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? Thanks to the Dubai retirement visa, that option is now available.
The ‘Retire in Dubai’ scheme allows those aged 55 years and above to stay in the emirate on a retirement visa. It is open to interested parties across the world, including long-term Dubai residents. The retirement visa in Dubai is the first-of-its-kind scheme in the region and can be availed by fulfilling a set of criteria.
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 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 retirement requirements for Dubai expats.
The retirement visa scheme will focus on Dubai residents who have worked in the emirate for over a decade. This scheme will provide 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
- Sustainable yearly income of at least AED 240,000.
- Equivalent to AED 20,000 per month.
- Financial criteria for retirement visa – Savings
- AED 1 million (approx. USD 275,000) savings in a 3-year fixed deposit.
- Property
- AED 1 million (approx. USD 275,000) in unmortgaged property or mortgaged property (with payments to date totalling at least AED 1 million).
- Savings & Property
- A combination of Options 2 and 3 valued at a minimum of AED 1 million (approx. USD 275,000).
- Includes AED 500,000 in a 3-year fixed deposit and AED 500,000 in property.
The retirement visa in Dubai is valid for five years. International applicants must get their bank letters attested.
Retirement visa requirements Dubai – Documents
You will have to submit these documents for the Dubai Golden Visa for retirees, regardless of whether you are a local or foreign applicant, specifically copies of the following:
- Current Visa: Only for UAE residents and their dependents.
- Marriage certificate: For spousal sponsorship.
- Emirates ID for dependents and applicants: For UAE residents.
- Passport dependents and applicants: Children and spouse.
Those seeking a retirement visa in Dubai must note that additional documents are required for all available options. These could include bank statements, a proof of savings letter from the bank, a proof of retirement letter and more.
Additional Documents for GDRFA Retirement Visa Dubai by Option:
Income
- Proof of Income:
- A letter from a pension provider or previous employer or supporting documents for sustainable income is required.
- Minimum income: AED 20,000/month or AED 240,000/year.
- 6-Month Bank Statement:
- Stamped monthly statements from a Dubai-based bank.
Savings
- Proof of Retirement Letter:
- An end-of-service letter detailing years of service or a letter from social services confirming retiree status is also needed.
- Proof of Savings Letter:
- Stamped bank letter (in Arabic) confirming AED 1 million in a 3-year fixed deposit in a UAE bank.
- Addressed to GDRFA, ensuring funds are secured.
Property
- Copy of Title Deed:
- Property must:
- Be in Dubai, with a minimum value of AED 1 million.
- Be owned solely by the applicant or co-owned with the spouse, meeting the value threshold.
- Be fully paid or have mortgage payments of at least AED 1 million.
- Not be off-plan.
- Multiple properties can be combined to meet the AED 1 million value.
- Property must:
Savings & Property
- Copy of Title Deed:
- Property investment for retirement visa:
- The property must be in Dubai, valued at a minimum of AED 500,000.
- Meet the same criteria as in Option 3.
- Property investment for retirement visa:
- Proof of Savings Letter:
- Bank letter confirming the balance to meet AED 1 million (property + savings).
- AED 500,000 in savings must be placed in a 3-year fixed deposit in a UAE bank.
- Addressed to GDRFA, confirming secured funds.
Key Notes:
- DIFC properties require a different process through DIFC.
- Multiple properties can be combined to meet Options 3 & 4 value requirements.
Where to Apply?
You can apply for the Dubai retirement visa via any of two options, depending on your financial route:
- For savings applications: Dubai Land Department or DLDA
- For property-based applications: GDRFA or General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.
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.
International applicants can use their existing insurance plan, provided it has coverage in the UAE, with a letter from the company. You will receive updates on the status of your application directly from GDRFA or DLD.
- For DLD Golden Visa Services, visit the Al Manara Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai (Cube). After you successfully apply, your visa will be issued in 7 to 10 business days.
- Working hours: Monday to Thursday, 08:00 am to 02:30 pm
- Friday: 08:00 am to 11:30 am
- For inquiries, please email: dld-taskeen@dubailand.gov.ae
- For the GDRFA application, use the official website or smart app. You can also visit any of the nearest Customer Happiness Centers or Amer Service Centers with the supporting documents and pay the fee.
RETIRE IN DUBAI VISA FEES
Retirement Visa Cost in Dubai
As stated on the official DLD Golden Visa Application – Retiree page, the cost of a Dubai Retirement Visa is:
- 5 Year new Retirement visa – AED 6,984.75
- Medical examination: AED 700
- Emirates ID (5 years): AED 653
- Confirmation of residency permit (5 years): AED 2,256.
- Dubai Land Department fees: AED 2,020
- Administrative fees: AED 1,155
- 5 years retirement visa renewal – AED 6,419.75
- 5 years retirement visa cancellation – AED 190.75
GDRFA Fees for Issuing a residence permit for the retired foreigner:
- Residence permit fee: AED200
- Knowledge Dirham: AED10
- Innovation Dirham: AED10
- Fee inside the country: AED500
- Delivery: AED20
- The golden residency fees: AED 2,280
- Identity card fee: AED 575
- Total: AED 3,595
RETIREMENT VISA RENEWAL
The five-year retirement visa in Dubai can be renewed if the candidate’s eligibility remains fulfilled.
Please get in touch with the GDRFA or the DLD office for the renewal details according to your visa route and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
The retirement visa in Dubai is part of a larger initiative by Dubai Tourism and the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs to make this beautiful city a more inclusive emirate. Now, people can retire in Dubai and enjoy the privileges of living in a multicultural place.
Are you considering applying for a UAE visa? Visit MyBayut to learn about the different types of visas that are available.
