As a resident of Dubai, have you completely fallen in love with the city? Do you ever think about retirement in Dubai and wonder if it’s possible? The answer is yes; you can get such a perk through the Retirement Visa in Dubai.
For more information about this type, find all the details you need right here in this quick guide:
- What Is a Dubai Retirement Visa?
- How Long Is the Duration of the Visa?
- How Old Should Eligible Applicants Be?
- What Are the Visa Requirements for Retirement in Dubai?
- Can Non-UAE Residents Apply for a Retirement Visa?
- What Are the Documents Required for the Visa to Retire in Dubai?
- How Can a Candidate Apply for a Retirement Visa in Dubai?
- Is Health Insurance Necessary to Apply for a Retirement Visa in Dubai?
- What Is the Cost of a Retirement Visa in Dubai?
- What Are the Benefits of a Dubai Retirement Visa?
- How Long Does the Dubai Retirement Visa Process Take?
- Full Cost Breakdown of the Dubai Retirement Visa
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
What Is a Dubai Retirement Visa?
The Dubai retirement visa is a long-term renewable visa approved for retired expats along with their spouses and children in the city. This type is ideal if you decide to move to Dubai after retirement.
Moreover, it’s one of the types of residency visas in Dubai which allows you to enjoy the city’s high living standards and modern facilities.
How Long Is the Duration of the Visa?
It is a 5-year retirement visa in Dubai with a chance of renewal if the requirements are still met after that time. Renewals are done online.
How Old Should Eligible Applicants Be?
Candidates must be 55 years of age or above to be able to apply for the retirement visa.
The applicant’s children must be within a certain age to be eligible: Less than 18 years old for boys and less than 21 years old for girls. When they exceed this age, they can apply for student visas.
What Are the Visa Requirements for Retirement in Dubai?
There are a few financial criteria for the “Retire in Dubai” scheme as follows; just one of them has to be satisfied:
- The retiree must have a fixed monthly income of at least AED 20,000 (UAE), AED 15,000 (Dubai) from a pension or from last employer; in this case, you should submit a bank statement for the last 6 months.
- Alternatively, they should have AED 1 M worth of savings
- A third alternative is owning a real estate property in Dubai that’s worth at least AED 2 M and it should be unmortgaged
- You can combine the previous two points with a total value of AED 2 M at least, which includes a fixed deposit over 3 years and the value of the unmortgaged property.
- The applicant has worked inside or outside the UAE or they are 55 years old or more at the time of retirement
These are the legibility requirements for a retirement visa in UAE; you should meet any of them to be able to get it.
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Can Non-UAE Residents Apply for a Retirement Visa?
Yes, this option is valid for those who are not currently residents of the UAE.
What Are the Documents Required for the Visa to Retire in Dubai?
You can check this list of documents needed for the application:
- Passport copies for both applicants and their dependents
- Copy of the marriage certificate in the case of sponsoring spouses
- Copy of current UAE visa for the applicant and dependents in the case of residents
- A copy of Emirates ID for the applicant and dependents in the case of residents.
There are further documents required according to your chosen requirement as follows:
- If you have a fixed income of AED 20,000 per month, you need:
- Proof of retirement letter to prove your eligibility for a Dubai retirement visa, which could be an end-of-service letter or a social services letter
- Proof of income source letter with the name of the beneficiary as well as the date of the commencement of the pension
- 6-month bank statement from a Dubai-based bank.
- If you have savings that amount to AED 1 M, you will need the following
- Proof of retirement letter
- Proof of savings letter from a UAE-based bank.
- If you own a property in Dubai worth AED 2 M without a mortgage, you will need a copy of the title deed for the property which must be in the applicant’s name, fully paid, not off-plan, and located in Dubai.
- A combination of savings and property amounting to AED 2 M will require the following documents:
- Proof of savings letter
- Copy of title deed.
How Can a Candidate Apply for a Retirement Visa in Dubai?
The application process for the retirement visa program in Dubai is quite a simple one, so you don’t have to worry! It is done online; here are all the details you need:
- You send an email to retireindubai@dubaitourism.ae with a filled application and all documents attached.
- You will be required to make a non-refundable payment of USD 25 via the link that will be sent to you; this is just a fee for processing and does not guarantee approval and it is the total cost of a Dubai retirement visa application.
- Once the payment is done, the documents will be looked upon and communication will take place in case any of them is missing.
