Retirement Visa Services in UAE
Retiring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a dream for many expatriates who’ve spent years building their lives and careers in the region. With its warm climate, modern lifestyle, advanced healthcare, and safety, the UAE has become a preferred destination for retirees worldwide. The Retirement Visa in UAE is a special program that allows foreign nationals to enjoy long-term residency after retirement while living amid comfort, culture, and convenience.
At Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing, we help retirees and investors manage the entire visa process—from eligibility assessment to final approval—ensuring every document meets the UAE’s legal requirements.
Understanding the UAE Retirement Visa
The UAE introduced its Retirement Visa program to attract experienced professionals and foreign residents seeking to spend their post-work years in a peaceful, tax-free environment. This visa allows retirees to reside in the country legally for five years, renewable upon meeting the eligibility criteria.
The program aims to support long-term residents and investors who’ve contributed to the UAE’s economy and want to continue enjoying its world-class infrastructure, safety, and community life.
Eligibility Requirements for the Retirement Visa in UAE
Applicants must meet specific financial and age conditions to qualify. Below are the official requirements for obtaining a retirement visa:
1. Age Requirement
The applicant must be 55 years or older at the time of submission. Age verification is determined through the applicant’s valid passport.
2. Financial Requirements
An applicant must satisfy at least one of the following financial criteria:
- Property Ownership:
Own a property in the UAE valued at a minimum of AED 1 million. The property must be fully paid (not mortgaged) and registered in the applicant’s name. - Savings:
Maintain financial savings of at least AED 1 million in a UAE-based bank. Proof must be shown through certified bank statements. - Monthly Income:
Have a verified monthly income of AED 20,000 (or AED 15,000 if residing in Dubai). Bank statements for the past six months must confirm a steady income source.
Meeting any one of these conditions qualifies an applicant for the retirement visa application process.
Documents Required for the Retirement Visa
Preparing accurate documentation is essential to prevent delays or rejections. Applicants should gather the following:
Personal Identification
- Valid passport (minimum six-month validity)
- Recent passport-sized photo (white background, neutral expression)
Financial Documents
- Property Title Deed: For those applying under property ownership.
- Bank Statements: Six months of certified statements showing savings or income.
- Income Proof: Pension slips, employment letters, or investment income documentation.
Health Insurance
Applicants must show proof of valid UAE health insurance that meets the minimum standards set by authorities.
Additional Documents (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
- Birth certificates (for dependent children)
- Medical fitness test results
Each document must be current, translated (if needed), and properly attested.
Key Considerations Before Applying
Before submitting a Retirement Visa application, retirees should review the following:
- The visa must be renewed every five years while maintaining eligibility.
- All documents must be accurate and complete to avoid rejection.
- Retirees should consider lifestyle factors such as healthcare access, location, and living costs.
- Each application is subject to approval from UAE immigration authorities after document verification.
Having professional guidance from Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing ensures every requirement is met precisely, reducing stress and saving time.
Step-by-Step Process of Obtaining a Retirement Visa in UAE
The application process for a UAE Retirement Visa is organized, clear, and mostly digital. Below is a simplified explanation:
Step 1: Document Verification
Applicants must collect and verify all required documents before submission. Any missing or incorrect file may delay approval.
Step 2: Application Submission
Submit your application via the Dubai Land Department’s online portal or through an authorized visa service center. Ensure that all financial and identification documents are attached.
Step 3: Payment of Fees
Pay the official visa application fee through the online portal or service center. The total cost varies depending on the visa type, health insurance, and dependent inclusion.
Step 4: Medical Fitness Examination
All applicants must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved UAE health center. Results confirming good health must accompany the application.
Step 5: Health Insurance Registration
Apply for or renew a compliant UAE health insurance plan to meet visa criteria.
Step 6: Visa Issuance
Upon approval, the applicant receives a 5-year renewable Retirement Visa, allowing legal residency within the UAE.
Once the visa is issued, retirees can open bank accounts, rent property, obtain Emirates IDs, and enjoy access to various government and private services.
Benefits of the UAE Retirement Visa
The UAE’s Retirement Visa provides a long list of advantages that enhance comfort, safety, and financial stability for retirees.
