The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has unveiled updated regulations for residency and identification cards, including a new 5-year residency visa for expatriate retirees aged 55 and above.
According to a Gulf News report, expatriates who have worked for at least 15 years, either within or outside the UAE, are now eligible to apply for the visa. Applicants must meet one of three financial requirements: owning property valued at Dh1 million, maintaining savings of at least Dh1 million, or earning a monthly income of Dh20,000. In Dubai, the income requirement is reduced to Dh15,000. Applicants must also provide a bank statement for the last six months.
The visa, valid for five years, can be renewed if the financial criteria remain satisfied. The application process is accessible through the ICP’s official website and smart application. Retirees need to log in using UAE Pass, select UAE ID and residency services, verify and update their details, pay the applicable fees, and await delivery of their ID card through approved couriers.
In addition to the federal initiative, Dubai has introduced a specialized program for retirees, offering a renewable 5-year visa for those meeting specific financial thresholds. Applicants must either earn an annual income of Dh180,000 (or Dh15,000 per month), hold financial savings of Dh1 million in a three-year fixed deposit, own unmortgaged property worth Dh1 million, or combine property investment and savings totaling at least Dh1 million, split evenly between the two.
