RETIREMENT VISA

Retirement Visa in Dubai: Conditions, Documents and Costs

From first enquiry to handover, and beyond

A retired foreigner can receive a 5-year residence permit without a sponsor. You need to be 55 or older, have at least 15 years of service before retirement, and meet one financial condition: property, a deposit or a fixed income.

Last updated 2026-11-09

Eligibility

Age and serviceAge 55 or more and at least 15 years of service before retirement, inside or outside the UAE

Option 1: propertyOwn one or more properties worth at least AED 1,000,000 in total (purchase or market value, valued by the competent authority in the emirate)

Mortgaged propertyA mortgaged property is accepted if the amount paid to release the mortgage is at least AED 1,000,000 when you apply

Option 2: depositA deposit of at least AED 1,000,000, inside or outside the UAE, transferred to a financial institution in the UAE within 60 days from the date the residency is issued, unless it is invested in the UAE

Option 3: incomeA fixed annual income of at least AED 240,000, or the equivalent in foreign currency, from a source inside or outside the UAE, shown by a bank statement for the last 6 months

SponsorNo sponsor or host is needed

Validity5 years. Renewable under the same terms as when first granted

Ask an advisor how the age and service conditions apply to your case before you start.

The process

1
Choose your financial route
Check which of the three conditions fits you: property, deposit or income.
2
Prepare the documents
Gather the documents for your route, listed below.
3
Apply
Online with UAE Pass (website or smart app), at a Customer Happiness Centre or at an Amer centre.
4
Pay the fees and wait
Pay the fees when you submit. Processing takes 48 hours.

Documents

Property owner

Passport copy
Proof of ownership, or a valuation of the property issued by the land and property department

Deposit holder

Personal photo
Passport copy
Certificate of financial deposit
Acknowledgment of transferring the deposit to the UAE

Income route

Personal photo
Passport copy
Bank statement for the last 6 months
Letter from an official body stating the source of income

Costs and timeline

Residence permit feeAED 200

Extra chargesKnowledge Dirham AED 10, Innovation Dirham AED 10, AED 500 if you apply inside the UAE, delivery AED 20

Longer residencyThe issuance fee goes up by AED 100 for each year when the residency is longer than two years

5-year residency: amounts listedResidence fees AED 2,280 and identity card fee AED 575

Processing time48 hours

Official government fees are shown on this page. For the cost of our services, request a quote.

Frequently asked questions

How old do I need to be?

Age 55 or more and at least 15 years of service before retirement, inside or outside the UAE.

Do I need to own property?

No. Property is one of three options. You can also qualify with a deposit or a fixed annual income. A deposit of at least AED 1,000,000, inside or outside the UAE, transferred to a financial institution in the UAE within 60 days from the date the residency is issued, unless it is invested in the UAE

How long is the retirement visa valid?

5 years. Renewable under the same terms as when first granted

Do I need a sponsor?

No sponsor or host is needed.

How long does it take?

Processing takes 48 hours.

Last updated: 2026-11-09Data: Dubai Land DepartmentThis information is a guide and costs may change. Confirm with an advisor before you decide.

GOLDEN HILLS

Retirement Visa in Dubai: Conditions, Documents and Costs

Eligibility

The process

Choose your financial route

Prepare the documents

Apply

Pay the fees and wait