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Last updated 20 September 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)

Retirement visa in United Arab Emirates for Chinese citizens

Retirement visa — what you need to know

Allows foreign retirees to obtain a residence visa if they meet the financial criteria.

Features

  • Intended for foreign retirees aged 55 or older, or those who worked for at least 15 years before retirement

  • One of the following financial requirements must be met: property worth at least AED 1 million, a deposit of at least AED 1 million, or a regular annual income of at least AED 240,000

  • Application process: proof of age or employment history before retirement → proof of property ownership, deposit or income → online application → entry permit, if required → entry into the UAE → medical examination → Emirates ID → obtaining the residence permit

Benefits

  • Documents required before entry into the UAE are processed electronically

  • Family members may work after obtaining a separate work permit

  • No sponsor in the UAE is required

  • The residence permit is issued for 5 years from the outset and can be renewed for another 5 years if the requirements continue to be met

  • Property, a bank deposit or regular income can be used as the financial basis

  • A family residence permit can be obtained for the applicant’s spouse and children under the general rules

Eligible individuals:

  • Retiree

How does this visa work?

sand time

Don’t postpone the application

The visa is processed from 3 days to 5 days. Many people contact us 3–5 days before their trip, so start the process in advance

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How can you prove the basis for the visa?

They clarify the purpose of the visit and future activities in the country

What must be prepared?

Basic package — always required, regardless of the application conditions

What additional documents may be required?

Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.

*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.

**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.

Are you eligible for this visa?

  • Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.

  • Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.

  • The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.

  • Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.

Official visa information

English international

Type of visa

Residence visa

Category

Retirement visa