How to Get a Retirement Visa in the UAE
Meeting the age requirement of above 55 years allows the individual to apply for Dubai’s retirement visa, provided the applicant either has a property worth 1 million AED, has savings of 1 million AED, or a monthly income in the range of 15,000 to 25,000 AED, depending on the Emirate. Documentation needed includes a passport, health insurance, and either a title deed or bank statement. Registration is done online through the Dubai Land Department or the FAIC. Other steps include paying the approximate fees of 6984.75 AED and fulfilling the medical test. The 5-year visa can be renewed and allows the applicant to sponsor family members.
Why Choose the UAE for Retirement?
Anyone living in the UAE, more specifically in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is presented with the chance to live in a world-renowned multicultural zone, with the added benefit of world-class health facilities. Individuals can be attracted to the luxurious lifestyle provided in Dubai with its towering skyscrapers, or live a more calm and family-oriented lifestyle in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is a legally safe environment and is a dream country to retire in.
The absence of taxation allows your retirement funds to go further, while the modern amenities available facilitate life in the region. The UAE’s exceptional spas and golf courses, along with its rich cultural diversity, are a blend of the East and West. Moreover, the UAE’s position allows for easy connectivity and travel to Europe, Asia, and Africa. One’s retirement here offers more than just a simple visa; it is an opportunity to live in a secure and high-standard region.
What Is the UAE Retirement Visa?
The UAE retirement visa, also called the golden visa or residence permit for foreign retirees, is a the 5 years renewable visa for retirees beyond the age of 55. With such a visa, you are able to live in the UAE without a sponsor, and you will also have long-term residency. There is also a possibility to gain access to various services such as healthcare, business opportunities, and utilities. You can live part-time or full-time in the UAE, with no minimum threshold for physical presence, which is great for those wishing to smoothly transition into retirement.
The visa is administered by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC), the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), as well as by the Dubai Land Department. The visa is issued only to those retirees living with a certain level of financial stability. This is in line with the UAE’s vision to invite global talent and retirees to live in the very family-friendly environment offered by the country.
Who Can Apply for a Retirement Visa in the UAE?
The following criteria must be met in order to obtain a retirement visa in the UAE:
- Age: Must be 55 years old or older for the application.
- Financial Criteria: Satisfy any one of the following:
- Possess a property valued at AED 1 million. (Either paid in full or AED 1M of mortgage settled).
- Maintain a savings account or a time deposit with a balance of AED 1 million in a bank within the UAE.
- Receive a salary of AED 15,000 in Dubai, AED 20,000 in other emirates, or AED 25,000 in selected programs.
- Combination of AED 500,000 in property and savings.
- Health: Must hold United Arab Emirates insurance with coverage for the term and duration of stay in the UAE.
- (Optional) Work History: Some programs have a mandatory requirement of 15 years of professional experience (local and international)
These criteria guarantee fiscal health, which is an important consideration for the UAE’s residency by investment program for retirees. As a retiree program participant and expat or UAE resident, you are eligible to apply, but you must be in the country at the time of application.
UAE Retirement Visa Requirements
Financial Criteria Options
The retirement visa for the UAE has a few different pathways that can be taken based on the applicant’s personal situation. Here are the options:
- Property Ownership: Own one or more properties in the UAE (e.g., Dubai or Abu Dhabi) valued at AED 1 million. For mortgaged properties, the paid amount must be at least AED 1 million, verified by a bank confirmation letter or title deed.
- Savings/Financial Deposit: Maintain AED 1 million in a fixed deposit account for a minimum of 3 years, and can be relocated to a UAE bank within 60 days after the visa approval.
- Monthly Income: Validate a monthly income (pension) of AED 15,000 (Dubai), AED 20,000 (other emirates), or AED 25,000 (some programs), along with a 6-month bank statement.
- Combination: A combination of AED 500,000 in savings for a total of 1 million.
Whether you are seeking to purchase a home or rely on retirement income, these options help different financial scenarios.
Required Documents
To apply for a retirement visa in the UAE, the following documents must be gathered:
- Passport copy (valid for a minimum of 6 months)
- Personal photo (must be high resolution and meet FAIC requirements).
- Title deed or real estate certificate (when applying via property ownership, issued by Dubai Land Department or Department of Municipalities and Transport).
- Bank statement (for income or savings options, last 6 months).
- Health insurance (valid in the UAE, covering you and dependents).
- Marriage certificate (if sponsoring a spouse, certified).
- Birth certificate (for sponsoring children, certified).
- Emirates ID and current visa copy (if a UAE resident).
- National ID (for applicants from Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, or Afghanistan).
- Bank letter (for mortgaged properties, confirming AED 1M paid).
- Study certificate (for sponsoring children over 18, if applicable).
