Retirement Age in UAE: Legal Rights and Procedures in 2026

The question of retirement is no longer a simple matter of reaching a specific age. For residents and citizens in Dubai, Sharjah, and across the UAE, retirement is governed by a sophisticated framework of Federal Laws that balance the need for experienced talent with social security stability.

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law) and the landmark Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023 on Pension and Social Security, the “retirement age in uae” is a flexible threshold. Whether you are an expatriate professional in Dubai or a UAE National in Sharjah, understanding these age limits is essential for securing your financial future and residency status.

Legal Framework: Who is Covered?

The UAE legal system distinguishes between two primary groups regarding retirement:

1. UAE Nationals: Governed by the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) or the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund.
2. Expatriates: Governed by MoHRE regulations regarding work permits and the UAE Labour Law regarding end-of-service gratuity.

Retirement Age in UAE for Expatriates

In the UAE private sector, there is no mandatory law that forces an employee to retire exactly at age 60. However, age 60 serves as a significant administrative milestone.

1. Working Between Ages 60 and 65

While 60 was previously the standard “cut-off” for many, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) routinely approves work permits for employees up to the age of 65.

2. Working Beyond Age 65

It is possible to work past 65, particularly for those with “rare expertise” or specialized professional roles. However:

• Approval: Explicit approval from MoHRE is required.
• Higher Fees: Employers may face higher processing fees (often up to AED 5,000) for renewing work permits for employees over 65.
• Contract Nature: It is advised to have a specialized تقديم الاستشارات القانونية to ensure that the employment contract reflects the unique nature of post-65 employment to avoid disputes over benefits.

New 2023 Pension Law for UAE Nationals

For Emirati citizens, Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023 introduced significant changes to the pension landscape.

Criteria	Requirements (New Law)
Minimum Retirement Age in uae	55 Years
Minimum Subscription Period	30 Years
Maximum Pensionable Salary	AED 70,000 (Private) / AED 100,000 (Public)
Contribution Rate	26% (Total contribution)

Under the new law, the retirement age is effectively 60, but eligibility for a full pension requires a combination of age and years of service. For those who joined the workforce after October 31, 2023, these stricter requirements apply to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.

Residency After Retirement: The 5-Year Visa

For expats in Dubai and Sharjah who wish to remain in the UAE after their career ends, the government offers a Retirement Visa. To qualify, an applicant must be at least 55 years old and meet one of the following:

• Property Investment: Own real estate worth at least AED 2 million.
• Financial Savings: Have at least AED 1 million in a fixed deposit within the UAE.
• Fixed Income: Show a monthly income of no less than AED 15,000 (or AED 20,000 depending on the specific emirate’s current decree).

Key Procedures and Rights

End-of-Service Gratuity (Expats)

Retirement for an expat triggers the calculation of the End-of-Service Gratuity. Under the UAE Labour Law, this is calculated based on your last basic salary:

• 21 days’ salary for each year of the first five years of service.
• 30 days’ salary for each additional year, provided the total does not exceed two years’ pay.

حل النزاعات

If an employer refuses to renew a permit based solely on age without following the correct redundancy procedures, or if there is a dispute over the gratuity calculation, legal intervention is necessary. Our team at 2S Lawyers specializes in المنازعات المصرفية and labor litigation to protect these rights.

FAQ: Common Questions on UAE Retirement

Can my employer terminate me automatically when I turn 60?

No. Reaching age 60 is not a legal “cause” for automatic termination under the 2021 Labour Law. Termination must still follow the notice periods and conditions outlined in your contract.

Does Sharjah have different retirement rules than Dubai?

While Federal Law applies to both, Sharjah’s public sector often follows specific local decrees regarding retirement for government employees. For private sector employees, the rules are identical across all Emirates.

What happens to my end-of-service benefits if I retire early?

If you resign before the “retirement age,” you are still entitled to gratuity, provided you have completed at least one year of continuous service.

Is the UAE Golden Visa available for retirees?

Yes. High-net-worth retirees who meet the investment criteria (usually AED 2M in property) can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa, which removes the need for a national sponsor.

الخاتمة

Navigating the retirement age in UAE requires a proactive legal strategy, whether you are an employer managing a senior workforce or an employee planning your next chapter in Dubai or Sharjah. The transition from active employment to retirement involves complex calculations of gratuity, pension contributions, and residency status.

For expert guidance on labor laws, pension eligibility, or securing a retirement visa, contact Dr. Saqr Al Marzouqi Advocates & Legal Consultants (2S Lawyers).