Retirement Visa in Dubai Ultimate Guide

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:

retirement visa dubai

1. 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.

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

dubai retirement visa

4. 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: 

  1. 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.
  2. Alternatively, they should have AED 1 M worth of savings 
  3. A third alternative is owning a real estate property in Dubai that’s worth at least AED 2 M and it should be unmortgaged
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

If investing in a property in Dubai looks like the better option for you, Property Finder gathered all the properties available for sale in Dubai right here. You can filter your search with the minimum required price and your preferable communities in the area. 

5. Can Non-UAE Residents Apply for a Retirement Visa?

Yes, this option is valid for those who are not currently residents of the UAE.

6. What Are the Documents Required for the Visa to Retire in Dubai?

You can check this list of documents needed for the application:

  1. Passport copies for both applicants and their dependents 
  2. Copy of the marriage certificate in the case of sponsoring spouses 
  3. Copy of current UAE visa for the applicant and dependents in the case of residents 
  4. A copy of Emirates ID for the applicant and dependents in the case of residents.
5 year retirement visa dubai

There are further documents required according to your chosen requirement as follows: 

  1. If you have a fixed income of AED 20,000 per month, you need: 
    1. 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
    2. Proof of income source letter with the name of the beneficiary as well as the date of the commencement of the pension
    3. 6-month bank statement from a Dubai-based bank.
  2. If you have savings that amount to AED 1 M, you will need the following
    1. Proof of retirement letter 
    2. Proof of savings letter from a UAE-based bank.
  3. 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.
  4. A combination of savings and property amounting to AED 2 M will require the following documents: 
    1. Proof of savings letter 
    2. Copy of title deed. 
Retirement visa program dubai

7. 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: 

  1. You send an email to retireindubai@dubaitourism.ae with a filled application and all documents attached.
  2. 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.
  3. Once the payment is done, the documents will be looked upon and communication will take place in case any of them is missing.
  4. Your application will be forwarded to the responsible entity once it is internally approved at Dubai Tourism. 
    1. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) will handle an application of income and savings
    2. The Dubai Land Department will handle an application of properties.
Dubai retirement visa program for over-55s

8. 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. 

Apply for retirement visa dubai

10. 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.

FAQ

Who Can Get a 5-year Retirement Visa in UAE?

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!

This Blog is made available for educational purposes only, in addition to providing you with general information and a general understanding of its content, including referenced laws and regulations, and not to provide specific legal advice. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent advice from a licensed professional.