United Arab EmiratesResidence

UAE retirement visa for retirees aged 55 and over

Residence visa for retirees (5-year retirement visa)

In short

Foreigners aged 55 or over who have worked for at least 15 years, inside or outside the UAE, can obtain a renewable 5-year retirement residence without a sponsor. They must show AED 1 million in property and savings, or a fixed annual income of at least AED 180,000 under the federal rules (AED 240,000 in Dubai, where GDRFA also accepts AED 1 million in property or in a deposit).

Apply on ICP Smart Services checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
5 years, renewable under the same conditions
Fee
AED 200GDRFA Dubai residence permit fee, plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, AED 500 in-country fee and AED 20 delivery; the issuance fee rises by AED 100 each year beyond two.
Funds required
AED 180,000 per yearFederal minimum fixed annual income (u.ae); AED 240,000 in Dubai. Alternatives: AED 1 million in property and savings (federal) or AED 1 million in property or a deposit (Dubai).
Processing time
About 48 hours at GDRFA Dubai
Work
The visa is a residence without work
Path to permanent residence
No; renewable every 5 years
Where to apply
ICP Smart Services (federal) or GDRFA Dubai

Basic conditions

You must be at least 55 and have at least 15 years of work, either in the UAE or abroad. Working years abroad count, so a retiree can use a document from the social security institution or the last employer showing the service period and retirement.

The visa gives a 5-year residence without a sponsor or host, renewable on the conditions under which it was first issued.

Documents

GDRFA asks property owners for a passport copy and proof of ownership or a valuation from the land department. Deposit holders add a photo, the deposit certificate and an undertaking to move the money into the UAE. Income-based applicants provide a photo, six months of bank statements and a letter from an official body stating the source of income, for example a pension statement.

Health insurance valid in the UAE and the medical fitness test are also needed to complete the residence.

Required documents

Travel

  • Passport copy and personal photo

Work

  • Proof of at least 15 years of work and retirement (e.g. a social security record or a letter from the last employer)

Insurance

  • Health insurance valid in the UAE

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Money

  • Title deed or valuation showing UAE property of at least AED 1 million
  • Deposit certificate of at least AED 1 million and undertaking to transfer it to the UAE
  • Six months of bank statements and an official letter on the income source (income route)

Money options

Under the federal rules on the UAE government portal you need either property worth at least AED 1 million together with savings of at least AED 1 million, or an annual income of at least AED 180,000 from any source inside or outside the UAE.

GDRFA Dubai sets its own options: UAE property worth at least AED 1 million, or a deposit of at least AED 1 million (to be transferred to a UAE bank or licensed institution within 60 days of issue unless invested in UAE property), or a fixed annual income of at least AED 240,000 supported by six months of bank statements. Mortgaged property counts if at least AED 1 million has been paid toward releasing the mortgage.

Fees and processing

GDRFA Dubai lists a residence permit fee of AED 200, AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, an in-country fee of AED 500 and AED 20 delivery; the issuance fee increases by AED 100 for each year when the residence exceeds two years. Expected completion is 48 hours.

Medical test, Emirates ID and insurance are paid separately.

Renewal

The retirement residence is renewed for another five years if you still meet one of the money conditions. Keep the deposit in place and the income documented, because the same evidence is checked at renewal.

GDRFA Dubai has a dedicated renewal service for retired foreigners with the same fee structure.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Check that you are 55 or older and have 15 years of work history.
  2. Choose the monetary option: property, deposit or income, and note the Dubai thresholds if you will live in Dubai.
  3. Gather the retirement proof, bank statements and property or deposit documents.
  4. Apply through ICP Smart Services or GDRFA Dubai and pay the fees.
  5. Complete the medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID.
  6. If you used the deposit route, move the funds into a UAE institution within 60 days.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

How old must I be for the UAE retirement visa?

At least 55, with at least 15 years of work inside or outside the UAE.

What income do I need for the Dubai retirement visa?

GDRFA Dubai asks for a fixed annual income of at least AED 240,000; the federal rule elsewhere is AED 180,000.

Can I count a foreign pension for the UAE retirement visa?

Yes. Income may come from any source inside or outside the UAE, supported by bank statements and an official letter on the source.

Does the UAE retirement visa allow work?

No. It is a residence without work; taking a job requires a work permit.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for the United Arab Emirates

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: 30 or 60 days per permit; the 5-year visa allows up to 90 days per visit, extendable once by 90 days
  • Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: 30, 60 or 90 days; extensions up to 120 days in total
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: 48 or 96 hours, single entry
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Depends on the permit issued; healthcare-related permits can be extended to a total of 180 days

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the duration certified by the institution; renewed while enrolled

Work

Family

Residence

United Arab Emirates visa guide