The UAE retirement visa is a five-year renewable residence permit for people aged 55 and above. You qualify by meeting one of three routes: property worth AED 1 million, savings of AED 1 million, or a fixed monthly income of AED 15,000–20,000 (depending on the emirate). Most applicants also need 15 years of work history.
Key Takeaways
- Minimum age is 55 at the time of application.
- You need 15 years of work experience, inside or outside the UAE.
- You must meet one financial route: property, savings, or income.
- Dubai’s income threshold (AED 15,000/month) is lower than the federal rate (AED 20,000/month) used in Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
- The visa is valid for 5 years and is renewable.
- You cannot take formal employment on this visa, but remote income from outside the UAE is allowed.
- You can sponsor your spouse and children.
- Health insurance is mandatory and is the largest variable cost.
At-a-Glance
Category | Details |
Definition | 5-year renewable UAE residence permit for retirees aged 55+ |
Cost | Roughly AED 3,700–7,700 in year one, insurance excluded |
Time | 10–30 days for approval; visa issued within days after |
Requirements | Age 55+, 15 years work history, one financial route |
Benefits | No employment sponsor needed, family sponsorship, 0% personal income tax |
Risks | Rejection if documents are incomplete or funds are recently deposited |
Best for | Retirees with savings, pensions, or UAE property who want long-term residency |
What Is the UAE Retirement Visa?
Retirement visa is a long-term residence permit that lets retirees live in the UAE without a job or employer sponsor.
The UAE introduced this visa to attract financially independent retirees. It sits alongside the Golden Visa system but has its own dedicated eligibility track for people aged 55 and above. Retired foreigners can apply for a long-term visa of 5 years, provided they have worked for not less than 15 years inside or outside the UAE and are at least 55 years old at the time of retirement.
Who Qualifies for a Retirement Visa
Anyone 55 or older who meets one financial route and has 15 years of work history.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) and each emirate’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) run this program jointly. Property-based applications also pass through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
Eligibility for a Retirement Visa
You must satisfy one of these three financial conditions:
Route | Federal / Abu Dhabi Requirement | Dubai Requirement |
Property | AED 1,000,000+ owned property, unencumbered or mortgage paid to AED 1M | AED 1,000,000+ (some routes list AED 2M) |
Savings | AED 1,000,000 bank deposit, held 2+ years | AED 1,000,000 bank deposit |
Income | AED 240,000/year (AED 20,000/month) | AED 180,000–240,000/year (AED 15,000–20,000/month) |
Figures vary slightly between official sources and get revised periodically. Always confirm the current threshold with GDRFA or ICP before applying.
The 15-year work history rule is often overlooked. It applies whether you were employed inside or outside the UAE, and it is checked alongside the age requirement, not instead of it.
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs Other Emirates
Dubai runs its own retirement visa track through GDRFA and Dubai Tourism, with a slightly lower income threshold than the federal route used elsewhere.
Feature | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Other Emirates (Federal) |
Authority | GDRFA Dubai, Dubai Tourism | ADRO, ADDED | ICP |
Income route | AED 15,000–20,000/month | AED 20,000/month (AED 240,000/year) | AED 20,000/month |
Property route | AED 1M+ | AED 1M+ | AED 1M+ |
Processing | Often within days once approved | Similar timeline | Similar timeline |
Application Process for Retirement Visa in UAE
- Check eligibility against age, work history, and one financial route.
- Gather documents: passport, proof of income or savings, property title deed if applicable.
- Create an account on the GDRFA or ICP portal, or use UAE PASS.
- Submit the application under “Residence permit for the retired foreigner.”
- Pay the entry permit fee and wait for approval.
- Complete a medical fitness test once in the UAE.
- Get Emirates ID biometrics done.
- Receive your 5-year residence visa stamped in your passport.
Once logged in, applicants select “new application” and choose “Residence permit for the retired foreigner,” then fill in personal details.The visa is often processed quickly once the application is complete and accepted.
Documents Required for a UAE Retirement Visa
- Passport copy with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-size photo
- Proof of financial route: bank statement, title deed, or income letter
- Health insurance confirming UAE coverage
- Employment history letters (for the 15-year requirement)
Cost for a Retirement Visa in UAE
Total first-year cost for a retirement visa in the UAE starts from AED 3,700 to AED 7,700, not including health insurance, which varies sharply by age and provider. Costs cover the entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and residence permit stamping. Renewal costs are similar to the initial issuance.
Get Help With Your Application
Retirement visa rules change and vary by emirate. Our Dubai visa and PRO services team can check your eligibility, prepare your documents, and manage the GDRFA or ICP submission for you. Contact our Dubai team to start your application.
