MORE ABOUT UAE

UAE's Independent Means Visas

The Independent Means Visa in the UAE, also known as the Residence visa for the retired, offers long-term residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate financial stability without the need for employment in the country.

MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT

Discover Independent Means Visa in the United Arab Emirates

The Independent Means Visa program in the UAE provides a pathway to long-term residency for individuals with substantial financial resources. This program is designed to attract retirees, investors, and other individuals looking to establish residency in a dynamic, modern country with a favorable tax regime.

EMIRATI ARABI UNITI
Mobility Asset Index Score
63.00%
Mobilità Tipo di risorsa
Visti di Mezzi Indipendenti
Official Name
Residence visa for the Retired
Launched in:
2018
Online Submission:
Residency Privileges
(in months)
60
Adjudication Time
(in months)
3
Minimum Stay Requirement
(in days)
None
In-Country Presence Requirement
(in months)
2

Panoramica

A Snapshot of Independent Means Visa in the United Arab Emirates

A route to long-term residency for financially independent individuals in the UAE

Requisiti di idoneità

Individuals with passive income from a foreign source

Restrizioni degli antenati di ancoraggio

Mesi alla cittadinanza

Durata del visto

5 years, renewable

Mesi al visto

2-3 months

Requisito della presenza fisica

Must not be outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months

Disponibilità

Alto

Assegno familiare

Coniuge e figli

Panoramica

How to Apply for the Independent Means Visa in the United Arab Emirates

Submit application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate of residence

Panoramica

Discover How GlobalPassport Simplifies the Application Process for UAE's Independent Means Visas

Guida passo dopo passo

Il nostro team di esperti vi guiderà in ogni fase del processo di candidatura, offrendovi un'assistenza personalizzata e adatta alle vostre esigenze.

Preparazione del documento

Vi aiuteremo a raccogliere e organizzare i documenti necessari per fare domanda.

Presentazione della domanda

Una volta pronti i documenti, vi comunicheremo dove e come presentare la domanda alle autorità competenti.

Domande?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?

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Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?

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What types of income qualify for the Independent Means Visa?

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How often do I need to renew my residency permit?

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Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for UAE citizenship?

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benefits

Benefits of Independent Means Visa in the United Arab Emirates

Independent Means Visa in the United Arab Emirates

The Residence visa for the retired offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in the UAE's modern and cosmopolitan environment.

  • Long-term residency for you and your immediate family
  • Access to world-class healthcare and education systems
  • Potential pathway to UAE citizenship after meeting specific criteria

Access to world-class infrastructure and healthcare

Tax-free environment for personal income

Strategic location for global travel and business

Fast Processing Time

Long term program (compared to other Independent Means Visas)

Online Submission Allowed

Paesi in cui si viaggia senza visto

158

Passport Validity

10 years, 5 years for children

Panoramica

Why United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates offers a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle, attractive tax regime, and welcoming environment for foreign residents.

Vantaggi:

  • No personal income tax
  • World-class infrastructure and amenities
  • Strategic location for global business

Vantaggi:

  • High standard of living
  • Multicultural environment
  • Excellent healthcare and education systems

Domande?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?

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Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?

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What types of income qualify for the Independent Means Visa?

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How often do I need to renew my residency permit?

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Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for UAE citizenship?

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REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for United Arab Emirates - Independent Means Visas

Check if you qualify based on your family history

Direct Ancestral Connection

Not applicable

Documentation

Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence

Unbroken Chain of Citizenship

Not applicable

Legal Compliance

Not applicable

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for UAE's Independent Means Visa

To qualify for the Independent Means Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their financial stability.

  • Prove a yearly income of at least AED 1 million (approximately US$272,000) from investments or other sources
  • Own a property in the UAE worth at least AED 1 million
  • Have valid health insurance coverage in the UAE
  • Pass a medical fitness test
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Provide a security deposit

PROCESS

Independent Means Visas Process

#1

Initial Assessment

• Verify passive income sources

• Confirm income thresholds

• Review healthcare requirements

• Complete financial documentation

#2

Selection Phase

• Choose destination country

• Review residency requirements

• Assess tax implications

• Select optimal visa category

#3

Application Preparation

• Gather proof of income

• Obtain health insurance

• Prepare bank statements

• Complete background verification

#4

Submission

• Submit residency application

• Pay visa fees

• Schedule interview (if required)

• Provide biometric data

#5

Residency Setup

• Receive residency permit

• Register with local authorities

• Set up banking/utilities

• Complete residency registration

Start now by taking our free assessment

START ASSESSMENT

PROCESS

Timeline for United Arab Emirates - Independent Means Visas

DOCUMENTS

Documents Needed for United Arab Emirates - Independent Means Visas

Important Notes
• All documents must be original or certified copies
• Non-English documents require certified translations
• Documents must be apostilled where applicable
Personal Identification Documents
Core identity documents required from the applicantis is some text inside of a div block.

Passport+Passport copies of applicant and dependents

Documenti dei registri vitali
Birth, marriage, and death certificates from applicant and ancestors

Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)

Proof of Residence Documents
Evidence of current residence status

Not applicable

Criminal Clearance Documents
Background check documentation

Not applicable

Financial Documents
Proof of payment and financial requirements

Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in UAE

DOCUMENTS

Costs Associated with United Arab Emirates - Independent Means Visas

Pre-Application Costs
Essential document preparation and verification costs

Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences

Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization

Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services

Government Application Fees
Official fees charged by government authorities

Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees

$545

Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing

Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing

Post-Submission Costs
Costs after submitting your application

Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates

Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)

Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests

Professional Services
Optional external support services

Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees

Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services

Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services

Post-Acceptance Costs
Costs after approval

Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates

Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees

Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees

Rankings

GlobalPassport™ Mobility Asset Index

95

Classifica generale

Cost

Based on application fee

Residency Requirements

Based on residency requirements

Residency Privileges Length

Based on programs’s term

Processing Speed

Based on estimated processing time

Requisiti di idoneità

Based on entry requirements

Program Stability

Based on years of activity

Time to Permanent Residency

Based on permanent residency timeline

Rankings

Global Rankings/ Comparisions

Safety

EMIRATI ARABI UNITI

53

Costo della vita

EMIRATI ARABI UNITI

27

Quality of Life

EMIRATI ARABI UNITI

26

Healthcare Quality

EMIRATI ARABI UNITI

82

Internet Speed

EMIRATI ARABI UNITI

2

Human Freedom

EMIRATI ARABI UNITI

125

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