How To Retire In Dubai – A Guide For Expat Retirees

In September 2020, Dubai launched a new retirement program for eligible foreigners.

Our Dubai retirement guide covers all the necessary information about the new scheme and your eligibility.

Is it a good idea to retire in Dubai?

Dubai offers a lifestyle vastly different from anything expats might be used to. Even so, there are plenty of reasons why it would appeal.

Dubai is a modern and well-developed city thanks to its association with the oil industry. It’s seen massive growth over the last 30 years, which has led to an infrastructure boom.

It prioritizes convenience, quality living, and useful amenities. So, what does it offer for foreign retirees?

Overall, Dubai has plenty of exciting opportunities for retirees wanting a completely different lifestyle.

It’s all about glitz and glamour, opulent shops, amazing shows and music festivals, high-class restaurants, private beach clubs, cinema complexes, theme parks, golf clubs, and many other entertainment opportunities.

The retirement program’s early stages only covered foreign residents working in Dubai that had reached the state’s retirement age. However, in an attempt to attract investment and open Dubai up to foreigners, it was expanded to all countries.

How do I get a retirement visa in Dubai?

There are two major routes to qualify for a Dubai retirement visa: to show you have enough money or income (savings applications) or to buy a property in Dubai (property applications).

Savings applications go through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), while Dubai Land Department deals with property applications.

If you choose a property route, your estate agent will guide you through the whole process.

If you opt for a savings/income route, you can apply online on the Dubai government site. Select an individual login option, register, and follow the prompts.

After you submit your application, it is reviewed and processed. Providing you’re successful, you’ll then be issued your visa.

As with other retirement visa programs, there are eligibility requirements. You must be at least 55 years old and fulfill one of the following four criteria:

1. Have a monthly income of AED 15,000 from a pension or previous employer (per person).

2. Have AED 1 million in savings in a 3-year fixed deposit account.

3. Own unmortgaged property in Dubai valued at AED 2 million.

4. A combination of options 2 and 3 – AED 2 million in assets split between unmortgaged property and a 3-year fixed deposit savings account.

In the early phases of the retirement program, there was some confusion around eligibility criteria. Some institutions reported that you had to meet all four criteria, but this isn’t true. Dubai’s tourism website (linked above) states that it’s one of four, and you can find more information by visiting the link.

International applications have to be translated into Arabic and attested by your country’s UAE embassy before submission online.

Applicants can sponsor their spouse and an unlimited number of children, but sponsorship doesn’t extend to parents or other family members. Unfortunately, spousal sponsorship doesn’t cover same-sex marriages, even if recognized in your home country, as it’s illegal in the UAE.

Providing your application is successful, you’ll officially become a resident of the UAE. This will entitle you to a state-issued ID card and unlimited entrance and exit from the UAE. Your visa must be renewed every five years, but this happens automatically if you continue to meet the initial criteria.

To get a Dubai retirement visa, follow these steps online via Dubai’s tourism website.

What is the cost of a retirement visa in Dubai?

As part of the application process, you have to pay a non-refundable processing fee of AED 92 (£18/$25) per applicant and dependent. If your application is approved, you then have to pay a fee of just over $1,000 per applicant. This covers the visa and ID costs.

Dubai retirement visa process

1. Submit your application via email to retireindubai@dubaitourism.ae. The application must include all relevant documentation (copy of passport, marriage certificate, proof of savings, property deed, etc.).

As mentioned, all letters must be translated into Arabic and attested by your country’s UAE embassy. This means they must sign off on your application in confirmation.

2. Once your documents have been received, you’ll get a link to a payment center. You submit the application fee of £18 per person.

3. Dubai’s immigration department will then assess your application. They will contact you for any further evidence they might need.

4. After the initial assessment, your application is passed to one of two departments. This will either be the General Affairs Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs for income and savings applications or the Dubai Land Department for property applications.

5. These departments contact you directly about your application. If you’re successful, you have to undertake a medical exam as part of the visa’s final stages.

After arranging the initial documentation, there’s not much you need to do. The processing time isn’t that long, either. Dubai’s tourism website states that assessment can take up to 15 working days after initial confirmation.

Cost of living for retirees in Dubai

As a base cost for retiring in Dubai, you’ll need an income of $5,000 a month or roughly $255,000 in savings. This is unrelated to the actual cost of living and is necessary for the visa requirements.

 Although there’s considerable disparity between goods and services (for example, beer is incredibly expensive, as are some foods), the overall cost of living in Dubai is not too bad.  Remember, there’s no income tax in Dubai, so you won’t have to give up much of your pension in tax.

