Guide to Retiring in Dubai as a Non-National

With 90% of Dubai’s residents being expatriates, it is unsurprising that the number of citizens over 55 years old is growing. Some families that have relocated to the sunlit megacity sponsor their parents to move here too. Other retirees choose Dubai specifically for its climate, quality healthcare, retirement investment schemes, and long-term visa opportunities.

But the retirement landscape in Dubai is more than just about health and financial stability. In 2025, Dubai ranks as the world’s cleanest city for the fifth year in a row, outperforming 47 other cities. Moreover, in 2024, Dubai allocated 46% of its budget to new roads, bridges, and public transport enhancements like the new blue metro line to improve municipal infrastructure and accessibility.

With diversified residency and visa options, Dubai is a top destination for anyone looking to retire away from cold, uninsulated housing, shady characters lurking in the twilight, or costly yet ineffective medicine.

Retirement Visa in Dubai

In 2020, to support the economic growth of the UAE and, in particular, the real estate market in Dubai, the country’s government launched the Retire in Dubai program.

Under this initiative, any retiree 55 years and older who meets the requirements of one of the four financial schemes can apply for a five-year visa with the possibility of further extension.

Living in a sun-drenched city by the sea, enjoying excellent medical care, first-class cuisine, and, most importantly, being close to loved ones—the Retire in Dubai visa opportunity is invaluable.

Who is Eligible for the Retire in Dubai Program?

Two criteria are the same for all applicants: age and retirement status. According to the terms and conditions published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, only those who have reached the age of 55 and can legally confirm that they have retired may apply for the program.

The third requirement is financial with four schemes to choose from. A person wishing to participate in the Retire in Dubai program needs to have either: 

1. An annual income equal to AED 180,000, which is around $49,000.
2. A deposit in a Dubai bank of AED 1 million ($272,250), opened for a three-year term.
3. AED 1 million invested in local real estate.

If the unit is mortgaged, AED 1 million should have been paid by the time of application.

1. A three-year bank deposit and real estate in Dubai. Taken together, they should equal AED 1 million.

 

If you would like to apply for the program using real estate, pay attention to these mandatory conditions:

• The property must be located in Dubai.
• The construction must be completed (off-plan is not accepted).
• In the title deed confirming your ownership right, the property value should not be less than AED 1 million.
• The real estate owner per the title deed must be the same person who applies for the program. It cannot be a relative or a friend.
• If the real estate belongs to a company, the latter must be 100% owned by the applicant.
• If the property is jointly owned, the applicant’s share must be at least AED 1 million.
• It is possible to combine several properties with their total amount equaling AED 1 million if all other conditions are met.

Other Residency Options

Among the most coveted residency opportunities in Dubai is the ten-year Golden visa. It can be renewed on expiry if the applicant still meets visa conditions.

Your family members, such as your spouse and children, can also receive visas under your application. While there are certain age restrictions for sons, children of determination are accepted regardless of their age.

To participate, you have to possess real estate in Dubai, valued at AED 2 million ($544,500) or higher, and provide documentation proving your investment and financial stability. A clean criminal record is also required.

Another way to settle in Dubai for retirement is a three-year property investor visa. The required real estate value is only AED 1 million ($272,250).

Financial Planning for Retirement

In recent years, the UAE has implemented voluntary pension schemes to improve retirement security. If you are a Dubai resident, consider these two pathways:

1. The Golden Pension Scheme is a voluntary retirement savings plan aimed at expatriates working in the UAE. To participate, you must work for a registered company that offers the Golden Pension Plan.

 Under this initiative, employers are encouraged to contribute end-of-service benefits as a lump sum or periodically. Employees can withdraw their contributions anytime.

2. The DIFC Employee Workplace Savings plan is a pension strategy for employees working in the DIFC area. It involves mandatory employer contributions based on employee wages depending on service length plus optional employee contributions.

Employees can access funds upon termination of employment. The plan is managed by Zurich Middle East with a professional investment advisory from Mercer.

If you haven’t worked in the UAE, consider deposit accounts in international banks and managed investment options to secure your savings while earning interest. For instance, Dubai mutual funds and exchange-traded funds allow expatriates to invest in diversified portfolios managed by professionals.

Housing and Accommodation in Dubai

The rental market in the city flourishes, and you can find an apartment, villa, or townhouse with any amenities you like, such as a private swimming pool, a community golf course, or resident-only spa services.

If real estate investment is your chosen visa pathway, consider such eligible completed projects as Azizi Riviera, Bloom Heights, Amaranta Villanova, and Millenium Binghatti Residences or consult our agents.

Healthcare and Insurance

When your visa application is approved, you will need to pay a fee of AED 3,714.75 ($1,011). The amount covers all the costs associated with getting your visa, from Emirates ID to a medical test. Yes, you will be asked to take a special examination, after which you will be offered options of mandatory health insurance.

Regarding the overall healthcare system in Dubai, there are 5,020 licensed healthcare facilities that include numerous 24/7 pharmacies and employ over 59,500 highly skilled healthcare professionals.

Among the most renowned and highly rated hospitals are the Canadian Specialist Hospital, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital, Zulekha Hospital Dubai, and NMC Royal Hospital.

Benefits of Retiring in Dubai

Dubai welcomes people of all ages. Pensioners are especially well off here: the dry subtropical climate, sea air, and gentle sun will keep your immune system healthy. At the same time, developed services and excellent educational, cultural, and recreational institutions enrich daily life while offering stability.

The Emirates ID (UAE national ID card) ensures comfort and safety when traveling outside Dubai. Exploring the rest of the UAE is exhilarating: see the sights of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, visit Fujairah resorts, and check out the pearling village Al Jazeera Al Hamra.

Respecting Local Customs and Culture

We cannot avoid highlighting that Islam is the official religion in the country. However, discrimination on grounds of religious belief is prohibited.

So, during Ramadan, non-Muslims are advised to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum in public during daylight hours.

On a positive note, hospitality is a core aspect of Emirati culture. It is customary to accept offers of food or drink when visiting an Emirati home.

Paperwork and What to Consider

If you have decided on the Retire in Dubai scheme, submit the required documents along with a completed application form through the website of the General Directorate of Residents and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.

Regardless of the scheme you choose, you will need a valid passport. Submit your UAE visa and Emirates ID too if you have them.

It is also advised to consult with the seller about maintenance and utility fees and amenity service payments when drafting the sales-and-purchase agreement to plan your future expenses.

Our agency experts have been selecting real estate for non-UAE nationals for the Retire in Dubai program since its launch. We know the ins and outs of the application process too.

To find out which properties in Dubai meet your requirements for a comfortable life—and can help you obtain a retirement visa—contact us for a consultation.