What are the eligibility requirements for a retirement visa in Dubai?

Applicants must be aged 55 or above, or have completed at least 15 years of professional service. At least one financial condition must be met: property ownership of AED 1,000,000, savings of AED 1,000,000, a fixed monthly income of AED 15,000 in Dubai, or a combination of savings and property totalling AED 1,000,000.

How long is the retirement visa valid, and can it be renewed?

The retirement visa in Dubai is valid for five years from the date of issuance. It may be renewed for an additional five-year term, provided the applicant continues to meet the financial eligibility criteria at the time of the renewal application.

Which authority processes the retirement visa application?

The processing authority depends on the eligibility route. Property-based applications are handled by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through its Golden Visa services. Savings and income-based applications are processed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Can I sponsor my family on a retirement visa?

Yes. The retirement visa holder may sponsor a spouse and dependent children. Each family member requires a separate residence permit application, medical examination, Emirates ID registration, and valid health insurance covering the UAE.

What are the government fees for a retirement visa in Dubai?

Fees vary by processing route. The DLD property route includes a medical examination fee of AED 700, an Emirates ID fee of AED 653, and a residency confirmation fee of AED 2,456.75, plus DLD administrative charges. The GDRFA route has its own fee schedule. All fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the issuing authority.

Is health insurance mandatory for the retirement visa?

Yes. Health insurance valid in the UAE is required for the visa holder and all sponsored dependants. The coverage must remain active for the full five-year validity period. International insurance is accepted if UAE coverage is confirmed in writing by the provider.

What happens if I stay outside the UAE for an extended period?

The retirement visa may lapse if the holder remains outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months. Applicants who travel frequently should ensure their schedule maintains continuous residency compliance to avoid permit cancellation.

What is the difference between a retirement visa and a golden visa?

The retirement visa requires property worth AED 1,000,000 or equivalent financial criteria and is limited to applicants aged 55 and above. The golden visa for investors requires AED 2,000,000 in property, has no age restriction, and may be issued for up to ten years.

Retirement Visa in Dubai — Apply Through EGSH

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Retirement Visa Services in Dubai

Official Retirement Residence Permit Processing Through GDRFA

The retirement visa in Dubai is a 5-year renewable residence permit issued to foreign nationals aged 55 and above who meet defined financial criteria under federal immigration legislation. The programme operates under Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and its Executive Regulations issued under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022.

Depending on the eligibility route, the retirement visa application is processed either by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for savings and income-based cases, or through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for property-based applications.

EGSH operates as an authorised Amer Centre and an authorised Real Estate Services Trustee, allowing applicants to process retirement visa applications through official GDRFA channels for savings and income-based routes, and through the Dubai Land Department (DLD for property-based routes—in a single location. All final approvals are issued by the competent government authority.

Authorised Amer Centre and Real Estate Services Trustee
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Official government-regulated fees
Most procedures completed in one visit

According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the retirement residence visa is typically issued within 7 to 10 business days from the date of complete submission.

Apply for a Retirement Visa in Dubai

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Visit EGSH

Book an appointment or visit EGSH directly for immediate VIP assistance with your retirement visa application, without waiting in queues.

Document Review

Your documents are reviewed for compliance with the eligibility requirements set by the GDRFA or the DLD before submission.

Application Submission

Your retirement visa application is submitted through the official GDRFA or DLD system in accordance with applicable immigration regulations.

Receive Your Retirement Visa

Upon authority approval, your 5-year retirement residence visa and Emirates ID are issued and delivered to you.

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You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.

Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai

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Monday–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

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Personal Identification

A valid passport, a recent personal photograph, and copies of any existing UAE residence permit and Emirates ID are required for submission.

Financial Eligibility Documents

Depending on the chosen route, applicants must provide a title deed, a bank savings letter, a fixed deposit certificate, or a six-month bank statement confirming monthly income.

