UAE Retirement Visa 2026: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Requirements, and 5-Year Visa Application Process
The UAE Retirement Visa is one of the most attractive options for expatriates planning to spend their post-retirement years in a safe, luxurious, and cosmopolitan environment. Introduced in 2018, this visa allows eligible retirees to live in the UAE for 5 years, with the option to renew as long as the financial and residency conditions remain valid.
Whether you are a current UAE resident or an overseas expat looking to relocate, this guide will help you understand eligibility criteria, financial requirements, and the complete process of applying for a UAE Retirement Visa in 2026.
What Is the UAE Retirement Visa?
The UAE Retirement Visa is a long-term residence visa designed for expatriates aged 55 and above who wish to reside in the UAE after retirement. It’s part of the government’s initiative to attract skilled expats, investors, and professionals who have contributed to the UAE economy.
This 5-year renewable visa offers the opportunity to live, invest, and access healthcare services in the UAE, making it a gateway for retirees seeking a luxurious yet secure lifestyle in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
Who Can Apply for a Retirement Visa in the UAE?
Minimum Age Requirement
Applicants must be 55 years or older at the time of application.
Financial Eligibility Options
To qualify, you must meet at least one of the financial criteria defined by UAE authorities, ensuring you can support your stay without employment income.
Key Eligibility Criteria for UAE Retirement Visa 2026
To secure a UAE retirement visa, you must fulfill one of the following:
Option 1: Property Investment Worth AED 2 Million
Own one or more properties in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2 million.
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The property must be fully paid (not mortgaged).
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Joint ownership is accepted if the applicant’s share equals AED 2 million.
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Property valuation documents and title deeds are required.
Option 2: Savings of at Least AED 1 Million in a UAE Bank
Maintain fixed savings of AED 1 million in a UAE-based bank account for at least 3 years.
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Must provide bank statements and a certificate of deposit.
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Funds should remain within UAE for the visa’s duration.
Option 3: Monthly Income or Pension of AED 20,000 or More
Show proof of a minimum monthly pension or income of AED 20,000 (approx. USD 5,500).
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Acceptable sources include pensions, company annuities, or rental income.
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Applicants must submit official proof of payment or income letters from their employer or pension provider.
UAE Retirement Visa Validity and Renewal Rules
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The retirement visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed upon meeting the same eligibility conditions.
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Renewal is processed through GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
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Dependents (spouse and children) can be sponsored under the same visa, subject to financial proof.
Required Documents for UAE Retirement Visa Application
Identification and Residency Documents
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Original passport (and spouse’s passport if applicable)
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Copy of current UAE visa (for residents)
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Emirates ID (if you currently reside in the UAE)
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Marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
Financial and Property Proof
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Proof of savings (AED 1 million) — certified UAE bank statement
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Proof of income (AED 20,000 monthly) — pension or salary letter
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Property ownership documents — title deed showing AED 2 million+ ownership
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Retirement letter or proof of end of employment
Supporting Documents for Dependents
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Marriage certificate and birth certificates of children (if applicable)
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All documents must be in Arabic or officially translated and attested.
Health Insurance & Medical Fitness Requirements
While initial application can be processed without health insurance, medical tests and insurance coverage are mandatory after visa approval.
Applicants must:
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Pass a UAE medical fitness test.
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Obtain valid UAE health insurance covering the full duration of the visa.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a UAE Retirement Visa in 2026
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Check eligibility – Confirm that you meet one of the three financial criteria.
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Prepare documents – Gather all required paperwork, including proof of income/savings/property.
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Submit your application – Through GDRFA (for Dubai) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
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Pay the visa fee – Pay the required charges online or at the immigration office.
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Wait for approval – Processing typically takes 5–10 working days.
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Complete medical & insurance – After approval, undergo the fitness test and activate your health insurance.
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Receive Emirates ID – Once all steps are complete, your 5-year residency visa and Emirates ID will be issued.
Where to Apply for the UAE Retirement Visa
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Dubai residents: Apply through GDRFA-Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
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Other Emirates: Apply via ICP UAE online portal or through authorized Amer Centers.
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Foreign nationals must enter UAE first on a visit visa before converting it into a retirement residence visa.
Benefits of the UAE Retirement Visa
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Long-term 5-year renewable residency.
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Sponsor your spouse and children under your visa.
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No local job requirement — ideal for passive income earners.
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Access to premium healthcare, banking, and property ownership.
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Freedom to travel in and out of the UAE.
Why the UAE Is an Ideal Retirement Destination
The UAE offers retirees a unique balance of safety, comfort, and convenience:
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Low crime rate and world-class healthcare.
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Tax-free income and easy banking for expats.
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Modern infrastructure, leisure activities, and year-round sunshine.
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Cultural diversity with large expatriate communities from India, the UK, Europe, and beyond.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Application
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Submitting unclear or unverified documents.
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Missing bank attestation for savings or income proofs.
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Forgetting Arabic translation for foreign-issued certificates.
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Not updating health insurance or medical test reports during renewal.
Why Apply Through DubaiTransitVisa.com
Applying for a UAE retirement visa can be complex — with document attestation, financial verification, and Arabic translations required.
DubaiTransitVisa.com ensures:
✅ Accurate document checks and eligibility validation.
✅ End-to-end assistance with GDRFA and ICP procedures.
✅ Fast, reliable processing with real-time tracking.
✅ Expert support for family visa sponsorships.
Final Thoughts: Plan a Peaceful Retirement in the UAE
Retiring in the UAE provides more than luxury — it offers peace of mind, healthcare security, and a world-class lifestyle. With the 5-year renewable UAE Retirement Visa, you can make the Emirates your permanent home for the golden years of your life.
👉 Apply for your UAE Retirement Visa today through Dubai Transit eVisa — your trusted partner for seamless and approved visa processing in 2026.