Are you an expat employed in the UAE for a long time? What is the official Retirement age for expats in UAE? You are likely curious about how long you can continue to work in the UAE if that is the case. Can you retire at a certain age? Could you keep your family in the UAE, if so? Based on the Labour and Immigration legislation in the UAE, here are the legal statuses of foreign retirees.
What Is Official Retirement Age For Expats In The UAE?
There is no specific age at which foreign employees must retire in the UAE’s labour law, Federal Decree-Legislation No.33 of 2021. It has been previously possible for foreign nationals over 60 to work in the UAE, and they will continue to be able to do so.
People who own their businesses have never been required to retire at a certain age. Although some businesses and industries may have internal retirement policies, they are not mandated.
According to Ministerial 52 of 1989, Article 3, Clause 3, 60 was the retirement age in the old labour law, although highly valued and skilled workers were excluded from this age limit.
From the perspective of employment, the UAE Law that has been recently passed does not specify the retirement age for expats in UAE.
Are Work Permits Issued To Expats Over 60 In The UAE?
In the present labour law, foreign workers cannot be granted work permits until they reach a certain age.
Realistically, according to our observations, the Ministry Of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) decides whether foreign citizens that wish the continuation of work post the age of 60 are granted work permits or visas. Among the most important deciding factors is their level of experience, as well as work-related qualifications.
Retired Expats Living In The UAE: Long-Term Residency Options
A retirement residency permit, commonly referred to as a retirement visa, is needed if you want to retire in the UAE, although the UAE Labour Law does not specify the retirement age for expats.
A foreigner in the UAE is eligible for retirement after serving 15 years or being over 55. In accordance with Article 52 (1), UAE Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022 permits foreigners to enter and reside in the UAE. A residence permit can be issued to foreign nationals if they meet these two requirements.
Getting A Retirement Visa: What Do You Need To Do?
In order to apply for a retirement residency permit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Prior to retiring (whether outside or inside the UAE), the foreign nationals must have served for at least 15 years.
- Foreign expats must meet one or more of these requirements:
- A minimum of AED1 million must be owned by the applicant (or multiple properties).
- Have at least AED1 million in financial savings (whether deposited inside or outside the UAE, provided the funds are deposited in a UAE financial institution).
- Income must be at least AED20,000 in foreign currency or equivalent every month.
A little difference may exist in the amount of active revenue needed based on the Emirate that is issuing the visa.