Question 1

Can a retiree live in Dubai without a visa?

Accepted Answer

A retiree can live in Dubai without a visa option of their own if they are sponspored as a dependent by an individual (usually spouse or child) who already has a resident visa in the UAE. Eligible retirees can also secure their own retirement visa – find out all about applying for a Dubai retirement visa here.

Question 2

Can any expat retire in Dubai? Can foreigners retire in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

An expat or foreigner of any nationality can retire in Dubai, given they meet the minimum savings or property criteria for the retirement visa. To find out more about retiring in Dubai and the application process, click here.

Question 3

Can I work in the UAE on a retirement visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can work in the UAE while on a retirement visa, as long as you self-issue a 'no objection certificate' (NOC) or letter which then allows you to pursue lawful employment options.

Question 4

How can I renew a retirement visa in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The five-year retirement visa in Dubai has a possibility of renewal as long as the candidate's eligibilities are still met. If you're in the process of applying for a Dubai retirement visa, or are keen to, please refer to the respective issuing authority for the renewal details of your specific visa route – ie, please get in touch with GDRFA or the DLD office directly.

Question 5

I am not a UAE resident, but want to apply for a UAE retirement visa. Can I do it?

Accepted Answer

Even if you are not a UAE resident, you can apply for a UAE retirement visa as long as you own property in the country that is worth a minimum of AED1 million. To find out more about applying for a UAE retirement visa, click here.

Question 6

Is the UAE retirement visa a golden visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the UAE retirement visa is part of the Golden Visa scheme.

Question 7

What are the requirements for visa cancellation in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Residency visa cancellation in Dubai is usually handled by the visa sponsor (company, partner or self) and processed by the GDRFA. The visa can be cancelled by registering with a designated typing centre or online via GDRFA's dedicated portal.

Documents required for the process include a sponsor-signed cancellation form, and the original passport and ID card of the visa holder, among others. Once the documents are submitted and cancellation fees are paid, processing usually takes between one to two working days.

Question 8

What is the retirement visa?

Accepted Answer

The Dubai retirement visa is a 5 year, renewable visa to live in the UAE. Eligible applicants must be retired, above 55 years old and meet certain financial criteria.

A retiree is defined as someone who has worked in the past, and has a letter of retirement/end of service letter from their previous employer to prove this. For example, a housewife would not qualify as a retiree – however, they may be a dependent of the primary applicant, who is a retiree.

Question 9

Will I have multiple entry to the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a holder of the retirement visa, you'll be regarded as a resident of the UAE and therefore are able to leave and enter the country at your convenience as long as your visa is active. There is no requirement to stay in the UAE for a minimum number of days per year either.

Question 10

How long is the application process?

Accepted Answer

Once you've been notified that your application is complete, the application process may take up to 15 working days.

Question 11

Can I live with my family once I have been granted the visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may live with your family in their home, if it is large enough to accommodate you as per the guidelines established by the Dubai Land Department.

Question 12

Can my friends, children or colleague submit the application on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

At present, third-party submissions will not be accepted. You may submit your application only for yourself and your spouse/children.

Question 13

I am not yet 55 years old. Can I apply in advance?

Accepted Answer

Due to the relatively short visa processing time, we encourage you to apply only once you are 55 years of age.

Question 14

What is the cost of the retirement visa?

Accepted Answer

If the application is approved by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA) or Dubai Land Department (DLD), a total amount of AED3,714.75 (approx. US$1,011) per applicant and dependent must be paid. Combining three processes in one for the retirement visa issuance, this cost covers the entry permit, visa status adjustment and residency stamping, as well the Emirates ID, medical examination and management fees.

Note that this does not include any costs associated with health insurance, which is mandatory.

Question 15

How old do I need to be to apply for the visa?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 55 years old to apply for the retirement visa.

Question 16

What are the requirements I must fulfil to apply for the visa?

Accepted Answer

You can find all the details on our visa information page. Click here to view.

Question 17

Are there additional conditions to be eligible for the Dubai Retirement Visa?

Accepted Answer

In general, applicants need to be over the age of 55, either have savings or property worth AED1 million in Dubai (or a mix of both) and require medical insurance with UAE coverage to complete their Dubai retirement visa process.

However, eligibility is ultimately determined by the visa route you consider applying for, among the four options currently available. For a complete list of stipulations and the documents required, please review this application guide.

Question 18

What are the supporting documents required for the retirement visa application?

Accepted Answer

There are a couple of supporting documents required for the retirement visa application in Dubai, based on where you are applying from and which visa category you consider. These documents could include:

- Passport copy - all applicants

- Marriage certificate copy - for those sponsoring a spouse

- Emirates ID copy - for those who are UAE residents

- Proof of income and bank statement - Option 1

- Proof of retirement letter and proof of savings letter - Option 2

- Title deed - Option 3

For a conclusive list of documents required as per each visa route, please review the Dubai retirement visa guide.

Question 19

Where should I apply for a Dubai retirement visa?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your chosen route, you should apply for a Dubai retirement visa with the GDRFA or DLD (in person, at the government office). Ahead of starting your application, it is advisable to read more about your retirement options in Dubai and the subsequent visa process.