Public transport in Dubai is efficient and inexpensive, and the city uses ride-hailing apps like Uber. You can also travel on Dubai’s Metro, Buses and Water Buses using an NOL card. This will cost you between AED 3 and AED 15, depending on the distance and the type of the NOL card. 

Utilities, including electricity, water, cooling, and internet, can add $200 to $400 to your monthly expenses. The cost can be higher during the summer months due to the increased use of air conditioning.

Having your own car: running your own car is fairly cheap (as you’d expect from a major exporter of petroleum products). On average, petrol is priced between AED 2.7 and AED 2.9 per liter.

Car insurance would cost between 1.25% to 3% of the value of your car (typically between AED 500 and AED 2,000 per year).

Used cars price in Dubai starts from AED 10,500 and goes up to AED 1,449,000.

Groceries: Expect to see a sizable bill for groceries, particularly if you’re a patron of top-tier supermarkets like Waitrose and Spinneys or if you have a preference for imported goods and premium meats. Dutch veal fillets in Spinneys can cost up to AED 245.00 per kg, which is not cheap at all.

It is, however, possible to keep your grocery bill on the lower side by shopping at affordable supermarkets such as Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, or Union Cooperative.

Dining out: If you’re a food enthusiast and enjoy eating out, this can notably bump up your expenses. A simple meal at a budget-friendly eatery might set you back about AED 45 ($ 12.25), while a three-course dinner for two at a moderately-priced establishment could run around AED 200 ($ 54.45). Naturally, expect to shell out considerably more for a gourmet experience at a top-tier restaurant.

Fast food: Opting for fast food is a favored choice in Dubai. You can expect to spend roughly AED 28 ($ 8) on a combination meal at a well-known fast-food chain, such as McDonald’s or Burger King.

So, expats will benefit from the cost of living in Dubai in several ways. Not only are most products and services cheaper, but you also won’t have to give up much of your pension in tax.

Dubai housing cost

According to the Deloitte Report “Middle East Real Estate Predictions 2024”, Dubai’s residential property market is going to continue to grow in 2024, so prices will likely go upwards.

	Apartment		Villa		Dubai Average
	Rent (AED per year)	Purchase (AED)	Rent (AED per year)	Purchase (AED)	Rent (AED per year)	Purchase (AED)
Per sq ft	AED 95	AED 1,302	AED 89	AED 1,547	AED 92	AED 1,332
Per sq meter	AED 1,055	AED 14,466	AED 988	AED 17,189	AED 1,022	AED 14,800

As you can see, property prices sit between $3,950 and $4,700 per square meter, depending on where you look in the city. While prices will be much lower in the surrounding municipalities, you won’t get the same kinds of amenities there.

How much a couple needs to retire in Dubai

Overall, a retired couple can expect to spend around $3,500 to $4,000 per month, excluding rent, to live comfortably in Dubai. 

Healthcare options for expat retirees in Dubai

It’s mandatory to get health insurance in Dubai. Luckily, this provides you access to one of the world’s best public health systems, as you’d expect from such an affluent and modern city-state.

While you don’t need an active policy to begin your visa application, you will need medical cover to move to Dubai. If your visa is approved, you’ll be invited to a medical exam. Once this is complete, you’ll have to find a suitable health insurance provider.

There are numerous health insurance providers in Dubai, but you can also use international health insurance. To do so, you must acquire a letter confirming that it covers services in the UAE.

To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal.

While costs will obviously vary depending on your age and health, the average price for one person can be around $5,000 a year.

Best residential areas for retirees in Dubai

Selecting the right place to live in Dubai can immensely enhance your contentment and lifestyle. So, where in Dubai does life get better for retirees? Here are a few suggestions based on the amenities and the atmosphere:

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

Best known for its stunning lake views and serene atmosphere, JLT is a top pick for retirees. The area is home to a mix of apartments with plenty of nearby amenities. There are lots of green spaces and the beautiful JLT Park. Shops, restaurants, and cafes are also at your fingertips.

Downtown Dubai

This lively neighborhood is home to the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. It is busy, so it won’t be ideal if you want a less crowded environment. The upside is that there is a great choice of luxury apartments with easy access to healthcare facilities. The area also boasts beautiful parks, like the Burj Park by Emaar, offering plenty of outdoor activities. 

The Springs

The Springs is a gated community perfect for retirees seeking peace and quiet. The area offers beautiful villas with amenities such as pools, parks, and fitness centers. The area also has several lakes and green spaces for those who enjoy early morning or late afternoon walks.

