Residency · Retire in the UAE

Retire where you already feel at home

From age 55, owning UAE property worth AED 1M qualifies you for a 5-year renewable retirement visa for you and your spouse. Savings and income routes exist too — here's how the property route works.

Validity
5 YR
renewable
Minimum age
55
at time of application
Property route
AED 1M
owned property value
Family
Spouse
included
Issued by
GDRFA / ICP
Dubai · federal
Three ways to qualify
Own property · AED 1M

Own one or more UAE properties with a combined value of at least AED 1,000,000. This is the route PropDirect helps with.

Savings · AED 1M

Hold financial savings of at least AED 1,000,000, typically evidenced by a fixed deposit.

Income · AED 20K / month

Show an active monthly income of at least AED 20,000 — for example a pension or rental income.

You need to meet the age requirement and at least one of the three routes. Figures are the current published thresholds and can be revised by the authorities.

Who does what
PropDirect handles
  • Surface homes at AED 1M and above that meet the property route
  • A fair-value read so you know the property clears the AED 1M threshold
  • The DLD title deed on completion — the ownership proof your application needs
  • A tidy purchase pack you (or your PRO) can submit alongside the application
You & GDRFA / ICP
  • Submit the retirement-visa application to GDRFA or ICP
  • Evidence the qualifying route (title deed, deposit letter, or income proof)
  • Provide passport, photo, medical and health-insurance cover
  • Renew every 5 years while you continue to qualify
How it works
  1. 1
    Check your route

    You're 55+ and meet the property, savings, or income route. This page covers the property route.

  2. 2
    Find a qualifying home

    Browse AED 1M+ homes — a comfortable place to settle that also clears the threshold.

  3. 3
    Buy and register

    Complete the purchase; the DLD registers the property and issues your title deed.

  4. 4
    Apply for the visa

    Submit the title deed and purchase pack to GDRFA / ICP for the 5-year retirement residence.

Common questions
Do I have to own the property outright?

The property route looks at owned value reaching AED 1M. If part of that value is still financed, check the current requirement with GDRFA — rules on the paid-up portion can apply.

Can I combine the routes?

You need to satisfy at least one route in full. Some applicants qualify on property, others on savings or income — you don't have to meet all three.

Is my spouse covered?

Yes — the 5-year retirement visa lets you sponsor your spouse.

What happens after five years?

It's renewable. As long as you still meet the age and one qualifying route, you can renew for another five-year term.

Browse homes from AED 1Mmeets the property routeSee all homes for salefilter by area, price, view
Good to know

A property purchase is the qualifying step — it does not, by itself, grant residency. Once you own, you (or your PRO) submit the residency application to GDRFA / ICP.

See all residency-by-property optionsGolden Visa · retirement · every route in one placeBuying from overseas?FEMA · LRS · DTAA · POA — the diaspora desk

PropDirect is a property marketplace, not an immigration agent or legal adviser. UAE residency visas are issued solely by GDRFA / ICP. Eligibility thresholds and rules are set by the government and can change — confirm the current requirements with GDRFA / ICP before you buy.