Family Sponsorship Documents

To sponsor a spouse or children, a certified marriage contract, birth certificates, health insurance, and a notarised no-objection letter from the father (if the mother is the sponsor) must be submitted.

Supporting Documentation

A proof-of-retirement letter or end-of-service certificate is required, along with valid health insurance covering the UAE territory for the full duration of the residence permit.

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One-Visit Completion

Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.

What Is the Retirement Visa in Dubai

The retirement visa in Dubai is a long-term residence permit designed for foreign nationals who wish to remain in the UAE after reaching retirement age. It provides legal residency without requiring an employer or a local sponsor, provided the applicant maintains the financial conditions under which the visa was originally granted.

Regulatory Framework

The retirement residence permit is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and its Executive Regulations. The programme was introduced as part of a joint initiative by Dubai Tourism and the GDRFA to enable long-term expatriate residents and international retirees to maintain lawful residence in Dubai.
Two authorities administer the programme. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) processes applications based on income or savings eligibility. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) handles property-based applications through its Golden Visa services.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the retirement visa in Dubai, applicants must be aged 55 or above, or have completed a minimum of 15 years of professional service within or outside the UAE. In addition, at least one of the following financial conditions must be satisfied.

Property Ownership

The applicant must own one or more completed properties in Dubai with a total purchase or market value of no less than AED 1,000,000. The property must be registered with the DLD and located in Dubai. If the property is mortgaged, the total amount paid must equal at least AED 1,000,000, supported by a bank letter addressed to the GDRFA confirming that the deposit cannot be released within three years. A husband and wife may jointly qualify using a shared property, provided a certified marriage contract is submitted.

Savings

The applicant must hold a minimum of AED 1,000,000 in savings deposited in a UAE-based financial institution. If savings are held abroad, they must be transferred to a financial institution in the UAE within 60 days of the residence permit being issued.

Monthly Income

The applicant must demonstrate a fixed annual income of no less than AED 240,000 (equivalent to AED 20,000 per month at federal level, or AED 15,000 per month under the Dubai-specific threshold), supported by a six-month bank statement and a letter from an official body confirming the source of income.

Combination of Savings and Property

Applicants may combine property ownership and savings to meet the AED 1,000,000 threshold, provided that a minimum of AED 500,000 is held in a three-year fixed deposit with a UAE bank, and the property is valued at no less than AED 500,000.

Applicants who choose to apply through property valuation services at the DLD must obtain an official valuation certificate confirming the market value meets the required threshold. For those acquiring property specifically for visa eligibility, the title deed in Dubai must be registered and fully compliant before the application can proceed.

Government Fees

Fees for the retirement visa vary by processing route. According to the Dubai Land Department, the property-based route includes the following government charges: medical examination at AED 700, Emirates ID for five years at AED 653, and confirmation of the residency permit for five years at AED 2,456.75, in addition to DLD administrative fees.

The GDRFA route carries a separate fee structure, including residence fees of AED 2,280 and Emirates ID fees of AED 575 for a five-year term. All fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the issuing authority at the time of application.

Family Sponsorship

The retirement visa holder may sponsor a spouse and dependent children. Each sponsored family member requires a separate residence application, medical examination, Emirates ID registration, and valid health insurance. According to the DLD, family residence permits carry fees of AED 4,968.50 per person for a five-year term, with an AED 318.75 sponsorship file opening fee.

For cases where the mother is the sponsor, a notarised no-objection letter from the father is required. Daughters over 18 must provide proof of marital status from the Dubai Courts. Sons over 18 must submit a valid study certificate.

Retirement Visa vs Golden Visa For Investors

While both the retirement visa and the UAE investor golden visa provide long-term residency in Dubai, they differ in eligibility requirements, duration, and scope.

The retirement visa requires property valued at AED 1,000,000 or equivalent financial criteria, is limited to applicants aged 55 and above, and is issued for five years. The golden visa for investors requires a minimum property investment of AED 2,000,000, has no age restrictions, and may be issued for up to ten years.

