The UAE offers a retirement visa for expatriates aged 55 and over who meet financial eligibility criteria. Here is a complete 2025 guide to UAE retirement visas.
UAE Retirement Visa Overview
The UAE retirement visa (available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as of 2025) allows retired expatriates to reside in the UAE for 5 years (renewable). Eligibility: minimum age 55, and meet ONE of these financial criteria: Hold property in the UAE worth at least AED 2,000,000, have savings of at least AED 1,000,000 in a UAE bank, or have an active UAE income or pension of at least AED 20,000/month. The retirement visa does not require you to have previously worked in the UAE. It is open to any retired individual of 55+ who meets the financial threshold.
UAE Retirement Visa: Emirate-Specific Rules
Dubai (GDRFA): Retirement visa issued by GDRFA Dubai. The AED 20,000/month income requirement can include a foreign pension (proven by pension statements). Property: must be a completed UAE property (off-plan does not qualify). Abu Dhabi: Similar programme, administered by ADDA (Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs). Other emirates: Retirement visas are not yet consistently available in all UAE emirates (as of 2025). Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the primary retirement visa emirates.
Retirement Visa Application Process
Step 1: Gather financial evidence (property ownership certificate, bank statements, pension documentation, or income proof). Step 2: Apply online via GDRFA Smart app (Dubai) or ADDA (Abu Dhabi). Step 3: Medical test. Step 4: Emirates ID registration. Step 5: Visa stamped (5-year validity). Cost: AED 3,000-5,000 (government fees). The retirement visa holder can sponsor a spouse and unlimited-age children.