The Retire in Dubai programme was launched in 2020, and it allows eligible applicants to apply for a long-term UAE retirement visa.

The programme is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Gulf region and was launched by Dubai Tourism and Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD).

Retired residents over the age of 55, their spouse and dependents can qualify for a 5-year UAE Retirement Visa. The visa is renewable after five years provided the retiree continues to meet the eligibility criteria at the time of renewal.

To be eligible for a 5-year renewable Dubai retirement visa, the retiree must fulfil one of the following criteria:

Dubai Retirement Visa: The Requirements

If you qualify, then there should be nothing stopping you from making this amazing country your retirement home.

Wondering how to go about it? Here’s a step-by-step application process:

Step 1

Send an e-mail to retireindubai@dubaitourism.ae with your application and documentation attached (see below for a complete list of documents).

Step 2

You will then receive a payment link for the non-refundable $25 processing fee for Dubai Tourism’s service partners, Al Rais.

Step 3

Once you’ve paid the fees, your documents will be processed. You’ll receive an e-mail in case additional documentation is required (within three working days).

Step 4

Once the documents are in order, your application will be forwarded to the relevant entity for processing your visa.

• For those applying for the Dubai Retirement Visa on the basis of their income and savings (Options A or B), the application will be sent to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• For those applying for the Dubai Retirement Visa on the basis of property ownership (Option C), the application will be sent to the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Please do note that properties with DIFC title deeds are currently not being processed by DLD but will be considered by GDRFA.

Applicants will receive updates on the status of their application directly from DLD or GDRFA, whichever is applicable.

DOCUMENTS

Please note that all certificates must be translated into Arabic. If you are an international applicant, please ensure the letters are attested by the UAE embassy in your country.

Base Documentation

1. A copy of the applicant’s passport
2. Copies of the dependents’ (spouse and children) passports if applicable
3. A copy of the applicant’s marriage certificate (in case s/he wishes to sponsor their spouse)
4. A copy of the applicant’s and their dependants’ current visas and Emirates IDs (in case the applicant and their dependants are UAE residents)

Documents for Option A

(Dh20,000 or equivalent monthly income from a pension or previous employer)

1. Proof of Retirement: To prove that you are a qualified retiree who has worked in the past. It can be in the form of:

• An end of service letter

– End of service letter from your last employer

– It should specify the number of years of service

– It must validate that you are a retiree

OR

• A letter from your social services or an equivalent entity

– Must specify that you are retired

2. Proof of income source: A letter confirming that you receive a monthly income of at least Dh20,000 monthly (Dh240,000 annually). The letter must include the name of the beneficiary (you) and specify the date when your pension began.

The letter can either be:

• From the relevant entity which provides the source of income, e.g., pension scheme
• From your previous employer if they are continuing to provide monthly retirement income

3. Six-month bank statement:

Please note that, at this stage, GDRFA only considers income from pension schemes or social services.

• A minimum deposit of Dh20,000 from the pension scheme / social service into your account
• Dubai-based bank
• Monthly statement for the last six months, stamped by your bank

Documents for Option B

(Dh1 million or equivalent savings in a three-year fixed deposit)

1. Proof of Retirement: To prove that you are a qualified retiree who has worked in the past. It can be in the form of:

• An end of service letter

– End of service letter from your last employer

– It should specify the number of years of service

– It must validate that you are a retiree

OR

• A letter from your social services or an equivalent entity

– Must specify that you are retired

2. Proof of savings:

Stamped bank letter from a UAE-based bank (in Arabic)

• The Dh1m must be placed in a three-year fixed deposit in a bank located in UAE
• The bank must issue a letter addressed to the GDRFA, stating that the funds are secured as above

Documents for Option C

(Dh2 million or equivalent unmortgaged property)

1. Copy of Title Deed:

• The property must be located in Dubai (not in any other emirate or country)
• A minimum value of Dh2m as per the title deed
• It must 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
• In case there are shared owners, the applicant’s share (and spouse’s share collectively) of property ownership must be at least Dh2m
• It must be fully paid for (unmortgaged)
• It must not be off-plan

Please note:

• Properties with DIFC title deeds are currently not being processed by DLD but will be considered by GDRFA
• Multiple properties with a combined value of Dh2m may be used as long as they meet the above criteria

Documents for Option D

(A combination of Options B and C valued at least Dh2 million or equivalent in a 3-year fixed deposit and unmortgaged property)

1. Copy of Title Deed:

• The property must be located in Dubai (not in any other emirate or country)
• A minimum value of Dh1m as per the title deed
• It must 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
• In case there are shared owners, the applicant’s share (and spouse’s share collectively) of property ownership must be at least Dh1m
• It must be fully paid for (unmortgaged)
• It must not be off-plan

Please note:

• Properties with DIFC title deeds are currently not being processed by DLD, but will be considered by GDRFA
• Multiple properties with a combined value of Dh1m may be used as long as they meet the above criteria

2. Proof of Savings:

Stamped bank letter from a UAE-based bank (in Arabic) of the balance amount i.e. If the property’s value is Dh1.5m, then you must prove at least Dh500,000 in savings.

• The savings must be placed in a three-year fixed deposit in a bank located in the UAE
• The bank must issue a letter addressed to GDRFA, stating that the funds are secured as above

So that’s the documentation required. The good thing is that, once you’re done with it, you won’t need to renew your Dubai Retirement Visa for the next five years.

After all the paperwork is complete and accepted, it will take about 15 working days for your visa to be processed.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Once your Dubai retirement Visa application is approved, you will be invited to undergo a medical test. After the medical examination, you will be expected to purchase a medical insurance plan that suits you. Please note that it is not mandatory (but recommended) to purchase one from local insurance providers. You may use your existing international insurance as long as you provide a letter from the insurance provider specifying that the coverage includes the UAE.