Dubai Retirement Visa: Application Requirements and Necessary Procedures

Dubai Retirement Visa: Application Requirements and Necessary Procedures

In September 2018, the United Arab Emirates government introduced a new law that provides 5-year long-term visas for people over the age of 55 who have reached retirement age and are living abroad and in the United Arab Emirates.

People who decide that retiring in Dubai is the best option for them and want to continue their life as a retired person in Dubai must apply for a Dubai retirement visa.

What is a Dubai Retirement Visa?

The Dubai retirement visa gives a foreigner with retired status the opportunity to obtain a Golden Residence Visa for a period of 5 years, without any sponsor request and with the possibility of renewal.

What are the Dubai Retirement Visa Requirements?

Dubai retirement visa requirements are listed below.

• The applicant must be 55 years of age or older or have at least 15 years of service in the country or abroad before retirement.
• The total value of real estate or properties owned in Dubai must not be less than AED 1 million and the valuation must be done by a competent authority in the relevant emirate.
• In the United Arab Emirates, it is necessary to have a financial deposit savings of not less than AED 1 million.
• The retiree's annual fixed income must not be less than 180 thousand AED, provided that a bank statement for the last six months is presented.

How to Apply for a Dubai Retirement Visa?

Those who apply for a retirement visa in Dubai can complete their application process by going to the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) branch in Dubai if they are in Dubai with a work visa. Those living abroad must apply for a retirement residence visa, which is a type of entry visa to enter Dubai.

What are the Required Documents for Dubai Retirement Visa?

The documents required for the Dubai retirement visa are given below.

• Passport: A photocopy of the retiree's passport is required. In the case of dependent family members, a photocopy of each of their passports must be attached to the application.
• UAE visa: If the person is a resident of the country, a photocopy of the candidate's current visa must be submitted. If there are dependents, a photocopy of each of their visas must be obtained.
• Marriage certificate: If the applicant sponsors his/her spouse, a marriage certificate is requested.
• Documents required for property owners
  • Copy of title deed: The title deed must be issued in the applicant's name, and the address and minimum value of the property must be stated. If the property is not mortgaged, it must be paid in full. If there is a mortgage, the applicant must have paid at least 1 million AED by the application date.
• Documents required for those with fixed bank deposits
  • Proof of retirement: An end of service letter or a social services letter from the previous employer clearly stating that the applicant is retired and the length of their years of service is acceptable.
  • Proof of savings: A sealed document in Arabic language from a UAE-based bank must be presented.
  • Letter from the bank : A letter must be received from the bank to be sent to the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• Documents required for those with annual fixed income
  • Proof of income: A letter from the source of income or a letter from a previous employer showing monthly retirement income or any other document proving sustainable income is accepted.
  • Bank statement: A stamped statement from a UAE-based bank for the last 6 months is required.

How Much Is the Application Fee for a Dubai Retirement Visa?

The application fee for a Dubai retirement visa is AED 2,280.

How Many Years Does It Take to Grant a Dubai Retirement Visa?

Dubai retirement visa is given with a validity period of 5 years.

Can Dubai Retirement Visa Be Extended?

The Dubai retirement visa can be extended if the necessary conditions are met, such as purchasing property in Dubai worth at least AED 2 million, having financial savings of at least AED 1 million in UAE banks, and having an active income of at least AED 20,000 per month from investments or pensions.

Can Family Members Come to Dubai with a Retirement Visa?

Family members can come to Dubai with a retirement visa. Family members of retired foreigners, as specified in the decision of the Council of Ministers, have the right to receive a Golden Visa for 5 years.

Can I Get UAE Citizenship with a Dubai Retirement Visa?

UAE citizenship cannot be obtained with a Dubai retirement visa. A long-term visa obtained in the UAE does not allow a foreign retiree to apply for citizenship. In order to obtain a UAE passport by becoming a citizen, it is necessary to have lived in the country for at least 30 years.

Scientists, creative professionals and investors can apply for citizenship in the UAE through a relatively simpler procedure starting in 2021. The government applies strict rules during the UAE citizenship application stages.

What are the advantages of retiring to Dubai?

The advantages of settling in Dubai as a retiree are listed below.

• Dubai is a safe city with low crime rates.
• Healthcare standards in Dubai are on par with those in Europe and the USA, which are among the best in the world.
• The majority of Dubai's population consists of expatriates, providing a culturally cosmopolitan lifestyle and increasing the opportunity for citizens to learn new things.
• The majority of Dubai residents understand and speak English fluently. As long as English is spoken, there is no difficulty in communicating in Dubai.

Dubai offers unlimited alternatives for entertainment, from various theme parks to private beach clubs, from rich shopping malls to cinema complexes, from indoor snowboarding to music festivals and many restaurants. People who want to retire in Dubai can live a dynamic, fun and lively lifestyle.

What are the Disadvantages of Retiring in Dubai?

The disadvantages of retiring in Dubai are listed below.

The United Arab Emirates is culturally diverse but has a large Muslim population. During Ramadan, people who are not fasting are prohibited from being seen eating in public and most restaurants are closed during Ramadan.

Dubai is an expensive country compared to other cities that offer retirement opportunities. There is no obligation to pay income tax, but the cost of living is quite high as most Dubai residents prefer a luxurious lifestyle. A person in Dubai can survive on an average of over 3,000 AED per month, excluding rent.

Dubai's climate is described as a hot desert climate. Temperatures in Dubai from June to September can reach uncomfortably high levels, with an average of 33.4°C (92.2°F). High temperatures are particularly risky for the elderly.

People accustomed to a Western lifestyle may have difficulty with the strict laws in Dubai. Public displays of affection, dress code, swearing or making rude gestures, eating and drinking on public transport, raising money for charity or having a dirty car can all bring you into conflict with Dubai law.

2026 Application Checklist

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond stay.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements or Blocked Account confirmation (2026 rates).
• Biometrics: Appointment confirmation and receipt.
• Health Insurance: Travel or private insurance covering €30,000+.
• Form IMM 5645: Fully completed Family Information form.