United Arab Emirates
A solid all-round choice. Ranked 12 of 55, strongest on healthcare, softest on retiree visa.
- Healthcare 95
- Retiree visa 50
- Affordability 78
- Safety 76
- Climate 76
- Expat community 90
- Retirement visaYesResidence visa for the retired (5-year renewable retirement visa)u.ae
- Min incomeHigh (harder to meet)u.ae
- Monthly budgetLower than the USnumbeo.com
- HealthcareExcellentuae-embassy.org
- SafetySafeen.wikipedia.org
- Top citiesDubai, Abu Dhabi
Good to know
- Good healthcare accessA modern, high-quality system delivering care comparable to developed nations (life expectancy about 79 years), with world-class hospitals and facilities such as Dubai Healthcare City in Dubai and major centres in Abu Dhabi.uae-embassy.org
- Dedicated retirement visaResidence visa for the retired (5-year renewable retirement visa)u.ae
- Low cost of livingOverall cost of living runs about 15.2% below the United States including rent, and about 20.4% below excluding rent (Numbeo national comparison).numbeo.com
- Safe for retireesThe UAE ranks 73rd of 163 countries (score 1.927) in the Global Peace Index, an upper-middle position and the ranking reflects broader regional and militarization factors more than everyday street crime.en.wikipedia.org
- Comfortable climateA desert climate with warm, sunny winters and hot, humid summers, with cooler conditions in the eastern mountains.u.ae
- Established expat communityThe expatriate community outnumbers UAE nationals, and English is the common language of business and daily life alongside Arabic.u.ae
Watch out for
No cautions from the verified data.
Visa & residency
Applicants must be at least 55 and have worked at least 15 years, then meet one option: own property worth at least AED 1 million; hold financial savings of at least AED 1 million; or have an annual income of at least AED 180,000 (about AED 15,000, roughly USD 4,080, per month). In Dubai the income threshold is higher at AED 240,000 per year (about AED 20,000, roughly USD 5,445, per month).
The retirement visa is granted for 5 years and can be renewed if the criteria are still met; income may come from inside or outside the UAE. The property-plus-savings route requires AED 1 million in property and AED 1 million in savings.
Healthcare
A modern, high-quality system delivering care comparable to developed nations (life expectancy about 79 years), with world-class hospitals and facilities such as Dubai Healthcare City in Dubai and major centres in Abu Dhabi.
Health insurance is mandatory for expatriate residents; UAE law requires sponsors to provide health insurance for expatriate workers, and private cover is the norm for foreign residents.
Cost of living
Overall cost of living runs about 15.2% below the United States including rent, and about 20.4% below excluding rent (Numbeo national comparison).
Rent is roughly similar to the United States, about 3.6% lower on average (Numbeo national comparison).
Safety
The UAE ranks 73rd of 163 countries (score 1.927) in the Global Peace Index, an upper-middle position and the ranking reflects broader regional and militarization factors more than everyday street crime.
Climate
Community & language
The expatriate community outnumbers UAE nationals, and English is the common language of business and daily life alongside Arabic.
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used in business, on road signs and in daily life across the country.
Taxes
The UAE does not impose income tax on individuals, so pension income is not taxed.
As there is currently no personal income tax in the UAE, claiming relief for foreign taxes paid is not applicable at the individual level.
UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 3.6725 AED = 1 USD since 1997.
Moving & migration
To open a bank account in the UAE, you need a valid residence visa, Emirates ID card, passport, and sometimes a no-objection letter from your sponsor. Major banks include Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Dubai Islamic Bank. Some banks offer non-resident accounts with limited features. Physical presence is usually required.
Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents including expatriates. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Step 1: Obtain a residence visa and Emirates ID. Step 2: Purchase private health insurance (employers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are legally required to provide it for employees). Step 3: Register with a GP or clinic within your insurance network. Retirees on the retirement visa must have valid health insurance meeting visa requirements.
