United Arab Emirates•Asia

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Retirement Visa - 5 Years

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

AED AED 3,395

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living

20% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryAED 126,000

Quality of Life

169/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Renewable 5-year residence for retirees aged 55+ with minimum financial resources through property, investments, or income.

The Retirement Visa - 5 Years is a self-sponsored residency program for expatriates aged 55 and older. It removes the employer sponsorship requirement, allowing retirees to manage personal investments, receive pension income, and live independently. The visa permits sponsoring spouses and dependents.

To qualify, applicants must be 55+ and demonstrate financial independence through property ownership (AED 1 million), savings (AED 1 million), or monthly income of AED 20,000+. Processing takes 48 hours; the residence permit fee is AED 2,280 plus additional charges for Emirates ID and processing. Work authorization is not included. Valid for 5 years and renewable.

This visa is ideal for expatriates aged 55+ retiring in the UAE without employer dependency while keeping families together.

Cost Breakdown

5-year residence permitAED AED 2,280

Emirates ID cardAED AED 575

Knowledge DirhamAED AED 10

Innovation DirhamAED AED 10

In-country service feeAED AED 500

DeliveryAED AED 20

TotalAED AED 3,395

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Arab Emirates

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)

Validity10 years

Processing2–5 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Minimum education: None

Minimum experience: 15

Minimum income: 180000 AED

Minimum savings: 1000000

Investment: 1000000 AED

Health insurance required

Age: 55-

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

15+ years

Min. Income

180,000 EUR/yr

Investment

1,000,000 EUR

Min. Savings

1,000,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Age proof

Medical test

Police clearance

Financial documentation

Proof of accommodation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Long-term 5-year residency with automatic renewal under same conditions
Fast 48-hour processing for residence permit issuance after entry
Modest upfront fees totaling AED 3,395 (residence 2,280 + ID 575 + services 500 + dirham contributions 20 + delivery 20)
Serve spouse and dependents with family sponsorship rights
No work requirement or employer sponsorship needed for self-directed retirees
Dual intent allowed—maintain business interests or investments outside UAE
Can convert to Golden Visa (10-year) if investments or income increase
Medical insurance and financial checks ensure retiree security and healthcare access

Worth Knowing

Must meet one of three financial pathways: AED 1M property, AED 1M savings, or AED 180k annual income
Requires health insurance and medical fitness test—ongoing renewals tied to health status
Work authorization is not permitted—pure residency for retirees, not employment seekers
Age 55+ minimum requirement—applicants under 55 are non-qualifying
Failed medical examination or financial verification disqualifies application entirely

Application Process

Verify retirement status: Confirm retirement or pensioner status

Prepare documents: Gather financial and personal documentation

Choose financial path: Select property ownership, investments, or income option

Submit application: Apply for retirement visa

Provide financial proof: Submit property deed, investment proof, or income statement

Medical examination: Undergo health screening

Process application: GDRFA processes retirement visa

Receive 5-year visa: Get retirement residence visa

Application Forms

Retirement Visa Application

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Verified Claims (7)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026

Fee Breakdown

5-year residence permit: 2280 AED; Emirates ID card: 575 AED; Knowledge Dirham: 10 AED; Innovation D…

gdrfad.gov.ae

Official Info

https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/residence-visa-for-the…

u.ae

Max Stay

5 years (renewable)

gdrfad.gov.ae

Max Stay Estimate

type: days, initialDays: 1825, notes: 5 years, renewable under same conditions

gdrfad.gov.ae

Processing Estimates

{"minDays":2,"maxDays":2}

gdrfad.gov.ae

Processing Time

48 hours

gdrfad.gov.ae

Work Auth

false

u.ae

Official Information

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living

20% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryAED 126,000

Quality of Life

169/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Renewable 5-year residence for retirees aged 55+ with minimum financial resources through property, investments, or income.

This visa is ideal for expatriates aged 55+ retiring in the UAE without employer dependency while keeping families together.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Minimum education: None

Minimum experience: 15

Minimum income: 180000 AED

Minimum savings: 1000000

Investment: 1000000 AED

Health insurance required

Age: 55-

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

15+ years

Min. Income

180,000 EUR/yr

Investment

1,000,000 EUR

Min. Savings

1,000,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Age proof

Medical test

Police clearance

Financial documentation

Proof of accommodation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Long-term 5-year residency with automatic renewal under same conditions
Fast 48-hour processing for residence permit issuance after entry
Modest upfront fees totaling AED 3,395 (residence 2,280 + ID 575 + services 500 + dirham contributions 20 + delivery 20)
Serve spouse and dependents with family sponsorship rights
No work requirement or employer sponsorship needed for self-directed retirees
Dual intent allowed—maintain business interests or investments outside UAE
Can convert to Golden Visa (10-year) if investments or income increase
Medical insurance and financial checks ensure retiree security and healthcare access

Worth Knowing

Must meet one of three financial pathways: AED 1M property, AED 1M savings, or AED 180k annual income
Requires health insurance and medical fitness test—ongoing renewals tied to health status
Work authorization is not permitted—pure residency for retirees, not employment seekers
Age 55+ minimum requirement—applicants under 55 are non-qualifying
Failed medical examination or financial verification disqualifies application entirely

Application Process