Dreaming of retiring in Dubai? Here are the steps to secure your long-term visa

Dubai is not just a dream destination for young and affluent individuals but also a magnet for retirees seeking a comfortable and fulfilling post-retirement lifestyle.

For those considering retirement in the Emirates, the city offers an exceptional variety of contemporary apartments and luxurious villas situated within lively and well-appointed residential communities. These modern living spaces are designed to provide retirees with comfort and convenience, ensuring a high quality of life.

Financial criteria:


Option 1: Income
One of the financial criteria involves demonstrating a sustainable annual income of at least AED 180,000 (approximately USD 49,000). This translates to a monthly income of AED 15,000 (around USD 4,100), ensuring that retirees have a steady and sufficient income to support themselves while living in the country.

Option 2: Savings
Alternatively, retirees can meet the financial requirement by having AED 1 million (about USD 275,000) in a 3-year fixed deposit account. This ensures they have adequate savings to support themselves during their stay in the UAE.

Option 3: Property
Another option for meeting the financial criteria is to own AED 1 million (approximately USD 275,000) worth of unmortgaged property or a mortgaged property where payments made so far total at least AED 1 million. This demonstrates substantial financial commitment and stability, meeting the requirements for a long-term visa in the UAE.

Option 4: Savings and property
Alternatively, retirees can fulfill the financial criteria by combining Options 2 and 3. This involves having a total value of at least AED 1 million (approximately USD 275,000) with AED 500,000 in a 3-year fixed deposit and AED 500,000 worth of property. This combination of savings and property demonstrates sufficient financial stability to support a long-term stay in the UAE.

Visa requirements:

Choose your visa route:
Your application process is determined by which Retire in Dubai pathway you qualify for, and subsequently which authorising entity will approve your visa:

• Savings applications – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
• Property applications – Dubai Land Department (DLD)

Submit your application:
For GDRFA:

• Visit https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
• Select the ‘Individuals’ login option
• Register and log in to your dashboard to start a new application
• Follow the prompts to complete and submit the online form

For DLD:
Visit the real estate regulating agency’s office in person to proceed with your property application.

What is the visa cost?
If your application is approved by the GDRFA or DLD, a total of AED3,714.75 (approx. US$1,011) per applicant must be paid. The amount covers all the visa-related expenses, including entry permit, visa status adjustment, residency stamping, Emirates ID, medical examination and management fees.