How to Live Permanently in the UAE: Retirement Visa Guide

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not currently offer a traditional permanent residence visa or citizenship in the same way that some other countries do. However, there are various options for long-term residency that could allow an individual to live in the UAE for extended periods, including options available to retirees who purchase property. Here's a breakdown:

1. Long-Term Residency for Retirees:

In 2019, the UAE introduced a retirement visa program for foreign nationals, which allows individuals over the age of 55 to live in the UAE under specific conditions. This visa is often tied to certain financial investments, including purchasing property.

For retirees:

• Eligibility: To be eligible for the UAE retirement visa, retirees typically need to meet certain financial criteria, such as:

o Having a minimum monthly income (around AED 20,000).

o A certain amount of savings (around AED 1 million).

o Or owning property in the UAE worth a specific amount (usually AED 2 million or more).

• Visa Validity: The retirement visa can be issued for a period of 5 years, and it is renewable. However, it is not permanent and must be renewed periodically, not on a lifetime basis.

While this visa offers long-term residency, it does not provide the option for a ""permanent"" visa or citizenship. The UAE does not currently offer the right to citizenship through naturalization, even for long-term residents.

2. Golden Visa (Long-Term Residency):

In addition to the retirement visa, the UAE has launched a Golden Visa program, which is designed for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and professionals. This visa offers long-term residency (typically for 5 or 10 years) and is renewable as long as the individual continues to meet the requirements. The Golden Visa can be issued to:

• Investors who make significant financial investments in the UAE (such as purchasing property or establishing businesses).

• Highly skilled workers, such as doctors, engineers, and researchers.

• Entrepreneurs who contribute to innovation or business development in the UAE.

The Golden Visa also allows for residency in the UAE for extended periods and is renewable, but like the retirement visa, it is not permanent.

3. Property Ownership:

While purchasing property in the UAE may help with securing long-term residency (especially for retirees or investors), it does not grant permanent residence or citizenship. The UAE generally offers residency based on property ownership for a limited period (usually tied to the length of time the property owner retains the property). This can vary by emirate and the specific conditions of the residency program.

4. Renewability:

Visas such as the retirement visa or the Golden Visa can be renewed as long as the visa holder continues to meet the necessary criteria (such as maintaining property ownership or continuing to have sufficient income or savings). However, these visas are typically issued for 5 or 10 years and require renewal upon expiration. There is no indication that these visas can be renewed indefinitely or for a lifetime under the current laws.

5. UAE Citizenship:

As mentioned, the UAE does not offer citizenship through naturalization, even to long-term residents, except in very rare cases (such as through marriage to a UAE national or extraordinary contributions to the country). The UAE also does not allow dual citizenship, so even if you were granted citizenship, you would likely need to renounce your current nationality.

Conclusion:

• Permanent Residence: The UAE does not offer permanent residence in the traditional sense, but long-term residency options are available, such as through the retirement visa or Golden Visa programs.

• Retirement Visa: Retirees can obtain a long-term residency visa if they meet financial requirements, including property ownership, but these visas are typically valid for 5 years and need to be renewed. The visa is not permanent, and lifetime renewal is not guaranteed.

• Golden Visa: Offers long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized workers, but again, it is not permanent and must be renewed.

It's important to note that the UAE’s immigration policies are evolving, and there may be changes in the future that could offer more options for long-term residence. However, under current rules, a ""permanent"" visa or lifetime residency is not available.