Question 20

What are the financial requirements?

Accepted Answer

Valid for 5 years, the renewable retirement visa is open to retired applicants who are at least 55 years old. They must also fulfil one of these financial options:

Option 1: Minimum yearly income of AED180,000 (approx. US$49,000 annually or AED15,000/ US$4,100 per month) OR
Option 2: AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) savings OR
Option 3: AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) property OR
Option 4: A combination of Options 1 and 2 valued at a minimum of AED1 million (approx. US$275,000)

Question 21

Do I have to fulfil all options of financial criteria?

Accepted Answer

Fulfilling just one of the financial criteria will suffice. However, you can also mix the options of savings and property to reach a joint value of AED1 million. In this instance, the savings (placed in a 3-year fixed deposit) and property should have a minimum value of AED500,000 each.

Question 22

For Option 2 (AED 1m savings), what are the terms and conditions, and what supporting documentation is required?

Accepted Answer

For applicants who apply via the savings route (AED1 million), it is required that the AED1 million be secured as a 3-year fixed deposit in a UAE-based bank. Applicants must obtain a stamped letter to that regard from the bank, addressed to GDRFA in Arabic (both Arabic and English on the same letter is acceptable).

Question 23

For Option 3 (AED 1m property), what are the terms and conditions, and what supporting documentation is required?

Accepted Answer

For applicants that apply via the property route, please note that the property must:

Have a minimum value of AED1 million as per the title deed
Have a minimum share value of AED1 million by the applicant (and spouse collectively), in case there are multiple owners
Be in the name of the applicant (not the applicant's spouse); if owned by a company, the company must be 100% owned by the applicant
Be fully paid, if unmortgaged
If mortgaged, the payment amount to date should be no less than AED1 million
Not be off-plan
Located in Dubai

Multiple properties with a combined value of AED1 million may be used, as long as they meet the above criteria. Please provide a copy of the title deed(s).

If your property is registered by DIFC, please note that the visa procedure is slightly different; you will have to contact them to manage the application on your behalf. The DIFC route offers two payment options, both of which cover the costs of a medical test, Emirates ID, visa stamping, VAT and letter from DIFC to GDRFA:

the normal retirement visa package for AED6,454 (approx. US$ 1,757)
- the express retirement visa package for AED7,703 (approx. US$2,097)

Question 24

For Option 4 (combination of AED 500k property and AED 500k savings), what are the terms and conditions and what supporting documentation is required?

Accepted Answer

The property value (and not mortgage value) as per the title deed must be at least AED500,000. The savings, also worth at least AED500,000, must be secured in a 3-year fixed deposit account in a UAE-based bank. Applicants must submit the title deed from DLD and a stamped letter from the bank, addressed to GDRFA, stating that the amount is in a 3-year fixed deposit.

Question 25

Do all sorts of properties qualify – residential, commercial, empty plot, etc.?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all sorts of properties will be accepted.

Question 26

Is the AED1 million property criteria applicable for an off-plan property or are only ready properties considered?

Accepted Answer

Off-plan properties will not be accepted under the financial eligibility criteria.

Question 27

Will you accept a property title deed for a leasehold property or are only freehold properties allowed?

Accepted Answer

Both leasehold and freehold properties are acceptable.

Question 28

Will you consider properties in other emirates (e.g. Abu Dhabi)?

Accepted Answer

We can only consider properties that are located in Dubai.

Question 29

Can my property be mortgaged?

Accepted Answer

Yes, property can be mortgaged, however, the amount paid for the mortgage to date should equal a minimum of AED1 million.

Question 30

I would like to qualify using the AED1 million property eligibility criteria. Should the property be in my name or can it be in the name of a family member?

Accepted Answer

The property can only be in your name or in the name of your spouse in order to realise the full value of the property.

Question 31

I would like to qualify using the AED1 million property eligibility criteria but I co-own the property with someone else. Can you elaborate on how you will assess my situation?

Accepted Answer

If the property is co-owned by multiple parties, then your share of the ownership of the property, as per the title deed, must be at least AED1 million – except in the case that the property is co-owned only by the applicant and his/her spouse, in which case, the full property value may be assumed. The co-owner may be anyone (i.e. does not need to be a relative).

Question 32

Can I have multiple properties that add up to the required AED1 million?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will consider the sum of your property value, as per the title deeds.

Question 33

Can I apply for the retirement visa if I currently reside in another emirate or country, but own AED1 million property in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Applicants may be based anywhere in the world. However, please note that once your documentation is approved, you (and anyone you may be sponsoring) must visit Dubai to complete the application process before you are issued the retirement visa.

Question 34

Can I qualify on the grounds that my son/daughter, who has AED1 million in his/her bank account, adds me as a joint account holder?

Accepted Answer

No. The bank account with your savings must solely belong to you or your spouse.

Question 35

What is an end of service letter?

Accepted Answer

The end of service letter is required for all applicants who are applying on the basis of salary (AED15,000 monthly) or savings (AED1 million) financial criteria, to prove that they are qualified retirees who have worked in the past.