Citizens of certain countries, including the UK, can exchange their valid driving licence for a UAE licence without taking a driving test via the Markhoos initiative. Others must open a traffic file at a registered driving institute, complete driving classes, and pass all tests. A new UAE driving licence is valid for 2 years (5 years for expatriate residents at renewal). Visitors can drive with an international driving permit. You must be at least 18 to drive a car.
No verified data yet
The UAE is a non-EU country for pet travel. Dog or cat must be microchipped and rabies-vaccinated at least 21 days before travel. You need an export health certificate from an official vet, an import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and a veterinary health certificate. Certain dog breeds are restricted. Read GOV.UK guidance on taking your pet to a non-EU country for full requirements.
Step 1: Determine eligibility for a UAE residence visa. For the retirement visa: age 55 or older, worked 15 or more years, and meet financial criteria (own property worth at least AED 1 million, or have savings of at least AED 1 million, or annual income of at least AED 180,000, about USD 49,000). Step 2: Apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the relevant emirate's immigration authority. Step 3: Undergo a medical fitness test. Step 4: Receive your Emirates ID card. Step 5: The retirement visa is valid for 5 years and renewable if criteria are still met. There is no path to permanent residency or citizenship via the retirement visa. The UAE also offers long-term Golden Visas (5-10 years) for investors and talented individuals.
Popular retirement spots
Where retirees in United Arab Emirates tend to settle, and the honest reason why. Each note shows its source.
Dubai
A Persian Gulf coastal city where about 92% of residents are expatriates, drawing foreigners with its tax-light environment and international hub status.
Abu Dhabi
The UAE's capital on a Gulf island, home to a large expat majority (around 80% foreign residents) and a hot desert climate with mild winters.
Questions about retiring in United Arab Emirates
Answered from the verified data on this page. Every answer shows its source; anything we have not confirmed says so plainly rather than guessing.
- Does United Arab Emirates have a retirement visa?
Yes. United Arab Emirates offers the Residence visa for the retired (5-year renewable retirement visa).
u.ae- How much monthly income do I need to retire in United Arab Emirates?
As a guide: Applicants must be at least 55 and have worked at least 15 years, then meet one option: own property worth at least AED 1 million; hold financial savings of at least AED 1 million; or have an annual income of at least AED 180,000 (about AED 15,000, roughly USD 4,080, per month). In Dubai the income threshold is higher at AED 240,000 per year (about AED 20,000, roughly USD 5,445, per month). Treat this as indicative and verify the current official figure before you rely on it.
u.ae- Is healthcare good for expats in United Arab Emirates?
Healthcare quality is rated excellent. A modern, high-quality system delivering care comparable to developed nations (life expectancy about 79 years), with world-class hospitals and facilities such as Dubai Healthcare City in Dubai and major centres in Abu Dhabi. On cost: Health insurance is mandatory for expatriate residents; UAE law requires sponsors to provide health insurance for expatriate workers, and private cover is the norm for foreign residents.
uae-embassy.org- How expensive is it to retire in United Arab Emirates?
Lower than the US. A comfortable single-retiree budget is Overall cost of living runs about 15.2% below the United States including rent, and about 20.4% below excluding rent (Numbeo national comparison).
numbeo.com- Is United Arab Emirates safe?
Safe. The UAE ranks 73rd of 163 countries (score 1.927) in the Global Peace Index, an upper-middle position and the ranking reflects broader regional and militarization factors more than everyday street crime.
en.wikipedia.org- What is the climate like in United Arab Emirates?
The climate is Desert (arid, subtropical). A desert climate with warm, sunny winters and hot, humid summers, with cooler conditions in the eastern mountains.
u.ae- Where do retirees live in United Arab Emirates?
Popular retirement spots include Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
en.wikipedia.org
Compare United Arab Emirates with its closest rivals
The three countries whose RetireScore sits nearest.
