Are you an ex-pat who has long-term employment in the UAE? If that’s the case, you might be curious to learn how long you can keep working in the UAE. Exists a certain age at which you might have to retire? If so, are you able to continue living in the UAE with your family? Here is the legal status of foreign retirees in the UAE according to the Labor and Immigration legislation.
Official retirement age for ex-pats in the UAE
The Federal Decree-Legislation No. 33 of 2021, the UAE’s labor law, does not specifically define the age at which foreign employees there must retire.
Foreign nationals above the age of 60 have previously and will continue to be able to work in the UAE.
Additionally, there has never been an age restriction on residency for people who own their own enterprises. Although internal retirement rules may exist in some businesses or industries, they are not required by law.
The retirement age was set at 60 in the former Labour Law by Ministerial Resolution 52 of 1989, Article 3, clause C. Exclusions were made for highly valued and skilled workers past this age limit even under the prior law.
The age of retirement is not specified in the recently passed UAE Labour Law from the perspective of employment.
Does the UAE issue work permits for ex-pats over 60?
The maximum age for granting work permits to foreign workers is not specified in the present Labour Law.
In reality and in accordance with our observations, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is in charge of deciding whether to accept and provide work permits or visas to foreign citizens who wish to continue working after the age of 60. The degree of their experience and work-related qualifications are some of the key considerations.
Long-term residency options for retired ex-pats in the UAE
Although the UAE Labour Law does not specify a retirement age, you would need to apply for a retirement residency permit, often known as the retirement visa, if you wanted to retire there. The UAE’s Immigration Laws, which do specify a minimum age after which a person can apply for a retirement visa, take effect at this point.
In terms of immigration, foreigners in the UAE must either be over 55 or have served for at least 15 years before they are eligible for retirement. According to UAE Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022 on foreigners’ entry and residency, this is in accordance with Article 52 (1). Foreign nationals may apply for a Retirement Residence Permit if they satisfy one of these two requirements.
How to apply for a retirement visa?
These requirements must be satisfied in order to submit an application for the retirement residency permit:
- The foreign national must have served for at least 15 years before retiring (whether inside or outside the UAE), or they must be at least 55 years old.
- The foreign ex-pat must meet one of the requirements listed below:
a) Must own a property (or multiple properties) in the UAE worth at least Dh1 million;
b) Have financial savings of at least Dh1 million (whether inside or outside of the UAE, provided it is deposited in any financial institution in the UAE); or
c) Must have an active monthly income of Dh20,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
Depending on the Emirate issuing the visa, there can be a little difference in the need for active monthly revenue.
The Golden Residence, a 10-year residency visa given to investors, business professionals, gifted artists, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanities, and frontline workers, is another residence permit that permits foreign nationals to reside in the UAE for an extended period of time without a sponsor.
Every ten years, the Golden Residence Visa is renewed, and you can use it to sponsor your family for the same amount of time. However, there are some qualifying restrictions you must complete in order to apply for this visa.
