FAQ
Common questions.
How much income do I need for the UAE retirement visa?
An income of at least AED 180,000 a year, from inside or outside the UAE. To apply through Dubai, the fixed income must be at least AED 240,000 a year. Instead of the income, you can own property in the UAE worth at least AED 1 million and also have savings of at least AED 1 million. Dubai asks for the savings to be moved into a UAE bank within 60 days of getting the permit.
Is there an age limit for the UAE retirement visa?
You must be at least 55 and have worked for at least 15 years, in the UAE or abroad.
What do I need for the UAE retirement visa?
The official page asks for: passport copy, personal photo, bank statements for the last 6 months (income route), letter from an official body showing the source of income, title deed or official valuation of the property (property route) and certificate of the savings deposit (property route).
Do I need health insurance?
The official page does not say if health insurance is needed.
Can I work on the UAE retirement visa?
Dubai lists this permit as a residence permit without permission to work.
How long do I need to spend in the UAE?
The official page does not say how long you must spend in the UAE.
Does the UAE retirement visa lead to permanent residence?
The official page does not describe a path to permanent residence. The permit is renewed every 5 years.
How long does the UAE retirement visa last?
The permit lasts 5 years. Yes, on the same terms as the first permit.
How much does the UAE retirement visa cost?
In Dubai the residence permit fee is AED 200, plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation charges. The fee rises by AED 100 for each year when the permit is for more than two years, and there is an AED 500 fee for applying from inside the country.
Who can apply for the UAE retirement visa?
Open to citizens of any other country. Foreigners aged 55 or over who have retired after at least 15 years of work and live on income, or on property and savings.
How do I apply?
Online through the ICP smart services, or in Dubai through GDRFA online, at a Customer Happiness Centre or at an Amer centre. Dubai aims to finish the service in 48 hours.
Sources
- United Arab Emirates: Residence visa for the retired (u.ae)
- United Arab Emirates: how to apply (gdrfad.gov.ae)
- United Arab Emirates: UAE government portal, Arabic page (u.ae)
- United Arab Emirates: ICP smart services (smartservices.icp.gov.ae)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.