Can I apply from outside the UAE?

Yes. Apply for an entry permit online via ICP, then complete medical and Emirates ID steps after arrival.

Does property need to be paid in full?

Yes. The AED 1 million property must be fully owned or registered with a long-term lease accepted by the land department.

Can my spouse and children join me?

Yes. Spouses and children under 18 can be added as dependents once your Retirement Visa is approved.

Is health insurance mandatory?

Yes. Valid health insurance covering at least AED 150,000 is required for visa issuance and renewal.

UAE Retirement Visa: 5-Year Renewable Residency in 2026

Who qualifies for the UAE Retirement Visa in 2026

The UAE Retirement Visa is open to anyone aged 55 or older who meets one of three financial thresholds. You can qualify with property ownership, bank savings, or steady income. The visa grants a 5-year renewable residency that allows multiple entries and long-term stays without needing local employment.

Financial requirements

Applicants must satisfy one of these three options set by ICP:

Own residential property in the UAE valued at AED 1 million or more
Hold AED 1 million in UAE bank savings for at least six months
Receive a monthly income of at least AED 20,000, proven by six months of bank statements or pension documents

Only one criterion needs to be met. Property must be freehold or under a long-term lease registered with the relevant emirate land department. Savings must sit in a UAE-licensed bank account in the applicant’s name.

Application steps

Follow this sequence to obtain the visa:

Enter the UAE on a valid visit or tourist visa
Complete a medical fitness test at an approved DHA or DOH centre
Submit Emirates ID application and biometrics at an ICP centre or through the ICP app
Upload proof of the chosen financial criterion and passport copies
Pay the visa fees and receive the entry permit, then complete stamping upon arrival or conversion inside the country

Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks once documents are complete. Family members can be added as dependents if they meet ICP relationship rules.

Costs and fees in 2026

Expect the following official fees:

Medical test and Emirates ID: AED 1,200 to AED 1,500
Visa issuance and stamping: AED 2,900 for 5 years
ICP service fees and knowledge dirham: AED 300

Additional costs may include health insurance (minimum AED 150,000 coverage recommended) and any real-estate or bank verification charges. All fees are paid directly to ICP or authorised centres.

Renewal process

Renewal follows the same financial criteria. Submit the renewal request through the ICP portal or app 30 days before expiry. A new medical test is required only if the previous one is older than five years. No sponsor is needed at any stage.

Pros and considerations

The visa offers long-term stability without work obligations and allows property ownership in most emirates. Holders must maintain valid health insurance and may not access certain government subsidies reserved for citizens. If financial conditions change, the visa can be cancelled and converted to another residency type.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything, visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →