Key takeaways
- It's a 5-year residence permit with no sponsor or host, renewable on the same conditions (Article 51, Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022).
- You need 15 years of service before retirement and to be at least 55; the binding Arabic text and GDRFA Dubai require both.
- You then need one financial route: property worth AED 1 million, a deposit of AED 1 million, or a fixed annual income of AED 240,000.
- GDRFA Dubai lists a residence permit fee of AED 200, rising by AED 100 for each year over two, plus other charges (checked 13 November 2026).
- You can sponsor your spouse and children if you meet the general family rules, and every resident needs health insurance and must be medically fit.
Who qualifies for the UAE retirement visa
The rules sit in Articles 51 and 52 of Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, the Executive Regulation of the UAE entry and residence law. It's one of the self-sponsored types of visa in the UAE.
Age and service. You need at least 15 years of service before retirement, inside or outside the UAE, and to be at least 55. The official English translation says "or" between the two, but the Arabic text, which is binding, says "and". GDRFA Dubai and the u.ae portal also ask for both, so plan on meeting both.
| Financial route | What the regulation asks | Evidence GDRFA Dubai lists |
|---|---|---|
| Property | One or more properties in the UAE worth at least AED 1 million in total, valued by the competent authority in the emirate | Passport copy and proof of ownership or a valuation from the Land and Property Department |
| Mortgaged property | Accepted if the amount paid toward the mortgage is at least AED 1 million when you apply | Mortgaged title deed |
| Deposit | At least AED 1 million in the UAE or abroad, moved to a UAE financial institution within 60 days of the permit's issue, unless you invest it in the UAE | Photo, passport copy, deposit certificate and an acknowledgment to transfer the deposit |
| Income | Fixed annual income of at least AED 240,000, or the equivalent in foreign currency | Photo, passport copy, six months of bank statements and a letter from an official body stating the income source |
The u.ae portal (updated 28 July 2026) shows different figures: property and savings of AED 1 million each, or AED 180,000 a year in income (AED 240,000 for Dubai). The regulation, GDRFA Dubai and Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development use AED 240,000, so follow the regulation and confirm with ICP outside Dubai.
Validity, renewal, family and health rules
The permit lasts 5 years and you renew it on the same conditions you were first granted it (Article 51). GDRFA Dubai runs a separate renewal service with the same financial tests, and lists a 60-day grace period after the permit expires or is canceled.
Family. Articles 51 and 52 set no separate family rules, so the general ones apply. A resident can sponsor a spouse, children under 25, unmarried daughters and children with special needs of any age (Article 54). You need financial solvency, suitable housing and proof of kinship (Article 55), and their permits can't outlast yours. Our family visa service handles these files.
Health insurance and medical test. Every resident must hold health insurance for the whole stay and be medically fit under the rules in force (Article 37). Our medical fitness test guide covers the Dubai steps.
How to apply for a retirement visa in Dubai
GDRFA Dubai issues and renews the visa in Dubai. On 11 April 2026, GDRFA Dubai and the Dubai Land Department said they had signed an MoU to transfer the Retiree Residency service, with the Golden and Property residency services, into the GDRFA Dubai system. The Retire in Dubai program, launched in September 2020 by Dubai Tourism with GDRFA Dubai, has its pages on the Visit Dubai website.
- 1. Pick your route. Property, deposit or income; gather the documents in the table above.
- 2. Apply. Use the GDRFA Dubai website or app with UAE Pass, a Customer Happiness Center or an Amer center.
- 3. Pay the fees. You pay when you submit the application.
- 4. Complete the health steps. Arrange health insurance and the medical fitness test (Article 37).
- 5. Track the result. GDRFA Dubai lists an expected service time of 48 hours.
Applying in Abu Dhabi and other emirates
Outside Dubai, ICP handles the visa. The u.ae portal links to ICP's "Issue residence entry permit for foreigner retired" service on its smart services platform (website or UAEICP app).
Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development (page updated 27 October 2026) says applications follow ICP rules. It asks for a bank statement showing a deposit of at least AED 1 million kept for at least two years, a unit value certificate from the Department of Municipalities and Transport plus a certificate that the property isn't under judicial seizure, or a bank statement showing at least AED 240,000 a year.
Retirement visa fees
GDRFA Dubai publishes its fee items on the service page; we list them as shown.
| Item GDRFA Dubai lists | Fee |
|---|---|
| Residence permit fee | AED 200 |
| Knowledge Dirham | AED 10 |
| Innovation Dirham | AED 10 |
| Fee inside the country | AED 500 |
| Delivery | AED 20 |
| Note on the page | Issuance fee rises by AED 100 for each year when the residence is longer than two years |
| Also listed, under "the golden residency is for 5 years" | Residence fees AED 2,280; identity card fee AED 575 |
The list doesn't include health insurance or the medical test. Outside Dubai, ICP charges its own fees.
Retirement visa vs Golden visa and Green visa
| Retirement visa | Golden visa through property | Green visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years, renewable | 10 years | 5 years, renewable |
| Main test | Age 55 and 15 years of service, plus AED 1 million in property or a deposit, or AED 240,000 a year in income | Property worth at least AED 2 million | Skilled worker (bachelor's degree, AED 15,000 a month), freelancer (AED 360,000 a year for two years, or financial solvency) or investor/partner |
| Family you can sponsor | Spouse, children under 25, unmarried daughters, children with special needs | Spouse, children regardless of age, and parents | First-degree relatives, as well as spouse and children |
With property worth AED 2 million or more, read golden visa through property. If you're still working or freelancing, see the green visa.
Global Sky PRO prepares and submits residence applications, family files and renewals through our pro services. GDRFA Dubai or ICP decides each application, and we don't give financial advice on meeting the thresholds.
Sources
- UAE Legislation: Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Executive Regulation of the entry and residence law
- UAE Legislation: Golden residence annex to Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022
- GDRFA Dubai: Issuing a residence permit for the retired foreigner
- GDRFA Dubai: Renewing a residence permit for a retired foreigner
- UAE government portal: residence visa for the retired
- Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development: retirement visa
- Dubai Media Office: GDRFA Dubai and Dubai Land Department sign MoU to transfer three residency services
Official sources checked on 13 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.