UAE Retirement Visa

The UAE Retirement Visaallows retirees aged 55+to live long-term in the Emirates without employment.

Key Features

Category	Details
Visa Type	Long-term residency for retirees
Duration	5 years (renewable)
Eligibility Age	55+ years
Financial Requirements	3 investment options (see below)
Processing Time	2-4 weeks

Eligibility & Financial Requirements

Applicants must meet ONEof these financial criteria:

Property Investment Option

• Own property worth AED 2M+(must be fully paid)
• Can be single or multiple properties
• Must provide title deed

Savings/Bank Deposit Option

• Show AED 1M+ in savings
• Must be in UAE bankfor at least 3 months
• Can be fixed deposit or savings account

Monthly Income Option

• Prove AED 20,000+/monthpassive income
• Acceptable sources:
  • Pensions
  • Rental income
  • Dividends/investments

Required Documents

• Passport copy (valid 6+ months)
• Proof of meeting financial criteria
• UAE health insurance
• Medical fitness certificate
• Passport-sized photos (white background)

Step-by-Step Application Process

For Dubai Retirees (GDRFA Process)

• Gather financial proofs(property deed/bank statements)
• Apply onlinevia GDRFA website/APP
• Pay fees(approx. AED 3,000-4,500 total)
• Complete medical test(TB/HIV screening)
• Submit biometrics(if required)
• Receive 5-year residency visa

Processing Time:

• 15-30 days

Cost Breakdown

Fee Type	Cost (AED)
Application Fee	2,800
Medical Test	500-700
Emirates ID	370
Visa Stamping	1,000

Note: Additional fees may apply for document attestation

Benefits of the Retirement Visa

• No age limit for renewal
• Sponsor spouse and children
• No UAE income tax
• Access to UAE healthcare
• Can own property/business

Comparison With Other Retirement Visas

Factor	UAE	Portugal (D7)	Thailand
Minimum Income	AED 20K/mo	€760/mo	?65K/mo
Investment Req.	AED 1M-2M	None	?800K deposit
Healthcare	Private required	Public access	Mixed