Applicants who do not meet the retirement age threshold but own a qualifying property may also consider the property visa UAE as an alternative residency route.

Health Insurance Requirement

Health insurance valid in the UAE is mandatory for the retirement visa holder and all sponsored dependants. The coverage must remain active for the full duration of the five-year residence permit. Applicants holding international health insurance may use existing coverage, provided the insurer confirms UAE territory coverage in writing.

Authority Processing Flow

For property-based applications, the applicant submits the required documents through an authorised Real Estate Services Trustee, pays applicable fees, completes a medical examination, and receives the retirement residence visa via email following DLD approval. EGSH operates as an authorised Real Estate Services Trustee, allowing applicants on the property route to complete the real estate registration and the visa application in one location.

Applicants using the savings or income route submit through GDRFA digital channels or visit an authorised Amer Centre such as EGSH. According to the GDRFA, the expected processing time is 7 to 10 business days from the date of complete submission.

For applicants who need to acquire or register property specifically for retirement visa eligibility, EGSH can process the full cycle, from property registration and official valuation through to visa submission, under one roof as an authorised Real Estate Services Trustee and an authorised Amer Centre.

Common Rejection Triggers

Applications may be rejected or delayed under several circumstances. The property may be off-plan or not yet registered with the DLD. The financial threshold may not be met in full at the time of submission. The bank letter may not conform to the GDRFA formatting requirements. Health insurance may be absent or insufficient.

Incomplete documentation, expired passports, unverified financial certificates, and failure to transfer overseas savings to a UAE institution within the required 60-day period are also causes for refusal.

Validity, Renewal, And Cancellation

The retirement visa is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Renewal is permitted provided the financial conditions under which the original visa was granted remain satisfied at the time of the renewal application. Renewal is not automatic; a new application with updated documentation must be submitted before the expiry date to avoid a lapse in residency status.

If the applicant's financial position changes and the eligibility criteria are no longer met, the residence permit may not be renewed. Holders should also note that the retirement visa may lapse if they remain outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months.

Cancellation of the retirement visa requires the prior cancellation of all linked family residence permits. For entrepreneurs who may wish to establish a commercial presence alongside retirement residency, the process of mainland company setup in Dubai operates independently from the visa application.

Explained by

Amna Issa Abbas

Visa & AMER Services Consultant at EGSH

Amna Issa Abbas is a dedicated AMER centre service provider with two years of proven experience in delivering immigration and customer services, supporting clients, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

About the Expert

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Best service ever. Special thanks to Mirabelle — she is extremely efficient with property transfers and always makes the process smooth and hassle-free.

Big thanks to ZARA for her amazing support! She was extremely helpful when my employee approval got stuck in the Amer system. She went the extra mile to sort it out quickly. Her responsiveness made all the difference, greatly appreciated!!!

Very professional and friendly. They made the property transfer easy and smooth. Golden visa process seamless and thanks to Maya that all the staff (In particular to Maya!!!).

Zara was very helpful and professional. All the documents were submitted very fast by her and the service we received were very efficient. Highly recommend!

Natalia was very professional, she was a pleasure to deal with. Answering my questions, always responsive to phone calls and very prompt at providing updates at each stage of golden visa application which was very quick to process.

had an excellent experience with EGSH. They truly live up to their promise of one-stop government services, handling everything with efficiency and professionalism from start to finish.

I had a wonderful experience. She provided outstanding service with great professionalism and care. Everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I truly appreciate her dedication and would definitely recommend her services to others

Zara helped to get my Ejari completed. I recommend service here

Maria Claudia garcia helped me to renew my kids Emirates id. She went the extra mile to help me and she was so efficient and her communication skills are amazing. I would recommend the ESGH Emirates government services in barsha anytime. Thank you Maria for your help

Such a great service with an amazing and friendly environment and i would like to specially thank zara for her exceptional professionalism and support.

