The elderly and retired people can move to the UAE and live there on their pensions. However, applying for a UAE retirement visa is essential.
This article will go through the requirements and the application process for UAE retirement visa.
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ToggleWhat is a UAE retirement visa?
The UAE Cabinet approved a law in September 2018 granting a 5-year long-term visa to retired residents over the age of 55. If the requirements are met, the visa may be extended again.
UAE Retirement visas are only available for retirees who meet one of the following requirements:
- Invest in a 2-million-AED property
- You should have at least AED 1 million in your savings.
- Earn a minimum of AED 20,000 per month as a source of active income.
The visa is valid for five years and can be extended if the applicant meets the requirements.
A retiree can apply for a UAE Retirement Visa along with his or her spouse and dependent children. As a result, the entire immediate family will be able to live comfortably in the Emirate after they retire. However, boys and girls must be under the age of 18 and under the age of 21, respectively. They are no longer considered dependents and must obtain their own (student) visa if they are older. A valid health insurance policy that covers the UAE is required for every sponsored family member.
Five years is the validity period of the UAE Retirement Visa. If applicants meet the conditions above, they can renew their retirement visas electronically. Additionally, visa holders who work as self-employed can keep working.
Documentation and Other Requirements for UAE retirement visa
You’ll have to follow the instructions just like you would for any other government process. To apply for a Dubai retirement visa, you’ll need the following documents:
- A duplicate of your passport is necessary.
- The marriage certificate (if married)
- A copy of your most recent visa
- Copy of Emirates Identification Document
- Proven Compliance with Eligibility Requirements
- Current Residence Information
- Mobile phone numbers and email addresses shall be provided for contact.
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You’ll have everything you need to retire comfortably in Dubai if you follow this advice. The application process is easy and transparent for everyone involved.
Health Requirements
Visa applicants do not require health insurance because they need to undergo a medical examination as part of the application process. You will be one step closer to receiving your Dubai Retirement Visa once you have passed the medical examination.
Now you have the tools to immigrate to UAE as a Doctor by reading our comprehensive guide.
How to Apply for a Dubai Retirement Visa?
There are several ways to apply for a Dubai Retirement Visa, depending on where you live.
It is necessary for people who are working in Dubai on a work visa to contact Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
To enter Dubai from outside the UAE, you may require an entry visa, at which point you can apply for the Dubai Residence Retirement Visa.
Visas are not required for all nationalities, but some may enter the country without the need for one if they obtain a visa upon arrival in Dubai.
The GDRFA, the General Directorate of Residency, and Foreigners’ Affairs cover the Visa issuance for the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai.
As a result, if you need a visa, go to the GDRFA branch in Dubai or one of its typing centers.
You need to determine your status as being in the country or residing outside of the country, then visit the mentioned center to apply for the retirement visa.
Submitting an online application for a UAE retirement visa. Complete the forms and make the payments. The DLD reviews your application and informs you of the decision.
UAE retirement visa validity
The UAE retirement visa is valid for a maximum of five years after the date authorities issue it. As long as applicants meet all of the retirement visa requirements, the visa will not expire.
Is it necessary for the applicant to provide proof of retirement?
It is now necessary to provide a letter verifying that the applicant got truly retired when applying for a UAE retirement visa based on monthly income or savings. The pensions office or the previous employer can issue a letter of confirmation.
If you’ve already applied for a retirement visa but haven’t heard anything, you’ll also need to submit the letter of confirmation.
Do you have to deposit the savings in a UAE bank?
Savings of at least AED 1 million in a UAE bank account or abroad is necessary when applying for a UAE retirement visa.
Savings deposited in an account outside the UAE will require a legalized letter from the bank confirming their existence. It is necessary to translate this document from English into Arabic. The applicant must transfer their retirement savings to a local bank account within 30 days of receiving their retirement visa and place them in a three-year fixed-deposit account.
The money needs to stay on a three-year fixed deposit if it is already in a UAE bank account. The visa application must also be accompanied by a letter in Arabic from the bank confirming the savings balance.
Is it possible to work when holding a UAE retirement visa?
People with UAE retirement visas have permission to work temporarily, and even then, only under special circumstances. Only short-term consultancy work with Dubai’s government agencies is currently eligible for temporary work permits.
Let’s sum up…
The elderly and retired people can move to the UAE and live there on their pensions. Applying for a UAE retirement visa is essential to living in the country.
You got familiar with the requirements, the application process, and FAQs in the article.
If you have questions, write them down in the comment section below.
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- Max-B.
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Dear Sir/Madam,
Im a 63 year old British National on a retirement visa. My understanding was I could be out of the country for one year without returning however, I’ve exceeded the one year by 25 days (return should have been 6th of Jan 2023) Does this mean my visa will be cancelled sir? Or can I pay some sort of fine at the airport? The Visa is valid to 01/10/26
You would better contact the UAE officials right away and inform them of the issue. They will decide about it. But if you explain the situation, it could end up well.