1. Long-Term Residency
The visa is valid for five years, renewable under the same conditions, providing long-term stability without frequent renewals.
2. Tax-Free Lifestyle
The UAE has no income tax, meaning retirees enjoy complete freedom on pensions, savings, and investment income.
3. Access to High-Quality Healthcare
Retirees can benefit from world-class hospitals, advanced healthcare systems, and internationally accredited medical facilities.
4. Family Sponsorship
Visa holders can sponsor their spouses and dependent children, keeping families united in a peaceful environment.
5. Safety and Stability
With low crime rates, strong law enforcement, and a welcoming culture, the UAE ensures retirees live securely.
6. Global Connectivity
Dubai’s geographic position offers easy travel access to Europe, Asia, and Africa through world-leading airlines.
7. Lifestyle and Leisure
Residents enjoy beaches, cultural sites, golf courses, parks, and shopping destinations—all within minutes.
These combined factors make the UAE one of the best retirement destinations in the world.
Things to Remember About the Retirement Visa
- Visa renewal must occur before expiry to maintain residency status.
- Applicants must continue meeting financial requirements at each renewal.
- Dependents’ documents must remain valid throughout the visa period.
- It’s advisable to maintain an active UAE bank account for transactions and renewals.
- Professional assistance ensures faster and error-free approval.
By relying on Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing, retirees avoid common errors and ensure every renewal or update complies with legal requirements.
Common Reasons for Visa Delays or Rejections
Although the process is straightforward, minor mistakes can cause delays:
- Incomplete financial documentation
- Invalid property valuation reports
- Inconsistent income proofs or bank records
- Missing health insurance compliance
- Inaccurate or expired identification
Our consultants carefully cross-check every file to prevent such issues and maintain a 100% compliance rate.
Why Retire in the UAE?
The UAE blends luxury and security with an unmatched quality of life. From modern housing options to top-tier healthcare and community living, it’s designed to make retirement easy.
Dubai, in particular, offers:
- Year-round sunshine and warm weather
- Tax-free pension income
- Multicultural social life
- Advanced medical infrastructure
- Premium entertainment and lifestyle amenities
For many expatriates, this balance of comfort and opportunity makes the UAE an ideal retirement destination.
Why Choose Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing for Retirement Visa Assistance?
Navigating immigration rules and documentation can be overwhelming. That’s where Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing provides unmatched expertise and service quality.
Our Advantages
- Comprehensive Support: From consultation to visa issuance.
- Experienced Consultants: Skilled professionals familiar with immigration systems.
- Transparency: Clear pricing and process updates at every stage.
- Faster Processing: We manage communication directly with relevant authorities.
- Customized Guidance: Personalized advice according to your financial and personal profile.
Our goal is to make your retirement transition seamless, legal, and comfortable.
Tips to Make Your Retirement Visa Application Easier
- Start preparing your documents three months before your planned application.
- Maintain consistent bank transactions to reflect financial stability.
- Ensure your property title deed is updated under your legal name.
- Keep health insurance valid for all family members.
- Consult experts before submission for better accuracy.
These steps help secure a faster response from authorities and minimize back-and-forth communication.
UAE’s Vision Behind the Retirement Program
The retirement visa initiative supports the UAE’s vision to become a global hub for sustainable living. It encourages long-term residency among skilled expatriates who’ve contributed to the country’s progress.
Through this program, retirees continue to play an active role in UAE’s economic and social development—creating a win-win situation for both residents and the government.
What Can Help – Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing
Applying for a Retirement Visa in the UAE can feel daunting due to multiple financial and documentation steps. That’s why Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing simplifies every stage for you. Our specialists prepare your financial statements, review your property papers, and ensure full compliance with UAE regulations.
We work closely with immigration and land departments to guarantee that every application is processed on time. With us, retirees enjoy a stress-free transition into long-term residency—secure, legal, and comfortable.
After all, “A stitch in time saves nine.” Acting early with expert help saves you from unnecessary hassles later.
For More Information
- Visit our office: Saraya Avenue Building – Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Contact / WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132
- Geo Coordinates: 25.2807189480206, 55.41846458517048