Had a great experience at Emirates Government Service Hub. Zara Moshiri truly went above and beyond to help me with my visa. I was facing a few issues during the process, and she handled everything patiently and professionally until it was sorted. Really grateful for her support — definitely ask for her when you visit this branch.

I would like to recognize the exceptional service I received from Umida at EGSH. From the very first minute, she made me feel genuinely welcome and at ease. Navigating the documentation required for a Golden Visa can be complex, yet Umida went far beyond what is typically expected — guiding me through every requirement with clarity, professionalism, and patience.

We are extremely pleased with the excellent visa services provided by EGSH in Dubai. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and deep expertise in handling visa applications for our workforce.

Ms. Zara Moshiri is extremely professional, patient, and supportive. She provided clear and thorough guidance and took the time to answer all my questions. I truly appreciate her help and highly recommend working with her.

Outstanding Service and Professionalism My wife and I recently applied for and obtained our 5-year Golden Visa (Retiree) in an exceptionally short time — mine in three days and my wife’s in just one day. We are extremely satisfied with the service provided by EGSH Emirates Government Service Hub.

Exceptional service every step of the way For showing your great example of services Remarkable dedication of consultant mrs Maria Garcia regalado. Thank you EGSH service Hub team

Amazing service! They went above and beyond to assist and resolved my concern there and then! Highly recommended anyone to visit this centre, the ladies are very helpful

Went there for a consulting. Booked an appointment in advance thro their website. Came early — no line — which is good. Very pleasant interior. My consultant Rachel, was polite. Answered all my questions. Can’t judge regarding the process once applied for an exact service, but consulting went well.

Amazing support and communication during the whole process. Rachel, Yara and Maria were super well organized and assisted in record time. We finished the whole process from star to end in 4 business days for 10 year Golden Visa!

I had an excellent experience with the wonderful help of Maria Claudia Garcia. Her professionalism and attention to detail made the whole process easy.

They are really very amazing very kind I was having problem with my residency and my license miss Zara and miss Amna they really help me from start to end and they are really very kind and professional highly recommend if any wants to setup there business go with egsh and thanks miss Zara 🙏 you are really very amazing person

I had a pleasure being assistanced by Ms. Natalia today and her support throughout the process. Everything was smooth, super professional, efficient and high level service was exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable and smooth government-related services.

I had such a great experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub)! Everything went super smoothly, and the team was really helpful. A big shout‑out to Ms. Zara Moshiri—she was kind and supportive the whole way through. Truly appreciate it!

Super quick and efficient service. Maria was available via WhatsApp and responded very quickly to all messages.

I got a delightful service from them to upgrade my visa category half of the expected timeline. Compared with my previous place, this the best and I would like to recommend any of visa service for all of you. * reasonable fair (I was asked twice my previous what I paid). * fast service and delivering before timeline. * Authentic service. Thank you so much Maria for your dedicated service.!

An exceptional service from Zara at EGSH. She guided us perfectly through the process and managed to get us even more than we had anticipated. A world class service center with exceptional staff. Would recommend them to anyone who wants to get sorted for government services

Hello, My Name is Kelvin it was my first time to hear EGSH Emirates Govt from my sponsor. I was assisted By Mrs Maria Claudia Garcia the experience was amazing from the beginning to the End she has been supporting and guiding me through all the process. I am grateful to her and the entire team for the help. I trust and believe EGSH is a place to recommend to family members and friends.

A very hassle free experience from EGSH. Special mention of Ms.Zara who was most helpfull. Her quick response to queries and swift action are much appeciated.

We had the pleasure of being assisted by the lovely Ms Maria and Ms Randa. They were clear concise and super professional throughout our whole process of renewing our Ejari and business licence. Maria provided continued support while we were waiting for our business Ejari to come through and made it a simple seamless process.

EGSH in art of living is the best Hub center for every thing that you want in dubai Specially Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI is the advisor and assistance and she is beside you in every step Thank you Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI and EGSH

I recently visited this institution had an exceptional experience! Ms. Maria Claudia took the time to understand my needs and preferences. I really appreciate her support and services.

