Retirement Visa UAE

UAE Retirement Visa in Dubai

The UAE now offers a unique opportunity for retirees through the “Retire in Dubai” program, developed in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC).

Eligible individuals aged 55 and above can apply for a 5-year renewable Retirement Visa that allows them to live in Dubai and enjoy the city’s world-class infrastructure, secure environment, and high quality of life.

This Golden Retirement Visa is ideal for those who wish to settle in Dubai post-retirement. To qualify, applicants must meet specific financial criteria, such as owning property or having sufficient savings or income. The visa is renewable after five years, provided the retiree continues to fulfill the eligibility conditions.

Enjoy peace of mind, family-friendly amenities, and a vibrant, multicultural lifestyle as you plan your retirement in one of the most modern and safe cities in the world.

Key Benefits of Holding a Retirement Visa in the UAE

Choosing a retirement visa in Dubai offers a wealth of advantages for expatriates looking to enjoy a high-quality lifestyle in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

• Tax-Free Lifestyle
  • Investing in Dubai’s real estate market to qualify for a retirement visa allows you to benefit from the UAE’s tax-friendly environment. In addition to zero personal income tax, residents enjoy world-class infrastructure, a prime location connecting East and West, and modern amenities that support a comfortable retirement.

• Culturally Diverse Community
  • Dubai is a global city home to over 3 million residents representing more than 200 nationalities. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken, making it easy to integrate. This cultural melting pot offers retirees a unique opportunity to engage with a rich variety of traditions, values, and communities, all coexisting in an atmosphere of tolerance and inclusivity.

• Exceptional Quality of Life
  • From pristine beaches and championship golf courses to serene desert retreats and scenic mountain escapes, Dubai supports an active and vibrant lifestyle. The city also offers diverse dining experiences across all price points, premium wellness centers, luxury spas, museums, and contemporary art galleries—ensuring retirees always have something enriching to explore.

• Affordable and Accessible Domestic Services
  • Dubai’s service-driven economy makes hiring domestic help both easy and cost-effective. Whether you need housekeeping, cooking, or chauffeur services, everything can be arranged via specialized apps or local providers. Additionally, the city caters to all your shopping needs—from global supermarket chains and traditional souks to world-famous malls and seasonal shopping festivals.

• Flexible Travel Outside the UAE
  • One of the major benefits of both the 10-year property investor visa and the 5-year retirement visa is the flexibility to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without the visa being affected. Unlike most other residency permits, there is no requirement to return to the UAE every six months to maintain visa validity.

• Family Sponsorship Privileges
  • Holders of the 10-year property visa or the 5-year retirement visa can sponsor their dependents—including sons and daughters—for the same duration as their visa, provided the children are unmarried. This ensures long-term stability and family unity for those choosing to retire in the UAE.

Is Getting Retiring Visa in Dubai a Good Idea?

Getting a retirement visa in Dubai can be a good idea for several reasons, depending on your personal preferences and circumstances:

1. Quality of Life: Dubai offers a high standard of living with modern infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and a safe environment, making it attractive for retirees looking for comfort and convenience.
2. Tax Benefits: Dubai does not impose income tax or capital gains tax, which can be advantageous for retirees looking to maximize their savings and retirement income.
3. Accessibility: Dubai is a global hub with excellent connectivity through its international airport, making it easy to travel to and from various destinations around the world.
4. Cultural Diversity: Dubai is known for its multicultural environment, offering retirees the opportunity to engage in diverse cultural activities, events, and communities.
5. Healthcare: The emirate boasts world-class healthcare facilities and services, ensuring retirees have access to quality medical care.
6. Investment Opportunities: Retirees can invest in Dubai’s real estate market or start businesses, leveraging the city’s dynamic economy and business-friendly policies.

However, it’s essential to consider factors such as the cost of living, adapting to a different cultural environment, and the regulatory requirements for obtaining and maintaining a retirement visa in Dubai. Consulting with immigration advisors or specialized consultancy firms can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and help you make an informed decision about retiring in Dubai.

