In 2020, Dubai launched a special program called “Retire in Dubai”, allowing foreigners aged 55 and above to become residents of the emirate. This program grants a five-year visa, enabling retirees to enjoy all the benefits of living in the UAE.
In this article, we will explore who is eligible for a retirement visa in Dubai, the application and renewal process, and the opportunities it offers.
Who Can Obtain a Retirement Visa in Dubai
Any foreign citizen, including residents of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and other CIS countries, can participate in the program if they meet the following criteria:
- Own property with a title deed valued at a minimum of AED 1 million (USD 272,000). The number of properties owned should not exceed three. The property must be fully paid and not under a mortgage.
- Maintain a fixed deposit of AED 1 million (USD 272,000) in a Dubai-based bank for at least two years.
A property can be jointly owned by spouses. In this case, both partners may apply for the retirement visa, provided that the total property value is at least AED 1 million (USD 272,000). A legally certified marriage certificate with consular legalization is required.
Foreign retirees are eligible not only for residency status but also to sponsor their spouse and children, regardless of their number and age. However, children must remain unmarried to qualify under this sponsorship.
How to Obtain a Retirement Visa in Dubai
To apply for a retirement visa based on a bank deposit of AED 1 million (USD 272,000), applicants must submit the following documents to GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai):
- A letter from a UAE-based bank confirming the fixed deposit of at least AED 1 million (USD 272,000) for two years, addressed to GDRFA.
- Original passport.
- Electronic passport-sized photo.
- Health insurance policy.
- Proof of residential address in Dubai.
If applying for a retirement visa through property ownership, the following documents must be submitted to DLD (Dubai Land Department):
- Title Deed (Property Ownership Certificate).
- Original passport.
- Electronic passport-sized photo.
- Health insurance policy.
If you have international health insurance that covers medical services in the UAE, you may submit the certificate to DLD for approval. Otherwise, you must purchase local insurance. The average cost is approximately AED 1,600 (USD 435) for two years for applicants under 65 years old. For those over 65, the cost is determined individually.
Additional Requirements
- The property must be located within Dubai, not in another emirate.
- The property value must be at least AED 1 million (USD 272,000).
- The property must be fully constructed and ready for occupancy (under-construction properties do not qualify).
- The property must be fully paid (if it was purchased with a mortgage, the loan must be paid off).
- The property must be registered in the applicant’s name.
- If jointly owned by spouses, one of them can apply for the visa and later sponsor the other under the family visa program. A legally certified marriage certificate is required.
To avoid unnecessary delays and expenses, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Experts at Premiation can guide you through the process and submit documents to GDRFA or DLD on your behalf.
Once the application is approved, applicants must undergo a medical examination, which includes laboratory tests and a chest X-ray to screen for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
Cost of a Retirement Visa
When submitting an application to GDRFA or DLD, a fee of AED 6,000 (USD 1,800) per person is required. This covers all steps of the visa process, including:
- Entry permit issuance.
- Visa status change (if applicable).
- Visa stamping.
- Emirates ID issuance.
- Medical examination.
- Administrative fees.
Health insurance costs are separate and depend on individual needs and medical conditions.
The retirement visa is valid for five years and can be automatically renewed as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria. There is no limit on the number of renewals.
Benefits of the “Retire in Dubai” Program
“Retire in Dubai” is the first retirement program of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, aiming to position Dubai as a premier destination for global retirees and strengthen its status as an international investment hub.
Key benefits for retirees include:
- A wide selection of real estate options — from cozy apartments to luxurious villas by the beach or in lush green communities.
- High living standards and premium services — including home cleaning, food delivery, and hotel-style private residence management.
- Access to world-class resorts, spas, and cultural attractions — from museums and opera houses to art galleries.
- Easy travel — Dubai offers direct flights to Europe, Asia, and Africa, with most destinations reachable in under eight hours.
- Secure asset management — retirees can register a will in the UAE, ensuring that their assets are protected and distributed according to their wishes.
- Exclusive health insurance packages — developed in partnership with Dubai Tourism and leading insurance providers to offer affordable coverage.
Holders of a long-term retirement visa receive UAE residency status, allowing them to:
- Freely travel in and out of the country without restrictions on minimum stay requirements.
- Open bank accounts in the UAE.
- Obtain a UAE driver’s license.
- Access various resident-exclusive services.
Since the UAE has no personal income tax, it is an attractive destination for retirees seeking a tax-free financial environment.
