Applying for a Retirement Visa in Dubai Soon? Check Eligibility Criteria, Costs, and More!

The UAE government announced the implementation of a visa in 2018, for those planning to settle in Dubai after retirement. The concerned authority issues the visa for 5 years. Post this tenure, individuals can renew their visas, only if they still meet the eligibility requirements.

Starting from November 2021, the government introduced a new law, which allows UAE expatriates to reside in the country, even after retirement. Recently, a few changes have been made. To get recent updates, check out the eligibility, documents required and other detailed information below:

Are You Eligible for the Retirement Visa?

Individuals seeking to obtain a retirement visa are required to fulfill certain eligibility requirements, which are as follows:

• The applicant must have worked for not less than 15 years inside or outside the UAE or must be at least 55 years old at the time of retirement.

Besides, there are other criteria. The applicant must fulfill either of the four requirements listed below:

• Dh1 million in property
• Dh1 million savings in the 3-year fixed deposit
• A yearly salary of at least Dh180,000 or Dh15,000 monthly salary.

Checklist of Documents Required for the Retirement Visa Application

It is mandatory to submit the following set of documents to carry out the visa application process successfully:

• A valid passport copy of the applicant and dependents (Spouse and children)
• A valid copy of the marriage certificate (applicable if sponsoring the spouse)
• Copy of Emirates ID of the applicant and dependents (Valid for a UAE resident)
• Copy of the current visa of the applicant and dependents (Valid for a UAE resident)

Note: Applicants must submit additional documents as per their application-type requirements.

For Savings-based Applications

• Proof of Retirement
• Proof of Savings

For Income-based Applications

• Proof of Income
• Previous 6 Months’ Bank Statement

For Property and Savings-based Applications

• Copy of Title Deed
• Proof of Savings

For Property-based Applications

• Copy of Title Deed

What is the Retirement Visa Application Process?

There are multiple options available to submit a retirement visa application. Applicants can choose any one method according to their convenience:

Savings Option

Get in touch with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) authorities and apply via its official website. Open the website: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae. Choose the ‘Individuals’ login option. Next, complete the registration process to initiate the application. Follow the on-screen prompted instructions, verify, and submit the form.

For Property-based Applications

Applicants must hand over their applications to the authority of the Dubai Land Department. Simply visit the real estate regulating agency’s office and follow the instructions as prompted by the respective official.

Costs Associated with the Retirement Visa

Upon application approval by the GDRFA or DLD, applicants must pay a fee of Dh 3,714.75. This includes expenses associated with entry permits, residency stamping, Emirates ID, management fees, medical examination, and visa status adjustment.

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By: Mousree Das