UAE introduces 5-year residency visa for retired expats over 55

DUBAI: This new regulation, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), offers a pathway for retired residents to continue living in the UAE while enjoying their post-retirement years.

Under the new rules, expatriate retirees who have worked for at least 15 years, either inside or outside the UAE, can apply for this long-term residency visa. To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following financial criteria: owning property worth at least Dh1 million, having savings of Dh1 million, or receiving a monthly income of at least Dh20,000 (or Dh15,000 in Dubai). A bank statement from the last six months will also be required.The 5-year residency visa is renewable as long as the applicant continues to meet the same financial requirements.The application process is straightforward: retirees can apply via the UAEICP smart application or official website, using UAE Pass to log in, update their details, and pay the required fees before receiving their residency and ID cards via approved delivery companies.

Additionally, Dubai has rolled out special regulations to attract retirees, including a flexible set of financial criteria such as a monthly income of Dh15,000 or investment in property or savings worth Dh1 million.