The UAE offers a Retirement Residence Permit (commonly known as the Retirement Visa) as a long-term visa option for eligible foreign nationals who have reached the age of retirement. The program is part of the country’s broader residency and investment ecosystem, designed to support economic diversification and long-term population growth.

As of 2024, the Retirement Visa is governed by Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, which sets out the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners.

Legal Authority

The Retirement Visa is legally grounded in:

• Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners;
• Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, specifically Article (52): Conditions and Controls for Granting the Retired Foreigner Residence Permit;
• Implemented by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP);
• In coordination with emirate-specific authorities such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and Amer Centers in Dubai.

Eligibility Requirements Under Article 52

In accordance with Article 52 of Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, a foreign national may be granted a Retirement Residence Permit upon meeting the following conditions:

1. Minimum Age or Work History

The applicant must fulfill one of the following:

• Be 55 years of age or older; or
• Have completed at least 15 years of work experience, either within the UAE or abroad, prior to retirement.

2. Financial Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following three financial thresholds:

a) Real Estate Ownership or Financial Deposit

• Own one or more real estate properties in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 1,000,000, based on the purchase price or current market value, as certified by the Competent Authority in the concerned emirate; or
• Hold a financial deposit of at least AED 1,000,000 in the UAE or abroad, transferred to a UAE financial institution within 60 days of visa issuance (unless invested within the UAE).

Note: If the property is mortgaged, the title deed will be accepted if the paid portion of the property equals or exceeds AED 1,000,000 at the time of application.

b) Annual Fixed Income

• Have a fixed annual income of no less than AED 240,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency), originating from within or outside the UAE;
• Submit a bank statement for the past 6 months confirming the income.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Passport (valid for at least six months);
2. Passport-size photograph meeting ICP guidelines;
3. Proof of age or work history (retirement certificate, employment letter, etc.);
4. Financial documents:
   • Real estate ownership certificate or valuation;
   • Bank letter confirming deposit or income;
   • Mortgage release or title deed (if applicable);
5. Health insurance from a UAE-licensed provider;
6. Proof of accommodation in the UAE (e.g., tenancy contract, hotel booking);
7. UAE contact information (mobile number and email).

Health Insurance Requirement

Although not separately legislated in the visa eligibility criteria, proof of valid health insurance is a de facto requirement in practice. The insurance policy must:

• Be issued by a UAE-licensed provider;
• Offer UAE-wide coverage;
• Preferably be comprehensive, particularly for older applicants.

This requirement is consistent with UAE’s general immigration health standards and is typically verified prior to visa issuance.

Application Timeline and Process

• Processing time: 2 to 3 weeks after complete submission;
• In-person submission is recommended at an Amer center (Dubai) or through ICP-approved channels in other emirates;
• Applicant must be physically present in the UAE during application processing;
• Emirates ID and biometric enrollment are part of the process.

Visa Duration and Renewal

• The Retirement Residence Permit is issued for a 5-year term, renewable;
• Renewal is subject to continued compliance with eligibility criteria under Article 52;
• Financial thresholds and supporting documents may be reassessed at the time of renewal.

Conclusion

The UAE’s Retirement Visa is legally codified under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 and offers multiple paths to eligibility based on age, work history, real estate investment, financial deposits, or income. The program provides a clear, rule-based mechanism for long-term residency and reflects the country’s commitment to attracting stable, financially secure residents.

As with all residency matters in the UAE, applicants are advised to seek professional guidance to ensure compliance with documentation, banking, and insurance standards—especially where valuation, transfers, or cross-border elements are involved.