Dubai Announces Eligibility for Retirement Visa, Targeting Expats Over 55

Dubai has formally outlined the eligibility criteria for its retirement visa, a scheme aimed at attracting foreign nationals to reside in the emirate post-career. The program targets individuals aged 55 years and older who can meet specific financial benchmarks.

Financial Eligibility Pathways

Applicants must satisfy at least one of three distinct financial conditions:

• Income-Based Eligibility: Demonstrate a reliable and documented annual income of no less than AED 240,000 (approximately US$65,000). This is equivalent to around AED 20,000 per month, and eligible sources include pensions and investment returns.
• Savings-Based Eligibility: Maintain financial reserves of at least AED 1 million (roughly US$275,000). This can be held either as a cash deposit or a fixed-term deposit with a maturity period of three years.
• Property Ownership: Own real estate in Dubai valued at AED 1 million or more. A crucial condition is that the property must be unmortgaged, or the owner must have already repaid at least AED 1 million of the mortgage principal.

This initiative allows eligible residents to enjoy Dubai's lifestyle, leisure activities, and travel options, along with access to healthcare services. The government positions this visa as an opportunity for older foreign residents to embrace a comfortable retirement, explore new interests, and travel while living in the emirate.