All applicants should provide: an end of service letter from their last employer, which should validate that they are a retiree and specify the number of years of service.

Question 36

If my property has appreciated since purchase, can you consider the current market value (via a property valuator) instead of the title deed?

Accepted Answer

If the current value of the property exceeds the value as per the title deed, please contact the Dubai Land Department Cube Centre. Such applications will handled on a case-by-case basis.

Question 37

If I qualify on the grounds of having savings of AED1 million, can I still access these funds?

Accepted Answer

No. The AED1 million must be secured in a 3-year fixed deposit account.

Question 38

What asset types (e.g. stock portfolio, national bonds, fixed deposits) can be considered as part of the AED1 million?

Accepted Answer

Your savings must be cash. Alternate forms of investment will not count towards the financial eligibility criteria.

Question 39

In case my supporting documents are in another language (e.g. bank statement or salary certificate), what do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Please ensure that all documents are translated and attested for a faster processing. However, if you are unable to complete this process, submit the translated document with the original and, upon your arrival in Dubai, these documents are to be translated and authorised locally.

Question 40

Is health insurance necessary for the visa application? When must I purchase a plan?

Accepted Answer

You can commence your application without having medical insurance coverage in hand. Upon approval of your documentation, you will be invited to conduct a medical test. Thereafter, you are required to purchase a medical insurance plan that suits you in order to complete the application requirements.

Question 41

Is healthcare free in the UAE for expats?

Accepted Answer

No, healthcare is not free for expats living in the UAE. There is, however, a wide range of affordable and customisable plans for medical insurance available, many provided by renowned international networks that have great coverage across most hospitals and clinics in Dubai, and the UAE.

If you are looking into retiring in the city, you can start by considering these healthcare and insurance options.

Question 42

When applying for the visa, do I only have to purchase (and provide documentation for) healthcare insurance for the first year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, although the retirement visa is valid for 5 years, once your visa has been approved you only need to provide evidence that you have purchased health insurance for one year from the time of your approval. Please note that, as per UAE law, it is mandatory for residents to have valid health insurance, so you will need to renew your health insurance prior to expiry.

Question 43

Do I have to purchase health insurance from one of the partners listed on the website? Can I just opt for basic health insurance?

Accepted Answer

You may purchase any insurance from any provider, as long as they have coverage in the UAE. You are free to opt for the basic plan if you prefer, but we advise that you select a plan that has adequate coverage and benefits.

Question 44

Do local health insurance providers cover COVID-19 expenses?

Accepted Answer

Dependent on the type of health insurance you purchase, some costs related to treatments are included, while tests may not. Please consult your health insurance provider for more information.

Question 45

I have an international insurance from my home country covering the UAE, can this be used to apply?

Accepted Answer

One of the requirements of the Dubai Health Authority is that the health insurance is purchased from a provider that is based in Dubai. In using an international insurance company, the insurance must be purchased from a branch/office that is based in Dubai. This will streamline the overall process for payment, and reimbursement for treatments may be faster in comparison to international health insurance.

If you insist on using your existing health insurance that was purchased abroad (which has coverage in Dubai), please provide a letter from them stating that the package is in line with the requirements of the Dubai Health Authority. Please click here to explore the different options provided specially for this programme. You may purchase any insurance from any provider, as long as they have coverage in the UAE. You are free to opt for the basic plan if you prefer, but we advise that you select a plan that has adequate coverage and benefits.

Question 46

Will the health insurance I purchase locally cover me overseas?

Accepted Answer

Our partners have a wide range of health insurance packages catering to different needs and covering different geographies. International coverage is dependent on the type of health insurance scheme you purchase.

Question 47

With the retirement visa, who am I allowed to sponsor? Is there a limit to the number of people that I can sponsor?

Accepted Answer

The retiree may sponsor his/her spouse and children, with no limit to the number of children under sponsorship. The retiree may also sponsor his/her parents for a 1-year renewable visa. Any sponsored member of the family must have valid health insurance with coverage in the UAE.

Question 48

Can a spouse work on a dependent visa in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a spouse can work in Dubai while on a dependent visa. However, the individual would need to secure an official permit from their place of work in order to be lawfully employed. Additionally, a wife would need to submit a 'no objection certificate' (NOC) or letter from her husband.

Question 49

Can I sponsor my children with the visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are able to sponsor your children on the visa. There is no restriction to the number of children you can sponsor or their age/marital status.

Question 50

Can children on my visa also study in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are able to sponsor your children with the visa. Boys need to be under the age of 18, while girls can be sponsored until the age of 21. If they are older, they do not qualify as dependents and will therefore need to apply for their own student visa.

Question 51

Are dependents (spouse and children) required to obtain medical insurance to receive their visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any sponsored member of the family must have valid health insurance with UAE coverage.

Question 52

Can I sponsor domestic help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may sponsor domestic help (e.g. maids, drivers, etc.). Sponsorship of domestic help is subject to compliance with Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) regulations and is independent from the retirement visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

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