Criteria for the Retirement Visa in Dubai

Visa Route Selection:

The approval process for the UAE Retirement Visa depends on the pathway through which you qualify for retiring in Dubai and the regulatory body overseeing the visa issuance. Here’s an overview of the different pathways:

1. Property Applications: If you qualify based on property ownership in Dubai, you would need to meet the minimum property investment threshold specified by the visa program. The Dubai Land Department or related authorities would oversee this pathway.
2. Savings Applications: Applicants may qualify based on having sufficient savings or fixed deposits in a UAE bank account. The Central Bank of the UAE or relevant financial authorities would typically regulate this pathway.
3. Monthly Income: This pathway involves demonstrating a stable monthly income, such as pension or retirement funds, that meets the visa program’s financial requirements. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai would manage this application process.
4. Fixed Deposit: Applicants may also qualify by placing a fixed deposit in a UAE bank, meeting the minimum deposit amount specified for the visa program. The Central Bank of the UAE and relevant banking institutions would oversee this pathway.

Each pathway has specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and regulatory procedures. It’s essential to consult with immigration advisors or specialized consultancy firms familiar with UAE visa regulations to ensure you choose the right pathway and navigate the application process effectively. They can provide guidance tailored to your individual circumstances and help you prepare the necessary documentation for a successful visa application.

UAE Retirement Visa Cost:

The UAE Retirement Visa costs can vary based on several factors, including application fees and associated expenses. Here’s a general overview:

1. Application Fees: The initial application fee for the UAE Retirement Visa typically includes processing charges and may vary depending on the visa duration (e.g., 5 years).
2. Health Insurance: Applicants are required to obtain health insurance coverage that meets UAE standards. The cost of health insurance can vary based on coverage levels and provider.
3. Medical Examination: There may be fees associated with the mandatory medical examination required as part of the visa application process.
4. Other Expenses: Additional costs may include document processing fees, translation services (if documents are not in Arabic or English), and any administrative charges related to the application process.

To get precise information about current costs and fees for the UAE Retirement Visa, it’s advisable to contact Golden Visa UAE consultancy firm. We can provide up-to-date details and assist with navigating the visa application process efficiently.

Required Documents for Retirement Visa UAE

Eligibility Criteria & Visa Requirements:

• Applicants must be over the age of 55 to apply for retirement visa in Dubai.
• You must meet each of the accompanying financial requirements:

What are the required documents needed for a retirement Visa UAE?

You need to acquire the following documents to apply for the long-term residency Visa once you are in the UAE:

1. When a title deed is issued for property in Dubai, the property value stated in the title deed must be at least 1 million AED (other emirates & DIFCA are not accepted)
2. Applicant age must be min. 55 years old
3. Very clear passport copy (passport valid for more than 6 months).
4. A clear passport copy (Passport valid more than 6 months).
5. Old Emirates ID (If applicable).
6. A high-quality applicant digital photo that matches the ICP specifications(Note: Please find the personal photo guidelines to be followed set by Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship, Customs & Port Security  here.
7. Applicants from the following countries Must Bring their National ID (IRAN – PAKISTAN – IRAQ – LIBYA – AFGHANISTAN).
8. Health insurance (from any insurance company in UAE).
9. Title deeds owners can apply for Retirement residence visa application if the market value exceeds 1 million (official evaluation certificate is mandatory).
10. Title deed jointly between partners is acceptable (applicant share should be minimum1 million).
11. The applicant’s name in the title deed must be matching with the name in the passport.

As per GDRFA regulation, Medical insurance is compulsory for all residence permits applications. We can assist you to complete your medical insurance registration for you and your family.

You may choose one of the following options:

• DHA Basic Insurance
• Comprehensive Insurance

You can contact us through below contact details for registration or more information:

• Email address: [email protected]

In case the property joint between Husband & Wife, property share must be equal between both parties. In case the shares are not equal, highest share holder will only allow to apply as primary visa holder then sponsor other party (Spouse).

Additional Documents, Statements, and Paperwork for all Options:

