Retirement Residence Visa (5-year)
Retirees aged 55+ with sufficient property, savings or income to support themselves.
The Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) is a UAE settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~AED 3,500-5,000 (incl. medical, Emirates ID, insurance)) and processing time (~1 week), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) is for
Retirees aged 55+ with sufficient property, savings or income to support themselves.
A renewable 5-year residence for retirees; it does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship.
Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) - eligibility criteria
- Aged at least 55 at retirement
- Worked at least 15 years (in UAE or abroad)
- Property worth ≥ AED 1 million, or savings ≥ AED 1 million, or
- Annual income ≥ AED 180,000 (Dubai uses ~AED 15,000/month)
- Valid health insurance
Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) (United Arab Emirates) is ~AED 3,500-5,000 (incl. medical, Emirates ID, insurance), with an indicative processing time of ~1 week. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at UAE Government (u.ae).
| Type | Long-term residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online (ICP/GDRFA); Dubai has its own retirement programme |
| Length of stay | 5 years, renewable while criteria are met |
| Work rights | No work expected (retirement-based) |
| Study rights | Can study |
| Government fee | ~AED 3,500-5,000 (incl. medical, Emirates ID, insurance) |
| Processing time | ~1 week |
| Route to PR | A renewable 5-year residence for retirees; it does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
A renewable 5-year residence for retirees; it does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship.
Many applicants also compare Golden Visa · Golden Residence Visa (10-year), Family Parent · Family Residence Visa - Parents, Green Visa · Green Residence Visa (5-year, self-sponsored). Run a free VisaChief check to see which UAE route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) pitfalls we fix
Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) cost?
The Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) government fee is ~AED 3,500-5,000 (incl. medical, Emirates ID, insurance). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at UAE Government (u.ae) before applying.
How long does the Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1 week. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Retirement Residence Visa (5-year) lead to permanent residence?
A renewable 5-year residence for retirees; it does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship.
Can I work on the Retirement Residence Visa (5-year)?
Work rights: No work expected (retirement-based).
Who can apply for the Retirement Residence Visa (5-year)?
Retirees aged 55+ with sufficient property, savings or income to support themselves.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Arab Emirates government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- UAE Government (u.ae) - official United Arab Emirates immigration authority