Good morning, I needed to apply for the Golden Visa and went to this EGSH Emirates office. I was very impressed by their facilities and the peaceful atmosphere. We were fortunate to be assisted by María Claudia García, who provided exceptional service. She advised and helped us every step of the way, guiding us through the entire process until we obtained the Golden Visa.

I would like to express my appreciation to Ray from EGSH for his outstanding assistance in handling the transfer of our property at Rove Hotel. He was very helpful, accommodating, and patient throughout the entire process, from addressing transaction concerns and verifying documents to the actual property transfer and ensuring the new owner received the title deed…

I worked with Amir and Zara, they took care of everything, I only had to send the mandatory information. In a very short time, everything was completed. I was amazed, considering how difficult it had seemed before. Not to mention, the fees were the same or even lower than those of the other companies I mentioned. For me, it was a 10/10 experience, the quickest and smoothest process someone could have in this journey. Strongly recommend them.

Zara assisted me with my Ejari registration, and she was absolutely amazing. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and delivered everything promptly. Truly a pleasure to work with!

THE BEST!!! Zara you are as always star

Thanks to EGSH and to Zara for Excellent service — professional, attentive, and truly pleasant experience. Highly recommended!

Had an amazing service for the transfer of property there, specially Rachel Rahmat she was very helpfull throughout the process, looking forward to work more.

Visited for the first time for a property transfer and had an amazing experience with Jessieca! She was professional, helpful, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for all government services excellent customer service!

Personally, I find this the best centre in Dubai. They always go the extra mile. Especially Maria Garcia has help out so much in such an efficient way! Thank you!

Went there for ejari cancellation. Excellent place. Staff was so cooperative. Ms Maria and Ms Fatima assist me and it was a fast process.

This is probably the best government service hub in Dubai. You come in, asked to be seated, and the staff will come to you instead of standing on the reception and on queue. They will offer you tea and water are available at each table. Really embodies the Emirati hospitality and what seamstresses Dubai is known for.

I was here the morning of this post. The concierge like service with a contact person arranging for you all the difeerent interactions is making the interactuon as smooth as possible. A truly delightful experience and a true commitment to service excellence, thank you for the great experience and for the initiative to present government interactions in this way!

Outstanding service — fast, friendly, and highly professional. Thank you very much!

I’ve been here for the first time and I can say that this organization definitely worth to come here and make all proceeds with their help! We were changing the owner and such difficult process was really easy for us with your help and most of the time it was done online. So I’m very grateful to Mrs Zara and her support during all the process❤️

I had an excellent experience with Natalia Baiamonte from EGSH while getting Ejari certificate. From the very beginning, she was professional, attentive, and extremely helpful. Natalia guided me through the process clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and made task feel simple and stress-free. Highly recommend Natalia for her outstanding customer service and dedication!

We had great experience with Amal She is so helpful and awesome She stayed with us over her duty today just to finish her work Thanks Amal

I had a really good experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub). Everything went smoothly and the team was super helpful. Special thanks to Zara and Amal. they were so supportive and kind throughout the process. Really appreciate it!

I had a great experience with this office. They handle everything related to company setup, residency, Golden Visa, DLD, and more. The office is very clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff are extremely professional and polite. A special thank to Ms. Zara for her kindness and guidance throughout the process so smoothly and professionally, and to Ms. Amal for managing the administrative registration.

Zara is the best always attentive to every requests and helping with a solving problems without delay thank you Zara❤️🌸 …

Absolutely stunning office, i am awestruck. No one can beat Dubai for the kind of hospitality you get in a government office… Its mind-blowing 😍 i wish i could give a 10 star rating (double) on 5 🤩

I had a great experience with EGHS. I was assisted by Sarah Almeida and she delivered an amazing service. Very attentive, promptly responded my messages and guided me throughout the process. It was all very smooth and done very quickly. I highly recommend and I’ll definitely use their services again.