Retirement in Dubai? It's more accessible than you think.
Dubai isn't just for young professionals and entrepreneurs. The UAE introduced a dedicated retirement visa in 2020, and it's genuinely attractive — year-round sunshine, world-class healthcare, zero income tax, and a safe, modern environment.
I've helped several retirees evaluate this move. Some found exactly what they were looking for. Others realized it wasn't the right fit. This guide will help you decide.
The honest truth: Dubai retirement works brilliantly for some people and poorly for others. Let's figure out which category you fall into.
15 min read • Updated December 2025
Is Dubai right for your retirement?
Dubai retirement is different from retiring in Spain, Portugal, or Thailand. Here's an honest assessment of who thrives here.
Dubai retirement works well if:
- ✓You have a comfortable budget (AED 15-25K/month minimum for a good lifestyle)
- ✓You value safety, cleanliness, and modern infrastructure above all
- ✓You enjoy warm weather year-round (and can escape the summer heat)
- ✓You're okay with a car-dependent lifestyle (limited walkability)
- ✓You appreciate structured activities and excellent service culture
- ✓You want to be close to Asia, Africa, and Europe (Dubai is a hub)
- ✓You're escaping high taxes on pension or investment income
Think twice if:
- ✗You're on a tight budget (cheaper retirement destinations exist)
- ✗You want seasons, greenery, and natural landscapes
- ✗You prefer walkable neighborhoods and public transport
- ✗You want deep cultural immersion and historical richness
- ✗Being close to grandchildren and family is a priority
- ✗You're uncomfortable in a transient expat environment
- ✗You need specialized medical care that's rare in UAE
"The question isn't whether Dubai is a good retirement destination — it can be excellent. The question is whether it's right for you. Many retirees here split their time: winters in Dubai, summers in Europe or back home."
The retirement visa explained
The UAE introduced a 5-year retirement visa in 2020. Here's exactly how it works:
Basic Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 55 years or older |
| Previous UAE work | Not required (changed in 2023) |
| Health insurance | Valid UAE health insurance required |
| Clean record | No criminal record |
Financial Requirements (choose one)
Option 1: Savings
Most CommonAED 1 million (~$272,000) in savings
Held in UAE bank account or overseas account with verified statements. Must show 3-year history of savings at this level.
Option 2: Property
Property worth AED 1 million+ (~$272,000)
Unmortgaged property in UAE. Can be residential or commercial. Property value must be maintained throughout visa validity.
Option 3: Income
Monthly income of AED 20,000+ (~$5,450)
Verified pension, investment income, or rental income. Must show consistent income over previous 3 years.
Option 4: Combination
AED 1 million total across savings + property + income
Flexible combination of the above. For example: AED 500K property + AED 500K savings.
Visa costs and timeline
Retirement visa typically processes in 2-4 weeks. You can apply from outside UAE and enter once approved, or apply while in UAE on a tourist visa.
Other visa options for retirees
The retirement visa isn't the only path. These alternatives might suit your situation better:
Golden Visa (10 years)
Requires: AED 2M+ property investment
Property Investor Visa (2 years)
Requires: AED 750K+ property
Green Visa (5 years)
Requires: Freelance income / self-employment
Remote Work Visa (1 year)
Requires: $3,500/month income from outside UAE
Healthcare for retirees
Healthcare is often the top concern for retirees. The good news: Dubai has excellent medical facilities. The catch: it's all private and expensive without insurance.
Quality of care
World-class facilities at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic, American Hospital, Moorfields Eye Hospital. Many doctors trained in US/UK.
Full range of specialists including geriatricians, cardiologists, oncologists, orthopedic surgeons. Some fly in from abroad for complex cases.
Minimal. You can usually see a specialist within days, not months. Emergency care is immediate.
Pharmacies everywhere, often 24-hour. Most medications available, though some require UAE-specific prescriptions.
Excellent dental care. Implants, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry often cheaper than UK/US. Many retirees do major dental work here.
Insurance options for retirees
This is the critical issue for many retirees. Most UAE insurers have waiting periods (6-24 months) before covering pre-existing conditions.
Options: (1) International insurers like Cigna/Aetna often have better terms, (2) Pay out-of-pocket during waiting period, (3) Maintain insurance from home country for specific conditions.
Best neighborhoods for retirees
Not all Dubai neighborhoods suit retirees. Here are the best options based on what matters most to this life stage:
Palm Jumeirah
Island living with beach access, quiet residential areas, and a relaxed pace. Many retirees love the resort feel and walkable trunk area. Good restaurants and beach clubs nearby.
Dubai Marina / JBR
More urban and bustling. Walkable promenade, restaurants, beach. Good for active retirees who want things to do and places to walk. Can feel busy.
Downtown Dubai
Near Dubai Mall, Opera, and Burj Khalifa. Cultural activities and dining. Good for retirees who enjoy city life and don't mind the hustle.
Arabian Ranches
Peaceful villa living with golf course, parks, and community feel. Very quiet and safe. Good for retirees wanting space and tranquility. Can feel isolated.
Jumeirah Golf Estates
Built around two championship golf courses. Peaceful villas and apartments. Perfect for golf enthusiasts. Good clubhouse and restaurant scene.
