Retirement in Dubai! Here is how to get a UAE residence visa for retirees

Dubai, one of the seven Emirates of the UAE, is not only a dream country for young and wealthy people, but it also attracts retirees who want to live in the capital of the UAE. For someone to spend retirement in Dubai, the city has an incredible range of modern apartments and villas within vibrant residential communities. Whether you want to live on the beach, in the city center, or away from the hustle and bustle, Dubai has plenty of options for you.

Retired residents over the age of 55 can apply for a long-term UAE visa of 5 years. For a retiree to be eligible for the retirement visa, he or she must have worked for not less than 15 years inside or outside the UAE, or be 55 years old or more at the time of retirement.

Further, the retiree has to own a property of no less than AED 1 million and have financial savings of no less than AED 1 million or have a monthly income of AED 20,000 (15,000 a month for Dubai), and provide a bank statement for the last six months. The visa is valid for 5 years with the possibility of renewing it if they meet the eligibility criteria.

The application process is determined by which ‘Retire in Dubai pathway’ one qualifies for, and which authorizing entity will then approve the visa. Savings applications are approved by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) while the property applications are authorized by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). One can apply online on the GDFRA website but for DLD, one has to visit the real estate regulating agency’s office in person to proceed with their property application. Once the application is submitted to GDRFA or DLD, regular updates on the status of the application are sent to applicants.

In the event that your application is accepted by the DLD or GDRFA, each applicant will need to pay AED3,714.75 in total. The sum pays for all costs associated with obtaining a visa, such as entry permits, visa status adjustments, residency stamping, Emirates ID, medical exams, and administrative fees.

An important thing for the retirees in UAE is to consider the cost of healthcare. Dubai city has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world, offering a high standard of medical care. As a retiree, you must have private health insurance and can choose from a diverse network of facilities. It is preferable to obtain a health insurance package from a local provider ahead of time in order to successfully obtain your Retirement Visa.