All you need to know about the retirement visa in Dubai
As a long-term Dubai resident, have you ever wished you could stay in the UAE after retirement? You can with the Retirement Visa. The Dubai retirement visa is a five-year renewable visa. All retirees who fulfil the financial criteria and are at within a certain age limit may apply for a retirement visa in Dubai.
Please get in touch with the issuing authority (DLD/GDRFA) for the latest Dubai Retirement Visa cost and conditions of dubai retirement visa before application to ensure a hassle-free experience.
ALL ABOUT THE RETIREMENT VISA IN DUBAI
The Dubai retirement visa scheme is a project by Dubai Tourism and the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA). It was introduced to help expats and foreigners enjoy the unique benefits of living in the UAE after retirement, following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Over the last few decades, Dubai has become a preferred destination for young professionals. However, most expats return to their home country after the retirement age.
The five-year Dubai retirement visa changes allow expats to make Dubai their forever home. This scheme is only for those who meet specific Dubai retirement visa requirements for expats.
This scheme offers a hassle-free retirement option for long-term residents and aim to boost the city’s economy. This would be partly enabled by the retired expats’ friends and family visiting them in the UAE, increasing tourist numbers and revenue.
CRITERIA FOR RETIREMENT VISA IN DUBAI
Here’s a look at the criteria for a Dubai retirement visa:
- Income
- A sustainable active or pension income of at least AED 180,000 per annum (approximately USD $49,000).
- Financial criteria for retirement visa – Savings
- AED 1 million (approx. USD 275,000) savings in a 3-year fixed deposit.
- Property
- If the property is financed, the applicant must have paid off a minimum capital value of AED 1 million or equivalent to USD $275,000 to date, backed by an official bank statement or NOC.
- Savings & Property
- A combination of a three-year fixed deposit and property investment worth a collective minimum of AED 1 million or USD 275,000. Under this specific route, the property portion must make up at least AED 500,000 or USD 137,500 of the total asset distribution.
- Unmortgaged Property
- Ownership of a completed residential property in Dubai valued at a minimum of AED 1 million or an amount equal to USD $275,000 as stated on the title deed.
The retirement visa in Dubai is valid for five years. International applicants must get their bank letters attested.
Where to Apply
Property-Based Retirement Visa in Dubai
You can apply directly via the Dubai Land Department (DLD), utilising the dedicated DLD Cube service. This pathway is specifically for retirees who meet the eligibility criteria through real estate investment.
SAVINGS OR INCOME-BASED RETIREMENT VISA IN DUBAI
Another option is to apply via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Applications can be submitted through the official website, the smart application or approved Amer Service Centres. This track is tailored for retirees qualifying through fixed bank deposits or regular pension income.
As part of the visa process, applicants may also be required to go through a fitness assessment and obtain valid health insurance.
As a part of the application process, candidates must undergo a medical exam. Here is the process for the Dubai medical report for visa check online. Once your application is approved, you can buy a medical plan that suits your needs.
Documents and Process
GDRFA
A foreign (non-UAE national) real estate owner who prefers the GDRFA route for a retirement visa in Dubai must have these documents:
- Ownership of the property or its evaluation as issued by the DLD
- Passport copy
The documents for foreign pensioners who own deposits and those with annual incomes differ. Please check the DLD website for a full list.
Service Steps
To apply online:
- Login to the smart services or UAE Pass
- Find the required service
- Fill the data
- Pay the fee
Applicants can also visit their nearest Customer Happiness Centre or Amer Centre to initiate the process.
DLD Cube
For those who prefer the DLD route, the documents required include:
- Clear passport copy (valid for at least six months)
- High quality photo (must match ICP specifications)
- Old Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Country ID (if you are from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya or Iran)
- Health insurance from an UAE-based insurance company
A full list of documents can be found in the official website of DLD Cube.
Service Steps
Applicants must not visit the headquarters of DLD Cube as are submissions are online. Here are the steps to apply:
- Register on the DLD Cube Portal
- Fulfill the requirements and submit the documents listed on the portal
Please note, you must be a resident of the UAE to apply for this service.
RETIRE IN DUBAI VISA COST
Retirement Visa fees for the DLD route:
- 5-year New Retirement Visa: AED 7,084.75
- 5-year Retirement Visa Renewal: AED 6,519.75
- 5-year Retirement Visa Cancellation: AED 190.75
Retirement Visa fees for those taking the GDRFA route:
- Service Charges: AED 2,280
- Residence Permit charges: AED 200
- Additional Charges:
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Fee for those residing within the country: AED 500
- Delivery charges: AED 20
- ID card charges: AED 575
Note: Please keep in mind that the issuance fee increases up to AED 100 per year whenever the residency exceeds two years.
RETIREMENT VISA RENEWAL
The Dubai retirement visa, valid for five years, can be renewed if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants should check the latest renewal requirements and fees with the relevant authorities, like the DLD, depending on the application route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to apply for a retirement visa in Dubai?
The minimum age to apply for a retirement visa in the UAE is 55.
Can I sponsor my family members on a Dubai retirement visa?
Yes, retirement visa holders are allowed to sponsor their dependents to live in the UAE for the duration of their visas.
What are other available Dubai visas?
Apart from the Dubai visa for retired citizens, you can apply for others in the emirate. Your options for Dubai visas include tourist and student visas.
What are special visas?
The emirate has made it easy for everyone, from international investors to business owners, to apply for entry into the country. You can apply for special visas in Dubai for conditions like attending events and even sponsoring parents as a student. Similarly, those interested in purchasing real estate in the country can apply for a Dubai investor visa.
Can I live and work as a freelancer in the emirate?
Those who want to work freelance can apply for a freelancer visa in Dubai. Alternatively, a work visa in Dubai is also a good option.
Are you considering applying for a UAE visa? Visit MyBayut to learn about the different types of visas that are available.