Other options worth considering: The Greens/Views (affordable, quiet), Mirdif (spacious villas), Emirates Hills (luxury). Full neighborhood guide →
Cost of living for retirees
What does a comfortable retirement actually cost in Dubai? Here are realistic budgets for different lifestyles:
Dubai is more expensive than Thailand, Portugal, or Malaysia for retirement. But cheaper than Switzerland, UK, or Australia when you factor in zero income tax.
The real value comes if you have significant pension or investment income — tax savings can be substantial.
Build your retirement budget
Customize for your lifestyle, housing preferences, and healthcare needs.
Open Calculator→Pension and income considerations
One of the biggest attractions: UAE has zero income tax. But it's not quite that simple.
Tax implications by country
UK state pension taxed in UK regardless of residence. Private pensions may be tax-free in UAE under treaty. Government pensions (civil service, military) always taxed in UK.
US citizens taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence. Social Security may be partially taxable. 401k/IRA withdrawals taxable in US. UAE residency doesn't help US citizens.
Superannuation taxed in Australia. Once you're non-resident, some relief may apply. Complex rules — get professional advice.
Varies by country and type of pension. Many countries have tax treaties with UAE. Generally, government pensions taxed at source; private pensions may be tax-free.
Dividends, capital gains, rental income from UAE: tax-free. From other countries: depends on that country's rules and tax treaties.
Tax rules for expat retirees are complex and change frequently. The wrong assumption can be expensive. Consult a cross-border tax specialist before making decisions. The cost of advice is worth it.
Banking and receiving money
Opening a UAE bank account as a retiree is straightforward once you have your visa. You'll need to transfer pension/income regularly.
- →International transfers via Wise/Remitly are cheapest for regular transfers
- →UAE banks offer reasonable FX rates for large transfers
- →Consider keeping accounts in both countries for flexibility
- →Set up recurring transfers to avoid monthly admin
Lifestyle and activities
What do retirees actually do in Dubai? There's more than you might think.
- • 15+ golf courses in Dubai
- • Year-round play (mornings in summer)
- • Many retirement communities built around courses
- • Active golf social scene
- • Beach clubs with pools and restaurants
- • Sailing and yacht clubs
- • Fishing trips
- • Morning beach walks (Oct-April)
- • Excellent gym facilities
- • Yoga and pilates studios
- • Spas and wellness centers
- • Swimming pools everywhere
- • Dubai Opera and theater
- • Art galleries and museums
- • University courses for seniors
- • Language classes
- • Hub for travel to Europe, Asia, Africa
- • Cheap flights to many destinations
- • Easy weekend trips to Oman, Maldives
- • Many retirees travel extensively
- • World-class restaurants
- • Friday brunches (a Dubai institution)
- • Coffee culture
- • Hotel bars and lounges
June-September is brutally hot. Most retirees either: (1) Travel during these months, (2) Rely heavily on air-conditioned activities, or (3) Adopt a slower summer pace. Plan your year accordingly.
Retirees who've done it
“We were paying 40% tax on my pension in the UK. Moved to Dubai, bought an apartment on the Palm, and now we pay nothing. The savings paid for the apartment in 5 years. Healthcare here is actually better than the NHS for us.”
“The social side surprised me. I joined the golf club thinking I'd play occasionally. Now I play three times a week and have a better social life than I had in Australia. The transient nature means people are open to new friendships.”
“I was worried about healthcare at 68 with a heart condition. The cardiology care here is exceptional — I see my specialist faster than I ever did in Canada, and the hospitals are like hotels. Insurance is expensive but worth every dirham.”
Frequently asked questions
Yes. If you're from UK, US, EU, or several other countries, you can convert your license without a test. Others need to take a driving test. Many retirees find a car essential for daily life here.
Palliative care and hospice services exist but are less developed than in Western countries. Many retirees return to their home country if serious illness develops. It's worth having a plan.
Yes. Spouses are included in the retirement visa application. They don't need to meet the financial requirements separately — you sponsor them as dependents.
Visa renewal requires ongoing proof of finances/property. If your situation changes, you'd need to find alternative visa arrangements or potentially leave. Another reason to have contingency plans.
Extremely safe. Low crime, no violent crime to speak of, well-maintained infrastructure. Many retirees say they feel safer than in their home countries.
Yes, with proper documentation, vaccinations, and microchipping. Dogs and cats are most common. The process takes planning but is straightforward. Many pet-friendly buildings and parks.
UAE has different inheritance laws (Sharia-based for Muslims, nationality-based for others). Register a will with DIFC Wills Service Centre to ensure your wishes are followed. Essential for all expats.
The Dubai Retirement Checklist
Visa requirements, healthcare comparison, cost calculator, and the 5 things retirees wish they'd known — in one free download.
No spam. Just the guide.
Social life and community
This is where Dubai retirement differs most from traditional destinations. The social fabric is unique.
What to expect
Large, diverse expat population. Many nationalities. British, South African, Australian, and Indian communities are particularly established. Easy to find people from your background.
People come and go. Close friends may leave after a few years. This is the reality of expat life. Some find it refreshing; others find it difficult.
Many social clubs: British Business Group, golf clubs, book clubs, walking groups, hobby groups. Good way to meet people with shared interests.
Churches, temples, and synagogues exist (though less visible than in home countries). Active faith communities if that's important to you.
Opera, theater, concerts, art exhibitions. Dubai has invested heavily in cultural infrastructure. Active calendar of events.