The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has implemented new regulations for awarding residency and identification cards to UAE retirees, including a 10-year residency visa for expats aged 55 and up.
Eligibility Criteria for the 10-Year Residency Visa:
- Expatriate retirees aged 55 and older can now apply for a 10-year residency visa, if they meet the following requirements
- Work Experience: Applicants must have worked for at least 15 years, both within and outside the UAE.
- Financial Requirement:
- Own property worth at least AED 1 million.Save at least AED 1 million.
Minimum monthly income of AED 20,000 (or AED 15,000 in Dubai. Bank Statement: Submission of a six-month bank statement is mandatory. The visa is renewable for another 10 years if the applicant continues to meet these criteria.
Application Process
The ICP has outlined the steps to apply for the residency visa and UAE ID card through its official website or the UAEICP smart application:
- Log in using UAE Pass.
- Select “UAE ID and Residency Services.”
- Review and update retrieved data, then pay the applicable fees.
- Receive the ID card via approved delivery services.
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Special Regulations for Retirees in Dubai
In addition to federal guidelines, Dubai offers a dedicated program to attract retirees, allowing them, their
spouses, and dependents to apply for a renewable 10-year residency visa.
Eligibility for Dubai’s Retiree Program:
Applicants must be at least 55 years old and meet one of the following financial conditions:
- Option 1: An annual income of AED 180,000 or a monthly income of AED 15,000.
- Option 2: Financial savings of AED 1 million in a fixed deposit for 3 years.
- Option 3: Investment in an unmortgaged property worth AED 1 million.
- Option 4: A combination of savings and property investment totaling at least AED 1 million, with AED 500,000 allocated to a fixed deposit for 3 years and AED 500,000 invested in property. Goals of the Initiative:
These new regulations aim to provide greater flexibility and security for retirees seeking to settle in the UAE, offering an attractive option for expatriates to enjoy their retirement in a stable and welcoming environment.