If applying through the Dubai Land Department, ensure all documents are certified, clear, and uploaded to the DLD Vault .
How to Apply for a UAE Retirement Visa
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a UAE retirement visa is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the age requirement (55+) and financial criteria (property, savings, or income).
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, ensuring they’re certified and meet FAIC or GDRFA standards.
- Choose Your Application Channel: Decide whether to apply online (via UAE Pass, FAIC, or dubailand.gov.ae) or in-person at a Customer Happiness Center, Amer Service Center, or DLD Cube.
- Submit Application: Upload documents or submit them in-person, ensuring accuracy to avoid delays.
- Pay Fees: Pay the visa fees (e.g., AED 6,984.75 for Dubai, including Emirates ID and medical test).
- Complete Medical Test: Undergo a medical fitness test at an approved UAE center.
- Receive Visa: Upon approval, your 5-year residency permit is emailed or stamped in your passport, along with an Emirates ID.
The process takes 7–15 business days, depending on the emirate and application channel.
Application Channels
You can apply through several channels:
- Digital Channels: Use UAE Pass or the FAIC website (icp.gov.ae) for 24/7 online applications. Upload documents to the DLD Vault for Dubai applications.
- Customer Happiness Center: Visit a center in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, get a ticket, and submit documents in-person.
- Amer Service Center: Available across the UAE, these centers offer personalized assistance for visa processing.
- DLD Cube (Dubai): A dedicated center for golden visa applications, open Monday–Thursday (8:00 AM–3:00 PM) and Friday (8:00 AM–12:00 PM).
- Dubai World Trade Centre: Offers golden visa services at Central 1, Office No. 2.
Cost of the UAE Retirement Visa
The retirement visa Dubai cost and Abu Dhabi retirement visa fees vary slightly. Here’s an approximate cost breakdown:
Dubai Retirement Visa:
- Visa issuance: AED 2,456.75 (5 years).
- Emirates ID: AED 653 (5 years).
- Medical examination: AED 700.
- Dubai Land Department fees: AED 2,020.
- Administrative fees: AED 1,155.
- Total: AED 6,984.75.
Family Sponsorship (Spouse/Children):
- Visa fees: AED 4,968.50 per person.
- Sponsorship file opening: AED 318.75.
Parents Sponsorship:
- Visa fees: AED 4,968.50 per parent.
- Sponsorship file opening: AED 318.75.
Abu Dhabi Retirement Visa:
- Residence fees: AED 2,280 (5 years).
- Emirates ID: AED 575.
- Additional fees (e.g., Knowledge Dirham, Innovation Dirham): AED 20.
- Total: ~AED 3,000–5,000 (varies by services).
Additional costs include health insurance (AED 2,000–5,000 annually) and document translation (~AED 500–1,000). Payment methods include bank transfer, credit card, or cash.
Benefits of the UAE Retirement Visa
The UAE retirement visa benefits make it a top choice for retirees:
- Long-Term Stability: Enjoy a 5-year visa, renewable if criteria are met.
- Tax-Free Income: Keep more of your retirement income in a tax-free environment.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse, children, and parents for residency.
- Healthcare Access: Use world-class healthcare with mandatory health insurance.
- Flexible Travel: No minimum stay requirement, allowing multiple entries and exits (up to 6 months abroad).
- Real Estate Investment: Owning property provides financial stability and access to Dubai’s booming market.
- Multicultural Community: Live among 200+ nationalities, with English spoken widely.
- High-Quality Lifestyle: Enjoy pristine beaches, golf courses, opulent spas, and cultural diversity.
These benefits create a secure environment and a family-friendly lifestyle for retirees.
Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi Retirement Visa: Key Differences
While both Dubai retirement visa and Abu Dhabi retirement visa share similarities, there are key differences:
| Feature | Dubai Retirement Visa | Abu Dhabi Retirement Visa |
| Monthly Income | AED 15,000–25,000 | AED 20,000 or AED 240,000 annually |
| Property Ownership | AED 1M (debt-free or AED 1M paid) | AED 1M (mortgaged property accepted) |
| Application Channels | DLD Cube, Amercenter, UAE Pass | FAIC, Customer Happiness Center |
| Total Cost | ~AED 6,984.75 | ~AED 3,000–5,000 |
| Lifestyle Focus | Luxury living, multicultural community | Serene, family-friendly environment |
Dubai emphasizes luxury and connectivity, while Abu Dhabi offers a quieter, secure environment. Choose based on your lifestyle preferences and financial situation.
Can You Sponsor Family Members with a UAE Retirement Visa?
Yes, the UAE retirement visa allows you to sponsor:
- Spouse: Provide a certified marriage certificate and health insurance.
