to world-class healthcare facilities
- Multiple entry and exit freedom without affecting residency
- Long-term stability with renewable 5-year terms
Strategic Vision
This program is part of the UAE’s Vision 2031, which focuses on diversifying income sources, retaining global talent, and positioning the Emirates as a destination for not just work and business, but also retirement and lifestyle.
The retirement visa complements other long-term residency initiatives, including the Golden Visa for specialists, the Blue Visa for sustainability experts, and permits for digital creators, healthcare professionals, and more.
In summary: The UAE Retirement Visa offers retirees financial security, lifestyle comfort, and the chance to enjoy the Emirates’ tax-free, high-quality living environment. With both federal and Dubai-specific options, retirees now have a clear pathway to call the UAE home.
