Apply for a Retirement Visa in Dubai

Q: What is the retirement visa?

The Dubai retirement visa is a 5 year, renewable visa to live in the UAE. Eligible applicants must be retired, above 55 years old and meet certain criteria .

Q: Will I have multiple entry to the UAE?

Yes, as a holder of the retirement visa, you'll be regarded as a resident of the UAE and therefore are able to leave and enter the country at your convenience as long as your visa is active. There is no requirement to stay in the UAE for a minimum number of days per year either.

Q: With the retirement visa, who am I allowed to sponsor? Is there a limit to the number of people that I can sponsor?

The retiree may sponsor his/her spouse and children, with no limit to the number of children under sponsorship. The retiree may also sponsor his/her parents for a 1-year renewable visa. Any sponsored member of the family must have valid health insurance with coverage in the UAE.

Why retire in Dubai?

Dubai offers an unrivalled, active lifestyle, where you can explore a vibrant art and cultural scene, relax at day spas or enjoy the sun on pristine beaches. The city has a variety of luxury and affordable accommodation options and a world-class healthcare system – including in-home nursing care, mobility support, therapy services and much more – ensuring all senior needs are met seamlessly.

Holistic wellness
Dubai is the perfect destination for retirees who value not only lifestyle but peace of mind regarding their health and well-being.
Grow your wealth
With its stable, secure economy and attractive tax policies, Dubai is a city that helps its residents maximise their financial potential.
Exceptional living
With an unrivalled lifestyle, Dubai makes staying active enjoyable and effortless with rich offerings in art, music, wellness and more.
Safety and stability
As one of the top five safest cities globally and ranked No.1 in 2023 as the most desirable place to relocate, Dubai’s residents live worry-free.
Stay connected
Dubai’s technological and physical infrastructure makes it easy to talk to and visit friends and family from all over the world.

How to apply

Eligibility

Documents required

Application process

Eligibility

Expats and foreigners of any nationality over 55 years of age are eligible to retire in Dubai, provided they meet a certain level of financial criteria. Applicants must either own property worth AED 1 million, have equivalent savings, or a combination of both. A UAE retirement visa also requires UAE health insurance and the visa remains valid for five years, with renewal options. Eligibility varies by visa route and non-residents can also apply if they own qualifying property. With the multiple-entry visa, you’ll be regarded as a resident of the UAE and can therefore freely travel and enter the country at your convenience. You’ll also have access to all the standard services that residents benefit from, including telecommunications and utilities.

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Financial criteria options

1: Income
AED 180K/year (~US$49K)

2: Savings
AED 1M (~US$275K)

3: Property
AED 1M (~US$275K)

4: Savings & property
Minimum AED 1M (~US$275K)

Documents required

Once you've decided which financial option you want to apply under – income, savings, property or a combination of both, you'll need to prepare official documentation that proves your financial status. All international applicants will need to send their passport copy and those of their dependents (if any), along with a copy of their marriage certificate if sponsoring their spouse. UAE residents will need to additionally provide copies of their current visa and Emirates ID, both for themselves and any dependents. Once all your documents are ready, submit your application to one of two relevant authorities, based on which financial option you choose.

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For all routes:

1. Passport copy of applicant and dependents – spouse and children

2. Marriage certificate copy – if you are sponsoring your spouse

3. Copy of current visa – if you are a UAE resident for you and all dependents

4. Copy of Emirates IDs of applicant and dependents – if you are a UAE resident

Apply for the retirement visa

What to expect during visa issuance

If the application is approved by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA) or Dubai Land Department (DLD), a total amount of AED3,714.75 (approx. US$1,011) per applicant and dependent must be paid. Combining three processes in one for the retirement visa issuance, this cost covers the entry permit, visa status adjustment and residency stamping, as well the Emirates ID, medical examination and management fees. Note that this does not include any costs associated with health insurance, which is mandatory.

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Steps to apply

1. Choose your visa route

2. Submit your application

3. Pay the visa fees

Once you've been notified that your application is complete, the application process may take up to 15 working days.

Apply for a retirement visa

Don’t wait to experience all that Dubai has to offer. Start your application today to enjoy exclusive benefits and seamless access to Dubai. Your adventure begins here.

Apply now