- Children: Sponsor sons and daughters (under 18 or studying, with a study certificate for those over 18).
- Parents: Sponsor parents with a certified dependency certificate, bank statement (last 3 months), and health insurance.
Requirements for Sponsorship:
- Health insurance for all dependents.
- Certified documents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate).
- IBAN number for payment processing.
- No objection letter (if the mother is the sponsor, notarized by Dubai Courts).
There’s no limit on the number of children sponsored, making the UAE a family-friendly destination for retirees.
Challenges and How to Avoid Visa Rejection
Applying for a retirement visa in UAE can have challenges. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
- Incomplete Documents: Double-check that all documents (e.g., passport copy, title deed, bank statement) are certified and meet FAIC or GDRFA standards.
- Insufficient Funds: Ensure your property ownership, savings, or income meets the AED 1 million or AED 15,000–25,000/month thresholds.
- Invalid Health Insurance: Purchase a UAE health insurance plan before applying.
- Application Errors: Use services like Amercenter or DLD Cube for professional assistance to avoid mistakes.
- Visa Denial Reasons: Common reasons include incorrect financial proof, expired passports, or missing certifications. Verify all details before submission.
If rejected, you can reapply after correcting issues or appeal through the FAIC or GDRFA. A 60-day grace period allows you to stay in the UAE after visa expiration or cancellation.
Living as a Retiree in the UAE
Healthcare for Seniors
The UAE offers world-class healthcare through private hospitals and clinics. Popular providers include Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic, and American Hospital Dubai, offering senior healthcare services like in-home nursing and mobility support. Health insurance is mandatory and costs AED 2,000–5,000 annually, covering emergencies, checkups, and therapies.
For example, I met a retiree in Dubai who relied on Mediclinic’s senior care program for regular checkups, which gave them peace of mind. Research providers in Jumeirah or Dubai Marina for proximity to retiree-friendly neighborhoods.
Retiree Communities and Lifestyle
The UAE’s multicultural environment makes it easy to connect with expat communities. Join groups like the Dubai Expat Club or Abu Dhabi Retiree Network for social events, from cultural festivals like the Dubai Opera to golf tournaments at Emirates Golf Club. Neighborhoods like Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi are popular for their secure environment and high-quality lifestyle.
Domestic services (e.g., housekeeping, drivers) are affordable, with apps like Urban Company simplifying access. Enjoy pristine beaches, opulent spas, and global cuisines at restaurants like Pierchic in Dubai or Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
UAE Retirement Visa vs. Other Countries
How does the UAE retirement visa compare to other countries? Here’s a brief overview:
| Country | Visa Validity | Age Requirement | Financial Criteria | Key Benefits |
| UAE | 5 years, renewable | 55+ | AED 1M property/savings, AED 15,000–25,000/month | Tax-free, family sponsorship, no minimum stay |
| Portugal | 1 year, renewable | 55+ | €7,200/year income | Schengen access, low cost of living |
| Thailand | 1 or 10 years | 50+ | THB 800,000 savings | Affordable, tropical lifestyle |
| Philippines | Indefinite | 35+ | USD 10,000 deposit | Low cost, English spoken |
The UAE stands out for its tax-free income, world-class healthcare, and connectivity, but it requires higher financial thresholds than countries like the Philippines. Unlike Thailand, it allows business ownership, making it ideal for retirees interested in UAE business setup or company formation in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the minimum age for a UAE retirement visa?
You must be 55 or older to qualify for the UAE retirement visa.
Q2: How much does a retirement visa in UAE cost?
The retirement visa Dubai cost is approximately AED 6,984.75, including Emirates ID, medical test, and administrative fees. Abu Dhabi costs are lower (~AED 3,000–5,000).
Q3: Can I work with a UAE retirement visa?
No, but you can engage in business registration in Dubai or invest in real estate for passive income.
Q4: How long does the UAE retirement visa application take?
The process takes 7–15 business days, depending on the emirate and channel.
Q5: Can I sponsor my family with a UAE retirement visa?
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents, provided they have health insurance and certified documents.
Final Thoughts
Getting a retirement visa in the UAE opens the door to a high-quality lifestyle in a secure and multicultural environment. Whether you choose Dubai’s luxury living or Abu Dhabi’s serene vibe, the 5-year renewable visa offers flexibility, tax-free income, and family sponsorship. By meeting the financial criteria (e.g., AED 1 million in property or savings) and preparing documents like a passport copy and health insurance, you can navigate the process smoothly with help from PRO services or centers like Amercenter.
Ready to retire in the UAE? Start by checking your eligibility and gathering documents. For a hassle free experience, consider professional visa processing services to guide you every step of the way. Your dream retirement in a family-friendly, world-class destination is just an application away.
