October 14th, 2023 at 04:07 am
How to Obtain a Retirement Visa in Dubai
If you have decided that retiring in Dubai is the best course of action for you, the Dubai Retirement Visa is a Dubai visa that meets your requirements.
2018 saw the introduction of a new visa by the UAE government, designed especially for retirees—those who are already in the country or those who are residing abroad—who attain retirement age.
Qualifications for a Retirement Visa in Dubai
You must be at least 55 years old and fulfill one of the requirements below in order to be eligible for a Dubai Retirement Visa:
- You spend at least AED 2 million on real estate in Dubai.
- You have a minimum of AED 1 million in savings in that account.
- You receive at least AED 20,000 in monthly income from investments or pensions.
- The Dubai Retirement Visa is valid for a period of five years, after which it can be extended for a further five years provided you continue to meet the requirements.
How Can I Apply for a Retirement Visa to Dubai?
There are several ways you can apply for a Dubai Retirement Visa, depending on where you live:
- You must get in touch with the Dubai branch of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) if you are now residing in Dubai on a work visa.
- To apply for the Residence Retirement Visa while you are abroad, you might need an entry visa into Dubai.
- While certain nationalities can enter the country without a visa or can obtain one upon arrival (see here), they must still apply for a residence visa once they are in Dubai.
- Visas for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai, are issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Therefore, you should visit the GDRFA’s Dubai branch or one of its typing centers to apply for the visa.
Is it a Good Idea to Retire in Dubai?
The answer to that question, however, is totally subjective to your own personal preferences. It could be the right place for you if you don’t mind the warm weather and the high expense of living.
The benefits of living in Dubai when you retire
There are several strong arguments for retiring to Dubai. Say for instance:
It is Safe
Due to its low crime rate, Dubai is a typically fairly safe location to reside. Of fact, crime occurs everywhere in the world, but it primarily takes the form of small offenses. The UAE’s stringent rules are largely to blame for the relatively low rates of violent crime.
But, for foreigners at least, the stringent rules can pose a greater issue than the crime (see below).
It offers top-notch medical services.
The healthcare standards in Dubai are among the greatest in the world, even surpassing those in Europe and the US, despite the fact that foreigners are required to obtain private treatment.
You won’t have to worry about the standard of medical treatment you receive if you can afford to retire in Dubai.
It is varied in terms of culture.
Because most people in Dubai are foreigners, the city has a very diversified population, which gives you the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds and pick up new skills.
There are many people who speak English.
English is widely spoken and understood by Dubai people; in fact, some even refer to it as an unofficial second language. Therefore, you should have no trouble communicating as long as you can speak English.
Potential Drawbacks of Living in Dubai After Retirement
No matter how alluring Dubai may be as a retirement destination, there are a few things you should consider, the most crucial of which are:
The price of existence
Despite the fact that income tax is not payable, living expenses in Dubai can be quite costly. After all, many of the citizens lead opulent lifestyles that are not inexpensive.
Dubai is actually one of the most costly retirement destinations when compared to other well-liked locations; a single person’s monthly expenses average more than AED 3,000, and that doesn’t include rent.
The Weather
While having sunny weather all year long sounds wonderful, the average temperature from June to September can be unbearably high at 33.4°C (92.2°F). The majority of residents in Dubai would rather spend their days in air-conditioned spaces because of the city’s hot desert climate.
Elderly persons are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures since they are more likely to suffer from heat-related ailments.
More stringent laws
The severe laws in Dubai can surprise you if you’re from a Western nation. Certain things you may have done freely in the past may land you in legal hot water if you do them in Dubai. This covers things like showing affection in public, clothing “immodestly,” cursing or acting rudely—even online—eating and drinking while using public transportation, and even having a filthy automobile or donating money to charity.
The disparity between cultures
The UAE is mostly a Muslim nation despite its diversity in culture. This indicates that it conforms to Islamic law, which includes the Ramadan fast.
You cannot be seen eating or drinking in public throughout this month, even if you do not fast, and the majority of establishments are closed.