Highlights

• The UAE retirement age is flexible; expats typically retire at 60, with the option to extend to 65 with approval and permits.
• UAE nationals receive pensions, while expats get gratuity and must plan retirement independently.
• Expats can continue working after 60 if MOHRE approves their work permits and the employer supports the extension.
• Skilled professionals in healthcare, education, and technical fields often receive exceptions to the retirement age.
• UAE retirement visa offers long-term residency for retirees aged 55+, based on financial eligibility criteria.
• Residency rules include visa renewal, re-entry every six months, and compliance with UAE immigration laws.

Understanding the retirement age in UAE is important for both employees and employers. The rules are not always simple, especially for expats. Also, things like work permits and visa options matter after age 60. For companies, managing this becomes easier with HR software in UAE and cloud HRMS tools. In this guide, we will cover the retirement age rules, key exceptions, work options after age 60, and residency choices in a clear, simple way.

What Is the Retirement Age in UAE?

The retirement age in the UAE is defined under Federal Decree-Law No. (57) of 2023 on Pension and Social Security, where the retirement age for insured UAE nationals is set at 60 years, as stated in Article (1) – Definitions.

For expatriates, there is no fixed retirement age under the UAE Labour Law. However, in practice, 60 years is the standard retirement age for employment, while work may be extended to 65 with approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), depending on the employee’s role, skills, and employer requirements.

Retirement Age for UAE Nationals vs Expats

For UAE nationals, retirement is linked to pension eligibility, generally around 55 to 60 years, depending on years of service. They receive a monthly pension under government pension schemes after completing the required service years. Expats, on the other hand, have a standard employment limit of 60 years, which may be extended up to 65 years with approval. Instead of a pension, they receive an end-of-service gratuity and may qualify for a retirement visa based on financial criteria.

Key Differences Between UAE Nationals and Expats:

Feature	UAE Nationals	Expats
Retirement Age	55–60 years (based on service)	60 years (extendable to 65)
Benefit System	Monthly pension (GPSSA / pension funds)	End-of-service gratuity
Service Requirement	Usually, 25 years for pension eligibility	Based on the employment contract
Post-Retirement Support	State pension coverage	Retirement visa (if eligible)
Financial Security	Guaranteed pension income	Private savings required

Can Expats Work After 60 in UAE?

Yes, expats can work after the age of 60 in the UAE, but approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is required. In most cases, employment can continue until age 65 if the employer obtains the required work permit and the employee meets the skill and job requirements. This flexibility also supports better employee retention, especially for experienced professionals who add long-term value to organizations.

UAE Work Permit Rules for Employees Above 60

Expats in the UAE can continue working after the age of 60, but they must obtain a renewable work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). These permits are typically issued on an annual basis and must be renewed each year. Approval depends on the employee’s skills, industry demand, health condition, and the employer’s record and licensing status. Sectors like healthcare, legal services, and education often retain experienced professionals due to their expertise.

Managing employees aged 60 and above requires proper tracking of work permits, payroll, and attendance, as well as compliance with UAE labour laws. This is where HR software in the UAE becomes essential. Platforms like Paismo help businesses simplify payroll management, attendance tracking, policy management, and automated workflows, making it easier to manage employee records and ensure smooth compliance.

End-of-Service Benefits and Retirement in the UAE

In the UAE, retirement for expatriates is mainly supported by end-of-service gratuity, calculated based on the employee’s last basic salary and total years of service. Private-sector employees become eligible for gratuity after completing at least 1 year of continuous service. This benefit serves as a financial settlement, as government pension systems do not cover expats. In most cases, the total gratuity is capped at the equivalent of two years’ salary.

If there is any dispute or concern regarding the calculation of gratuity, employees can seek legal assistance to ensure their employment contract is properly followed and their benefits are paid fairly.

How Expatriates Plan for Retirement in the UAE

Since expatriates do not receive a pension in the UAE, they usually plan retirement through personal financial strategies. Many rely on savings, employer-based retirement plans, property investments, or financial plans in their home countries. Some also consider relocation after retirement due to visa limitations in the UAE.

In recent years, alternative retirement and savings schemes have been introduced in the UAE to provide better financial security. Financial advisors and legal professionals can also assist expatriates in planning their retirement and managing long-term financial stability while living or relocating from the UAE.

Retirement Age Exceptions in the UAE

In the UAE, the retirement age is not strictly fixed for all employees; exceptions are allowed based on job role, employer requirements, and individual expertise. While many organizations set a general retirement age of 60 to 65, employees may continue working beyond this if the employer supports their extension and the required work permits or visa approvals are granted. These exceptions are commonly given to highly skilled professionals in sectors such as healthcare, education, and technical industries where experience is in high demand.

UAE Retirement Visa and Residency Options

The UAE retirement visa is available for expatriates aged 55 and above who wish to remain in the country after retirement. It is generally issued for 5 years and can be renewed upon meeting the eligibility requirements. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability through property ownership, savings, or a regular monthly income.

In addition to the retirement visa, the UAE provides other long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa and property-based residency programs. These options allow individuals to live in the UAE without being tied to employer sponsorship.

UAE Residency Processing Time & Maintenance Rules

UAE residency visa processing is generally quick, taking around 1–5 days, depending on the visa type, including 2-year visas and Golden Visas. To maintain residency status, residents must follow the 6-month re-entry rule, meaning they should not stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days unless they hold a Golden Visa, which allows longer stays abroad without cancellation.

If a resident exceeds the allowed absence period, they may need a re-entry permit, must justify their absence, and may be required to pay applicable fines. Visa renewal requires medical tests, Emirates ID renewal, and submission of valid sponsorship details, while the sponsor or relevant authority handles cancellation depending on the visa type.

Summary

The UAE retirement age varies for nationals and expatriates, with expats typically retiring at 60 and eligible for extensions up to 65. Work after 60 depends on permits and employer approval. The system includes gratuity benefits, retirement planning options, and long-term residency visas. Skilled professionals may receive exceptions based on demand and expertise.

FAQ

What Is The Retirement Age In UAE?

The retirement age in the UAE is generally around 60 for expatriates, with possible extensions to 65, subject to employer approval and work permit renewal. UAE nationals usually retire between 55 and 60, based on pension eligibility and years of service.

What Are The Retirement Benefits In UAE?

Retirement benefits in the UAE include end-of-service gratuity for expatriates, calculated based on final salary and years of service. UAE nationals receive pension benefits through government schemes. Additionally, eligible individuals may obtain retirement visas and long-term residency options to achieve financial and lifestyle stability.

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