The UAE retirement visa is a 5-year renewable residence permit for individuals aged 55 and older who want to retire in the UAE. Applicants must meet one of three financial thresholds: AED 1 million in savings, AED 1 million in property, or AED 20,000 per month in income. The visa does not require employment, a business licence, or a sponsor — making it one of the simplest long-term UAE residency pathways for financially independent individuals. Last updated: June 2026.
For the Golden Visa (10-year), see UAE Golden Visa requirements in 2026: who qualifies?. For the Green Visa (5-year, working professionals), see UAE Green Visa: the 5-year self-sponsored work permit explained.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must be 55 years or older and meet at least one of three financial conditions:
| Pathway | Threshold | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Savings | AED 1,000,000+ in a UAE bank | Bank statement showing fixed deposit or balance |
| Property | AED 1,000,000+ in UAE property | Title deed from Dubai Land Department or equivalent |
| Income | AED 20,000+/month | Pension statement, investment income proof, or annuity documentation |
The savings and property pathways can be combined — for example, AED 500,000 in savings plus AED 500,000 in property value. The income pathway requires documentation of consistent monthly income over the preceding 6 to 12 months.
All applicants must hold valid health insurance covering the UAE and pass the standard medical fitness test conducted at approved UAE centres.
How does the retirement visa compare to other long-term UAE visas?
| Dimension | Retirement visa | Golden Visa | Green Visa | Remote work visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 55 | None | None | None |
| Duration | 5 years | 10 years | 5 years | 1 year |
| Financial threshold | AED 1M savings/property or AED 20K/month | AED 2M investment or AED 30K/month salary | AED 15K/month salary | USD 3,500/month |
| Employment required | No | No (investor) / Yes (professional) | Yes | Yes (foreign employer) |
| Self-sponsored | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Family sponsorship | Spouse + children | Spouse + children (no age limit) | Spouse + children | Spouse + children |
| UAE business permitted | Optional | Yes | Yes | No |
The retirement visa sits between the remote work visa (lowest threshold, shortest duration) and the Golden Visa (highest threshold, longest duration). For retirees with AED 2 million+ in assets, the Golden Visa is the stronger option — it offers 10-year duration and no age requirement. The retirement visa serves individuals with AED 1 to 2 million who don’t meet the Golden Visa threshold.
What can retirement visa holders do?
Retirement visa holders can live anywhere in the UAE, rent or own property, open personal and joint bank accounts, drive with a UAE licence, access private healthcare, and travel freely. They can also own a UAE business — the retirement visa does not prohibit commercial activity, though it does not require it.
Holders can sponsor dependents (spouse and children) subject to standard documentation. Parent sponsorship requires the retirement visa holder to demonstrate adequate financial resources.
How do you apply?
Applications are submitted through ICP or GDRFA Dubai, either online or through an authorised typing centre:
- Submit passport, photo, and proof of age (55+)
- Provide financial evidence (bank statement, title deed, or income proof)
- Obtain health insurance valid in the UAE
- Complete the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometric registration
- Pay government fees: approximately AED 3,500 to AED 5,500 including visa, Emirates ID, and processing
Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Applicants already in the UAE on a visit visa can apply for a status change; those outside must first obtain an entry permit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while on a retirement visa?
The retirement visa does not prohibit work. If you want to work for a UAE employer, you would typically switch to an employment visa. If you want to run your own business, you can hold a freelance permit or company licence alongside the retirement visa.
Is the retirement visa renewable?
Yes. The 5-year visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the financial threshold continues to be met at renewal. No age cap applies for renewals.
Can I use a combination of savings and property?
Yes. The AED 1 million threshold can be met through any combination of UAE bank savings and UAE property value. For example, AED 600,000 in savings plus a property valued at AED 400,000 qualifies.
Sources and further reading
- ICP — Retirement visa framework (icp.gov.ae)
- GDRFA Dubai — Application portal (gdrfad.gov.ae)
- Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2022 — Entry and Residence of Foreigners
- Dubai Land Department — Property valuation for visa eligibility