If you are at least 55 years old, you can relocate to Dubai with the help of a retirement visa. It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed multiple times as long as you meet the criteria.

Dubai for Retirement

According to a study by the medical company, Veolar and Magmatic Research, Dubai ranked 14th in The Best Cities for Retirement Index worldwide. It also topped the retirement index in the Middle East and Africa. The emirate offers an advantageous retirement initiative, similar to countries like Portugal, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malta. Other factors, such as the quality of healthcare services, mobility, connectivity, availability of housing, and financial security, among others, make Dubai an ideal destination for retirees. NBD! Thanks to the double taxation treaty, citizens of the UK, France, Switzerland, and another 136 countries, don’t have to pay taxes on their pension plan when living in the UAE.

Safety and Healthcare Infrastructure

As revealed by Numbeo, Dubai took fifth place on the list of the world’s safest cities in 2023. The city’s outstanding infrastructure, including surveillance systems and police presence, contributes to the overall sense of security. Most of the premium complexes offer 24/7 security with monitored CCTV cameras. The emirate particularly focuses on road safety with the help of advanced technology. In fact, there is a Dubai Police app where you can check traffic jams and accidents and choose different routes during rush hour. The app also provides the option to report minor accidents, in addition to other functions. Dubai ranked first in the MENA region and sixth in the world in the Medical Tourism Index 2022. As reported by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the city houses over 4,400 medical facilities across the private sector. You can make an appointment for advanced diagnostic procedures, specialised treatments, and surgeries. There are several specialised medical centres, such as Dubai Diabetes Center, Dubai Cancer Center, and Dubai Genomics Center, among others. Many healthcare institutions provide telemedicine services, which are particularly useful for people who reside in remote neighbourhoods or have mobility issues. Many local insurance providers offer special retiree medical insurance packages. That said, Retirement Visa holders are provided with check-ups, annual screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other illnesses, home nurses, physiotherapy and more. Please note that specific services may vary from company to company. Among the most reputed insurance facilities in Dubai are Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, Alliance Insurance, and Daman Health. NBD! Here is a list of the top 11 clinics for foreigners in Dubai, including Mediclinic, Medcare, and other facilities.

Discounts for Retirees

The emirate has multiple senior citizen benefits which aim to provide ease and better accessibility to everyday services for the elderly. Below, you will find several examples:

<ol><li>Senior residents aged 60 years and above are eligible for a 50 % discount on public transport fares when using the metro, bus and Dubai tram.</li><li>They can get 50 % off on all MPR plans of the du telecom provider.</li><li>Fitness First Middle East provides a 15 % discount on platinum and titanium packages for those aged 60 and above.</li></ol>

Retirement Visa

According to the Retire in Dubai programme, the emirate offers a 5-year residency visa to individuals at least 55 years of age. Below, we have compiled a table of the best retirement visas worldwide for comparison.

<ul><li>Minimum yearly income of AED 180K (USD 49K)</li></ul>

Or

<ul><li>AED 1M (USD 272K) savings in a 3-year fixed deposit</li></ul>

Or

<ul><li>Owner of property valued at AED 1M (USD 272K) or more</li></ul>

Or

<ul><li>A combination of options valued at a minimum of AED 1M (USD 272K): for example, a 3-year fixed deposit and property, each worth AED 500K (USD 136K)</li></ul>

<ul><li>Security deposit of at least AED 320K (USD 87K) in a bank account in</li><li>Annual income of at least AED 128K (USD 35K)</li></ul>

<ul><li>At least AED 66K (USD 18K) in a savings account</li></ul>

<ul><li>Own a property worth at least AED 893K (USD 243K)</li></ul>

Or

<ul><li>Rent a property worth at least AED 36K (USD 9.7K)</li></ul>

Please check on the official website of the Maltese embassy for more terms & conditions.

<ul><li>If you were born on or after January 1, 1962, the retirement age is 65.</li><li>If you were born on or before January 1, 1962, you can take&nbsp; an early pension at age 61.</li></ul>

NBD! Retirement visa holders in the UAE are not eligible to receive local pension.

Conclusion

Retirees in Dubai have the opportunity to reside in a safe environment with easy access to high-quality medical facilities. Among the many perks for seniors, there are discounts on telecom providers, fitness centre memberships, public transportation, and more. Dubai offers one of the most advantageous retirement schemes worldwide in comparison to other popular destinations, such as Malta and Indonesia.