As we know, the Retirement Visa under the Retire in Dubai scheme offers resident expatriates and foreigners aged 55 and above an opportunity to retire in the UAE. But if you do not qualify for the Retirement Visa or, for some reason, do not wish to opt for it, there are a handful of other options available.

1. UAE Property Visa: 2 years

If you own property worth more than Dh1 million, you could also be eligible to stay in the UAE without the need for an employment visa. The two-year property visa does not permit you to work in the UAE, but it does allow you to sponsor your spouse and children.

Eligibility criteria:

1. The property may be mortgaged, but the outstanding amount should not exceed 50 per cent of the property value
2. You must have an income of at least Dh10,000 per month (from employment outside of the UAE)

2. UAE Investor : 5/10 years

If you have investments in UAE property or a UAE investment project, you could be eligible for a 5-year or 10-year visa.

Eligibility criteria:

1. Property investors are eligible for a 5-year visa. You must invest in a property or a portfolio of properties with a combined value of at least Dh5 million. The amount invested must not be based on a mortgage/loan. This visa can be renewed and is available for as long as you own the property.
2. Entrepreneur investors are eligible for a 10-year visa. If you have a project investment worth Dh10 million or more, you may be eligible for a renewable residency visa every 10 years. Projects with a minimum capital of Dh500,000, can be granted a five-year visa with the possibility of upgrading to an investor visa.

3. Standard Investor Visa: 3 years

Also known as partner visa and business visa, the UAE Investor Visa is issued to entrepreneurs or investors who set up their own company in the UAE. If you are a shareholder in a UAE mainland or free zone company, you can obtain a 3-year investor visa or partner visa as a shareholder.

This visa is renewable as long as the company remains a going concern. This is one route that many entrepreneurs have used to obtain and maintain UAE residence indefinitely for the life of the company.

4. Golden Visa: 10 years

Announced in 2019, professionals with entrepreneurial experience are eligible for a renewable 10-year visa. To apply, applicants should submit the relevant documents of their projects through the golden visa website ( https://business.goldenvisa.ae/ )