Palm Jumeirah 

If you fancy living in one of Dubai’s most iconic locations, then Palm Jumeirah is a great choice. It offers high-end apartments and villas with beachfront views. Residents here have access to luxurious spas, gyms, and a variety of dining options.

Arabian Ranches

This is one of Dubai’s most popular villa communities and is known for its golf course, Dubai Polo, and Equestrian Club. Arabian Ranches provides a tranquil suburban lifestyle. It’s away from the city’s bustle yet close enough to city amenities when needed. The community is lush and green, offering a leisurely pace of life ideal for retirees.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is popular with retirees due to its stunning waterfront apartments, variety of restaurants, and the beautiful Marina Walk. The area also boasts excellent healthcare facilities and recreational activities such as yachting and seafaring.

Jumeirah Golf Estates

For golf enthusiasts, there’s no better place to retire in Dubai than the Jumeirah Golf Estates. In addition to luxury villas, the area offers easy access to two world-class golf courses. The community also provides residents with a clubhouse, swimming pools, and tennis courts.

Lifestyle in Dubai for retirees

With its perpetual sunshine, low levels of crime, and access to a wide range of recreational amenities, Dubai presents an appealing prospect for any retiree.

The city’s geographical location also makes it a gateway to many global destinations. So, if you are an avid traveler, Dubai is a super convenient base for exploring other countries.

Of course, Dubai is not perfect. It gets hot and humid,  and its bustle and speedy lifestyle might be overwhelming. However, if you are seeking a lively, warm, and tax-free retirement location, Dubai can certainly offer that.

Wondering if Dubai is the right fit for your retirement years?

• Do you enjoy warmer climates and bear humidity well? Dubai is known for its year-round sunny weather and is a perfect destination if you are seeking to evade the biting chill of winters elsewhere.
• Is high quality of life your priority? Dubai certainly delivers on that front: highly-developed infrastructure, all the necessary amenities and facilities, communication links and travel connections, modern healthcare, – it is all on offer in Dubai. 
• Are you seeking tax benefits? As a tax-free haven, Dubai enables retirees to retain a greater portion of their hard-earned savings.
• Are you a culture enthusiast? The city’s culture, grounded in tradition yet embracing contemporary art, thrives in the city. Artists from all over the world are attracted to Dubai, and its art galleries facilitate creative dialogues. Stage arts also thrive in Dubai. Dubai Opera in downtown hosts theatres, operas, ballets, and concerts. Modern shows are also hosted throughout the city.
• Is security and safety important to you? Dubai prides itself on its safety and security, with a low crime rate, robust police force, and widespread surveillance infrastructure.
• Are you after an active lifestyle? Renowned for exclusive shopping, gourmet dining,  premium entertainment, wellness and fitness facilities, and various sports activities, Dubai offers retirees a vast array of recreational options to support an active and healthy lifestyle.

If you answered at least 3 of these questions positively, you should consider Dubai your retirement destination.

Here’s what to expect if you do decide to retire in Dubai:

• All year-round sunshine is guaranteed. While it’s great if you are seeking a sun-filled retirement, keep in mind that the summer months can be extremely hot, so it’s essential to stay adequately hydrated and take measures to deal with the heat effectively.
• While Dubai’s pace of life is relatively fast, there are multiple quieter regions like ‘The Springs,’ ‘Arabian Ranches,’ and ‘Palm Jumeirah,’ which are ideal for retirees seeking a peaceful environment.
• Dubai practices a zero income tax policy, which means income, including pensions, is not taxed. This is a significant benefit for expat retirees.
• The UAE offers an advanced healthcare system for retirees, featuring state-of-the-art medical facilities and various public and private insurance options. However, make sure your medical insurance provides adequate coverage, as healthcare can be costly.
• Despite the high cost of living, particularly housing and transportation, there are ways to economize, such as opting for cheaper neighborhoods, using public transport, and shopping from local markets.
• Retirees can even pursue business opportunities since the UAE promotes entrepreneurial activities and offers numerous amenities for start-ups.

Final thoughts on retiring in Dubai

Overall, Dubai can be a great location for retirement. It’s modern, has great amenities, and is well aware of its position on the global stage. The new retirement visa program makes it fairly easy for eligible foreigners to retire in Dubai.

You might find useful:

• Living In Dubai – What Expats Must Know;
• Dubai Rules & Laws Explained – what to expect and how not to get in trouble;
• Healthcare In Dubai – a complete expat guide to Dubai’s healthcare system and how to navigate it.

Helpful external links:

• NOL card and fares
• Dubai Housing Market – Deloitte Middle East Real Estate Predictions Report 2024
• UAE Residence Visa For Retirees – the government site