How long does the Retirement Visa (United Arab Emirates) take to process?

Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.

How long can you stay on the Retirement Visa (United Arab Emirates)?

5-year long-term residence visa for eligible retirees.

Can you work on the Retirement Visa (United Arab Emirates)?

No work rights unless the visa/residence type and UAE work permit or self-sponsored conditions allow it.

Country Info Hub

United Arab Emirates

A dynamic Middle Eastern hub offering fast-track work options, tax-free income, and an incredible lifestyle.

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Fetching live rate...
Languages: Arabic (English widely spoken)
Time vs Colombo: -1h 30m
Population: About 0.0 million
Calling code: +971
Drives on: Right
Climate: Desert; hot summers and mild winters

Check my eligibility

Official Visa Data

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Back to all visas

At a glance

Government fee

Official fees vary by emirate, service channel, duration and sponsor; use ICP/GDRFA/MOHRE/airline service fee shown at application.

Retiree must be at least 55, have worked at least 15 years and meet AED 1 million property/savings or income thresholds; Dubai income threshold differs.

Processing time: Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.
How long you can stay: 5-year long-term residence visa for eligible retirees.
Work rights: No work rights unless the visa/residence type and UAE work permit or self-sponsored conditions allow it.
Where it leads: Entry, visit, residence, work, study or long-term residence in the UAE for the approved purpose.
Where you apply: ICP smart services/app, GDRFA Dubai, UAE-based airline, authorised travel agent/hotel, sponsor/employer or relevant UAE authority depending on route.

Key requirements

valid passport usually at least six months
passport photo
purpose-specific supporting documents
medical fitness/insurance for residence where required
pay official service fees and guarantees where applicable

Step-by-step process

The verified roadmap from starting your application to the grant.

1
Confirm retirement eligibility
Before applying
Confirm age, work history and property/savings/income condition.
2
Prepare financial proof
1-3 weeks
Prepare property, savings or income evidence and insurance documents.
3
Apply through ICP/GDRFA
Application day
Submit retired foreigner residence application.
4
Complete checks
Varies
Complete medical, Emirates ID and fee steps.
Receive 5-year residence
After issue
Receive residence and renew if conditions continue.

Document checklist

Track your progress as you gather what you need.

0 / 5ready

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Your ticks stay on this device.

Cost breakdown

A verified breakdown beyond just the visa fee.

Government fee: Official fees vary by emirate, service channel, duration and sponsor; use ICP/GDRFA/MOHRE/airline service fee shown at application.
Agent fee: $914
Travel: $328
Settling in: $4,449
Monthly living cost: $1,667

More details

Important notes

Use the official ICP, GDRFA, MOHRE or airline channel for final fees and checklist.
Visit/tourist visas do not authorise employment.

Streams

UAE
Official route

Official sources

This is information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.

United Arab Emirates

Visa Routes Breakdown

Quick facts

Visa Routes Breakdown

Confirm retirement eligibility

Prepare financial proof

Apply through ICP/GDRFA

Complete checks

Receive 5-year residence

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources

Confirm retirement eligibility

Prepare financial proof

Apply through ICP/GDRFA

Complete checks

Receive 5-year residence

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources