How to Apply for a UAE Retirement Visa (5-Year Residence for Retirees)
Retired foreigners can apply for a 5-year residence visa. Per u.ae, you must meet two conditions first. You must have worked for at least 15 years, inside or outside the UAE. And you must be at least 55 when you retire. You must also meet one of two money conditions. The first condition has two parts. You own property worth at least AED 1 million. And you have savings of at least AED 1 million. The second condition is income. You have an annual income of at least AED 180,000. Do you want to apply from Dubai? Then your annual fixed income must be at least AED 240,000.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Varies — confirm on ICP (residence issuance per ICP fee list + medical + Emirates ID + insurance)
- Total time:
- 1–3 weeks (end to end)
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- u.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Self-check
Confirm you meet the conditions
You must be 55 or older. You must have at least 15 years of work, inside or outside the UAE. You must also meet ONE of the money conditions. Condition 1 has two parts. You own property worth at least AED 1 million. And you have savings of at least AED 1 million. Condition 2 is income. Your annual income is at least AED 180,000. You can earn this amount in another currency instead. Will you apply from Dubai? Then your annual fixed income must be at least AED 240,000. For the first condition, meeting only one part is not enough. You need both the property and the savings.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare Varies
Gather your financial proof
For the property route, bring your title deed. Also bring bank statements that show savings of at least AED 1 million. For the income route, bring proof of your income. Also bring 6-month bank statements that show the annual income. Check the exact list of documents in the ICP or GDRFA portal before you apply.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Varies AED 500 status adjustment (if already in UAE)
Apply via ICP (or GDRFA in Dubai)
Apply on the ICP Smart Services website or app. Will you live in Dubai? Then apply on GDRFA Dubai instead. Are you already inside the UAE on another visa? Then a status change may apply. It costs AED 500.
Click to mark as done
- Go Result typically same/next day Varies by emirate/centre
Pass the medical fitness test
You take a blood test and a chest X-ray at an approved medical fitness centre. The fee depends on the emirate and the centre.
Click to mark as done
- Go Same-day appointment
Complete Emirates ID biometrics
You give your fingerprints and a photo at an ICP service centre or another authorised centre. This happens at the same time as the residence process.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Varies From ~AED 700 (5-year residence issuance)
Residence permit is issued
Your retirement residence permit is issued for 5 years. Check the current residence issuance fees in the ICP or GDRFA portal when you apply. ICP publishes this fee list. You pay an AED 100 application fee. You pay AED 100 per year. And you pay an AED 100 smart services fee.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Before expiry
Renew and sponsor family
Renew your permit while you still meet the conditions. You can sponsor family members under the usual family sponsorship rules. Check the current requirements with ICP or GDRFA.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dubai income threshold different?
Yes, the limit is different in Dubai. To apply from Dubai, your annual fixed income must be at least AED 240,000. In other emirates, the limit is AED 180,000. These figures come from u.ae.
Do I need BOTH property and savings, or either?
For the asset route, you need both. Per u.ae, you must own property worth at least AED 1 million. And you must have savings of at least AED 1 million. The other option is the income route.
Can I work on a retirement visa?
The retirement visa gives you residence. It is not a work permit. If you plan to work, check the current work rules with MOHRE or ICP.
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