Retirement & Benefits Guide · United Arab EmiratesRetirement & Benefits Guide in United Arab Emirates
Retirement visas, pensions, and healthcare for retirees
Retirement Visa Program
Residence Visa for the Retired
Residence Visa for the Retired requires applicants aged 55+ to prove AED 20,000 monthly income or AED 1 million in savings/property. Renewable every 3-5 years for expats meeting financial criteria; no path to citizenship.
Pension System
No state pension system for expatriates; UAE nationals covered by GPSSA PAYG system with retirement at 60 after 15 years service. Expats receive only lump-sum end-of-service gratuity capped at 2 years' salary.
Pension Adequacy
Gratuity provides limited one-time payout (e.g., AED 170,000 for 10 years at AED 20,000 salary), insufficient for long-term retirement needs. Private savings or voluntary schemes like Golden Pension Plan required.
Healthcare Access
High-quality private healthcare widely available; no universal public system for expats, requiring mandatory employer-provided insurance. Retirees need private plans, with good facilities but high costs.
Cost of Living
Retiree Community
Senior Benefits
Tax Benefits for Retirees
No personal income tax on foreign pensions, investment income, or worldwide earnings due to territorial taxation system. Full tax exemption for all residents including retirees.
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