UAE Retirement Visa: Age 55+ Requirements & Steps
Retirees aged 55 and over who want to live in the UAE
Short answer
The UAE retirement visa is a 5-year residence for people aged 55 and over who qualify through property, savings or pension income. Commonly cited criteria are AED 1 million in property, AED 1 million in savings, or AED 15,000 to 20,000 monthly income.
The UAE retirement visa gives people aged 55 and over a 5-year renewable residence, so they can live in the country without working. It is issued through the immigration authorities, which are ICP at federal level and GDRFA Dubai in Dubai. Applicants qualify through one of three financial routes: property, savings or a regular monthly income.
Who qualifies for the UAE retirement visa?
You must be at least 55 years old and meet one of the financial criteria. The commonly cited figures, which can change and which we confirm for you, are property worth AED 1 million, savings of AED 1 million, or a monthly income of AED 15,000 to 20,000. Pension, rental income or other regular income can count toward the income route if you can document it.
Which financial route is easiest?
| Route | Commonly cited level | What you document |
|---|---|---|
| Property | AED 1 million | Title deed in your name; mortgage and bank NOC are reviewed |
| Savings | AED 1 million | Bank statements and a balance letter |
| Monthly income | AED 15,000 to 20,000 | Pension letters, bank credits or rental contracts |
The right route depends on your assets and how long you want to stay. If you already own or plan to buy property, a retirement visa can sit alongside a Golden Visa review: a property worth at least AED 2 million can lead to the 10-year Golden Visa.
Can my spouse come with me?
Yes. A spouse can normally be sponsored under the main holder's visa, subject to documents and a medical test. Other relatives, including adult children and parents, are reviewed separately and may need their own route. We map your family before you apply.
Do I need health insurance?
Health insurance that is valid in the UAE is generally required, and for older applicants it is worth choosing a plan that covers chronic conditions. The medical test for residence confirms that you are free of the conditions the authority screens for.
How does DXB.IST help with the retirement visa?
We start with a free consultation to see which financial route suits you and whether a Golden Visa makes more sense. We prepare the document checklist and translations, book the appointments through government-approved typing centres and coordinate with banks for balance letters. If you plan to buy property, our property team shortlists suitable homes and works with licensed lawyers. We handle your arrival, from the airport transfer and hotel to the Emirates ID, and stay with you for renewals and relocation. We are not a government body and cannot guarantee approval.
Who qualifies
- Be at least 55 years old.
- Meet one financial route: property, savings or monthly income.
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months.
- Hold health insurance valid in the UAE.
- Pass the residence medical test.
- Have a clean background.
Documents you'll need
- Passport copy and recent photo
- Proof of age and civil status
- Title deed (property route) or bank statements (savings route)
- Pension letters or income proof (income route)
- Bank NOC if the property is mortgaged
- Health insurance
- Marriage certificate for a spouse, attested and translated
How it works, step by step
- 1
Route check
We decide between property, savings or income and compare it with the Golden Visa.
- 2
Financial proof
Prepare title deed, statements or pension letters.
- 3
File and appointment
We submit the file and book authority appointments.
- 4
Medical test and biometrics
Complete the medical test and give biometrics.
- 5
Visa and Emirates ID
Receive the visa and Emirates ID.
City by city
In Dubai
Retirees in Dubai apply through GDRFA Dubai and can meet the criteria through property, savings or pension income, with figures confirmed before filing.
In Abu Dhabi
Retirees in Abu Dhabi file through ICP and may qualify through property, savings or pension income, with figures confirmed before applying.
Frequently asked questions
It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed if you still meet the criteria.