- Your application will be forwarded to the responsible entity once it is internally approved at Dubai Tourism.
- The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) will handle an application of income and savings
- The Dubai Land Department will handle an application of properties.
Is Health Insurance Necessary to Apply for a Retirement Visa in Dubai?
No, you don’t have to have any medical insurance when applying for the visa. However, upon approval, a medical test will take place and you will be expected to buy medical insurance.
Applicants with international medical insurance can use it as long as a letter is provided by the company ensuring that the UAE is covered under their plan.
What Is the Cost of a Retirement Visa in Dubai?
The total cost of a retirement visa in Dubai is AED 3,714.75 (approx. $1,011); you should pay this fee after the approval of your application.
All expenses related to the visa, such as the entry permit, visa status adjustment, residency stamping, Emirates ID, medical examination, and management fees, are included in the amount.
What Are the Benefits of a Dubai Retirement Visa?
Retiring in Dubai comes with various lifestyle advantages, making it a popular choice for expats looking for comfort, stability, and world-class services. With this visa, you can enjoy a high standard of living in one of the safest and most modern cities in the world.
Key benefits include:
- Safe and stable environment with low crime rates
- High-quality healthcare and access to advanced medical facilities
- Tax-free income, allowing you to enjoy more financial freedom
- Modern infrastructure, from public transport to world-class amenities
- Access to property ownership and long-term residency stability
- Ability to sponsor your spouse and eligible children
- Multicultural community, making settling in much easier
- Freedom to travel in and out of the UAE without restrictions
How Long Does the Dubai Retirement Visa Process Take?
The overall process is simple, but most applicants appreciate knowing what to expect in terms of timelines. While processing times may vary, the below guide offers a general overview.
Estimated timeline:
- Week 1
- Prepare all required documents
- Fill out the application form
- Week 1–2
- Submit your documents via email
- Pay the USD 25 processing fee
- Receive confirmation of receipt
- Week 2–4
- Initial review by Dubai Tourism
- Application forwarded to GDRFA or Dubai Land Department (depending on eligibility route)
- Week 4–6
- Final approval
- Medical test
- Emirates ID registration and residency stamping
Full Cost Breakdown of the Dubai Retirement Visa
Although the main cost of the retirement visa is clearly outlined, applicants should also be aware of related fees that may apply during the process.
Main Visa Cost:
- AED 3,714.75 (includes entry permit, status adjustment, residency stamping, medical exam, Emirates ID, and management fees)
Possible additional expenses:
- Medical examination fees (if done externally)
- Health insurance premium (required after approval)
- Typing centre or service fees for assisted applications
- Document attestation costs, if needed
- Property valuation or document fees for applicants using the property route
- Bank letters or certification fees for income/savings verification
Key Takeaways
Retiring in Dubai is not only possible but also an accessible option for expats who wish to enjoy the city’s world-class lifestyle long-term. Dubai’s retirement visa gives eligible applicants a renewable 5-year residency, offering comfort, stability, and a smooth application process. To qualify, you simply need to be 55 or older and meet one of the financial requirements. The process is carried out entirely online, with clear documentation steps and a transparent cost structure. Once approved, you can look forward to all the benefits of living in a safe, modern, and vibrant city while also having the flexibility to sponsor eligible family members.
The process is carried out entirely online, with clear documentation steps and a transparent cost structure. Once approved, you can look forward to all the benefits of living in a safe, modern, and vibrant city while also having the flexibility to sponsor eligible family members.
FAQs
Those who are 55 years old and meet the eligibility conditions can get a 5-year retirement visa in UAE; if you’re a resident or willing to move to the city, you can check the conditions mentioned above in the article. If you’re over 55, this Dubai retirement visa program is the answer to how you can retire in a country like UAE, where anything is possible and you can enjoy an ideal residency!
The cost of a retirement visa in Dubai is AED 3,714.75 (approximately USD 1,011).
This amount includes all related expenses such as the entry permit, visa status adjustment, residency stamping, Emirates ID, medical examination, and management fees.
Yes, you can work in the UAE after the age of 60. Many residents continue working beyond this age, and companies can issue or renew work permits as long as all requirements are met. Age alone does not prevent someone from working in the UAE.
You must be 55+ and meet one of the following:
– Monthly income of AED 20,000 (UAE) / AED 15,000 (Dubai)
– AED 1 million in savings
– AED 2 million fully paid property
– A combination of savings + property totalling AED 2 million
