Do all sorts of properties qualify – residential, commercial, empty plot, etc.?
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Yes, all sorts of properties will be accepted.
Will you consider properties in other emirates (e.g. Abu Dhabi)?
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We can only consider properties that are located in Dubai.
Will you accept a property title deed for a leasehold property or are only freehold properties allowed?
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Both leasehold and freehold properties are acceptable.
Is the AED 2 million property criteria applicable for an off-plan property or are only ready properties considered?
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Off plan properties will not be accepted under the financial eligibility criteria.
Can I apply for the Retirement Visa if I currently reside in another emirate or country, but own AED 2 million property in Dubai?
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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.
I would like to qualify using the AED 2 million eligibility criteria. Should the property be in my name or can it be in the name of a family member?
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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.
I would like to qualify using the AED 2 million eligibility criteria but I co-own the property with someone else. Can you elaborate on how you will assess my situation?
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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 AED 2 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).
For Option 4 (combination of AED 2m property and AED 1m savings), what are the terms and conditions, and what is the corresponding supporting documentation required?
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The property value as per the title deed must be at least AED 1 million and less than AED 2 million. The differential (AED 2 million minus the value as per the title deed) must be secured in a 3 year fixed deposit account in a bank based in Dubai. Applicants must submit the title deed and a stamped letter from the bank, addressed to DLD, stating that the amount is in a 3 year fixed deposit.
In case my supporting documents are in another language (for example, bank statement or salary certificate), what do I need to do?
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Please ensure all documents are translated and attested for a faster processing of documentation. 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.
Can my friends, children, colleagues (third-party) submit on behalf of me?
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At present, third-party submissions will not be accepted. You may submit your application only for yourself and your spouse/children.
How long is the application process?
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Once you've been notified that your application is complete, the application process may take up to 15 working days.
Can I sponsor my children on my visa?
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Yes, you are able to sponsor your children on the visa. There is no restriction on the number of children you can sponsor or their age/marital status.
Are dependents (spouse and children) required to obtain the medical insurance to receive their visa?
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Yes. Any sponsored member of the family must have valid health insurance with coverage in the UAE.
As a holder of a Retirement Visa, who am I allowed to sponsor and is there a limit to the number of people that I can sponsor?
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The retiree may sponsor his/her spouse and children, with no limit to the number of children under sponsorship. The retiree may not sponsor his/her parents or other family members.
Can I sponsor domestic help?
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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.
I am not yet 55 years old. Can I apply now or must I wait until I am 55 years before I submit my application.
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Due to the relatively short visa processing time, we encourage you to apply only once you are 55 years of age.
Do I require health insurance in order to apply for the visa? When must I purchase my health insurance plan?
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You can commence your application without having a 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.
At the time of applying for a 5-year visa, do I only have to purchase (and provide documentation for) healthcare insurance for the first year?
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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.
Do local health insurance providers cover COVID-19 expenses?
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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.
Do I have to purchase health insurance from one of the partners listed on the website? Can I just opt for basic health insurance?
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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.
I have an international insurance from my home country covering the UAE, can this be used to apply for this Programme?
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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.
Will the health insurance I purchase locally cover me overseas?
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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.
Do I have multiple entry to the UAE?
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Yes, as a holder of the retirement visa, you are regarded as a resident of the UAE and therefore are able to leave and enter the UAE at your convenience during the period of 5 years. There is no requirement to stay in the UAE for a minimum number of days per year.
Can I live with my family once I have been granted the Retirement Visa?
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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.