Option 1: Income	Income Proof: Applicants must provide documentation proving their selected financial path. Specify the beneficiary’s identity and the time of initiation. This might be: a. A certificate from the applicable body providing the income source such as a pension system OR b. A document from your prior job confirming that they are still providing month-to-month income in retirement. OR c. Documentation confirming your assertion that you have a steady income. Six-Month Bank Statement: GDRFA is now reviewing earnings from retirement funds, social services, or other sources of long-term income. — A monthly minimum contribution of AED20,000 or AED 240,000 per year from your income sources such as a retirement fund or pension scheme. — A Dubai-based financial institution. — Your bank’s certified statement of account for the previous six months.
Option 2: Savings	Retirement Letter Evidence: To demonstrate that you are an eligible pensioner who has previously worked. It might take the form of: a. A letter of service discontinuation: A letter of service discontinuation from your previous employer which contain following information. a.1 — It must confirm that you are a senior. a.2 — The length of work service should be specified. OR b. A note from social services or a comparable organization — The documents must state that you have retired. Statement of proof of savings: Certified bank certificate from a financial institution in the Emirates (in Arabic). — AED 1 million must be deposited in a three-year fixed deposit with a UAE-based bank. — The bank must write a mail to GDRFA certifying that the assets are safeguarded as described above.
Option 3: Property	Title deed copy: – The asset must be in Dubai (not any other country or emirate). – According to the title document, the property must have a minimum valuation of AED 1 million. – It must be in the possession of the applicant (not the spouse). If the applicant owns a corporation, the firm must be owned by 100%. – If there are co-owners, the applicant’s and spouse’s portion of landownership should be at least AED 1 million. – If unmortgaged, the property dues should be paid fully.— If mortgaged, the property payment must be at least AED 1 million. – No deviations from the original plan. Please keep in mind that several assets with a total value of AED 1M might be considered if they fit the following conditions. DLD is presently not processing assets that have DIFC title documents; however, GDRFA will evaluate them. Contact your consultant for further information on the visa procedure for DIFC-registered assets.
Option 4: Savings & Property	Title deed copy: Check that your property meets the following requirements: – Issued by DLD and based in Dubai (not any other nation or Emirates). – According to the property title, the building must have a baseline value of AED 500,000 – Should be in the claimant’s possession (not the individual’s spouse). If the applicant owns a corporation, the firm must be 100% owned by the retiree. If there are co-owners, the spouse’s and applicant’s property ownership portion should be at least AED 500,000. – No deviations from the original plan. As long as the foregoing conditions are met, multiple assets having a cumulative value of AED 500,000 may be considered. Proof of Savings Letter: Certified bank certificate (in Arabic) from a UAE-based financial institution showing the credit balance – for instance, if the asset is worth AED 500,000, you must show at least AED 500,000 in savings to have a total of AED 1m. – The money must be deposited in a three-year fixed deposit with a UAE-based bank. – The financial institution must send a statement to GDRFA certifying that the assets are safeguarded as described above.

Health Insurance Guidance:

Applicants planning to apply for a retirement visa in Dubai should prepare in advance for various aspects, including healthcare requirements that can significantly impact their stay. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Healthcare Preparations: It is crucial to gather all necessary documents and paperwork related to your health affairs before relocating to Dubai. This preparation helps to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary complications.
2. Medical Examination: Once your visa application is approved, you will be required to undergo a medical examination. This examination ensures that you meet the health standards required for residency in Dubai.
3. Health Coverage: After your visa is approved and you have completed the medical exam, you must obtain a health coverage plan that meets your healthcare needs in Dubai. While it’s not mandatory to obtain coverage from local providers, it is recommended to facilitate easier access to healthcare services and smoother reimbursement processes.
4. Registration Process: You can initiate your visa registration process without having secured local health coverage beforehand. However, you must submit documentation from your current health insurance provider stating coverage in the UAE post-visa issuance.
5. Foreign Coverage: If you already have health coverage from a foreign entity that extends to the UAE, you can utilize this coverage. Ensure you have documentation verifying this coverage to comply with visa requirements.

Navigating these healthcare and administrative requirements proactively can help retirees transition smoothly to living in Dubai under the retirement visa program. For personalized guidance and assistance with the visa application process, consider consulting with experts or specialized consultancy services like Golden Visa UAE.

How Golden Visa UAE Can Help you Retiring in Dubai?

Visiting the Emirates is always a fantastic experience, especially with the rapid expansion happening across the country. The UAE is committed to becoming an even more desirable place to live, work, visit, and retire. If you’re considering settling in Dubai, the UAE Retirement Visa offers excellent possibilities.

Navigating the application process for your Retirement Visa shouldn’t be a hassle. Contact Golden Visa UAE today and let us assist you in making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Retirement Visa Cost in Dubai 

Description	Cost in AED
5 Year new Retirement visa	AED 6,984.75
5 years retirement visa renewal	AED 6,419.75
5 years retirement visa cancelation	AED 190.75

How to Apply for a 5-Year Retirement Visa in UAE?

You may apply for a 5-Year Retirement Visa in Dubai by visiting our office in the Dubai. The procedure is straightforward and simple. To apply, complete the instructions below or contact us +971566556645.

• To verify documents:
  1. The documents are listed on this page.
  2. To send documents to [email protected] for the verification.

NOTE: Please visit our office to get all the information & to process your visa application.