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Retirement Visa - 5 Years
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
Open

Retirement Visa - 5 Years

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

AED 3,395

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

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 2,280
Emirates ID cardAED 575
Knowledge DirhamAED 10
Innovation DirhamAED 10
In-country service feeAED 500
DeliveryAED 20
TotalAED 3,395

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)
United Arab Emirates flagUnited 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 AED/yr

Investment

1,000,000 AED

Min. Savings

1,000,000 AED

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

1

Verify retirement status

Confirm retirement or pensioner status

2

Prepare documents

Gather financial and personal documentation

3

Choose financial path

Select property ownership, investments, or income option

4

Submit application

Apply for retirement visa

5

Provide financial proof

Submit property deed, investment proof, or income statement

6

Medical examination

Undergo health screening

7

Process application

GDRFA processes retirement visa

8

Receive 5-year visa

Get retirement residence visa

Application Forms

Retirement Visa Application—

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