If you’re planning to leave the UAE, change jobs, or close your business, cancelling your UAE residence visa is a legal step you can’t ignore. Whether you’re an employer, an employee, or a business owner, understanding the proper process is important to avoid future travel bans, penalties, or fines.
Understanding the UAE Residence Visa Cancellation Process
Before cancelling your visa, it’s important to understand who is eligible to cancel and what authority handles this process.
Who Can Cancel the Visa?
Only the sponsor of the residence visa—either a company or individual—is authorized to apply for cancellation. If you’re an employee, your employer or PRO must complete the process on your behalf.
When Should You Cancel Your UAE Visa?
Cancelling your residence visa in the UAE should be done at the right time to avoid legal complications.
Timing is Critical
- Cancel your visa if you’re resigning, getting terminated, or leaving the country for good.
- If you’re switching jobs, your previous visa must be cancelled before the new one is issued.
- If your company license is expiring, you need to cancel your visa beforehand.
Being proactive prevents overstay fines or blacklisting in the UAE immigration system.
How to Cancel UAE Residence Visa: Step-by-Step
There are two main ways to cancel your UAE residence visa: via employer or sponsor and through government smart services.
Step-by-Step Visa Cancellation Procedure
- Employer logs in to GDRFA or ICP smart services.
- Uploads visa and passport details.
- Fills out the visa cancellation form.
- Clears all pending dues or salary issues.
- Submits the cancellation request.
- Receives the visa cancellation confirmation.
Once approved, the visa is officially cancelled, and a 30-day grace period begins.
Documents Required for UAE Visa Cancellation
You’ll need to submit specific documents based on your visa type.
Essential Documents for Visa Cancellation
- Original passport
- Emirates ID
- Labour card cancellation (for employees)
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID (for dependents)
- Company’s establishment card and trade license copy
- Visa cancellation form signed by both parties
Keeping all documents ready will make the residence visa cancellation in UAE faster and easier.
Cancelling UAE Visa Through Employer (For Employees)
If you’re an employee, your employer is responsible for cancelling your visa through MOHRE and GDRFA/ICP.
Employer Visa Cancellation Process
- Terminate the employment contract legally through MOHRE.
- Cancel the labour card first.
- Then apply for residence visa cancellation through GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates).
- Employee must sign cancellation confirmation.
It’s illegal to cancel your own visa without your sponsor’s consent if you are under a company visa.
Cancelling UAE Visa for Dependents (Family Members)
If you’re the sponsor of your family, you must cancel their visas first before cancelling your own.
Steps to Cancel Dependent Visas
- Visit Amer or ICP service center.
- Fill and submit the dependent visa cancellation form.
- Provide Emirates ID, passport copies, and original visa.
- Pay the applicable fees.
Only after your dependents’ visas are cancelled can you proceed to cancel your own visa.
UAE Residence Visa Cancellation via Online Platforms
You can also cancel a residence visa online using UAE’s official government portals.
Online Visa Cancellation Process
- Visit GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal.
- Log in using your UAE PASS or credentials.
- Select “Residence Visa Services” → “Cancel Residence Visa”.
- Upload documents, fill form, and pay fee.
This is the most efficient method, especially for freelancers or self-sponsored individuals.
UAE Visa Cancellation Fees and Costs
Cancelling your visa in the UAE involves some minor administrative costs.
Cost Breakdown for Visa Cancellation
- Visa cancellation fee: AED 100–200
- Typing center charges: AED 50–100 (if using one)
- MOHRE labour card cancellation (for employees): free of charge
These costs can vary depending on the emirate and visa type, but it’s usually affordable.
Grace Period After Cancelling UAE Residence Visa
After cancelling your visa, you get a grace period to exit the UAE or apply for a new visa.
Duration of Grace Period
- Standard grace period: 30 days
- Overstay penalty after grace period: AED 50 per day
During this time, you can:
- Look for a new job
- Apply for a tourist visa
- Exit the country legally
Use this time wisely to avoid overstay fines.
Travel After Cancelling Your UAE Visa
Once your visa is cancelled, you need to plan your departure or transition to a new visa properly.
Can You Stay or Travel After Visa Cancellation?
Yes, but only within your grace period. If you overstay, it leads to:
- Immigration fines
- Possible UAE ban
- Trouble during future re-entry
Always ensure that your departure from UAE is recorded properly at immigration counters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Cancellation
Many people make errors during the process, leading to legal issues or delays.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Leaving the UAE without official visa cancellation
- Failing to cancel dependent visas before your own
- Ignoring pending dues or legal complaints
- Overstaying your grace period
- Using unofficial agents or brokers
Avoid these to ensure a smooth UAE visa exit process.
Legal Issues and Travel Bans Related to Visa Cancellation
Cancelling a visa does not clear legal obligations. Unresolved issues can result in travel bans.
Check for Legal Complaints Before Cancelling
- Clear any financial disputes with employers or banks
- Check for police cases or overdue loans
- Get a police clearance certificate if needed
Settling all matters ensures you can leave the UAE without problems and return in the future if needed.
Conclusion
Cancelling a UAE residence visa is a necessary step when ending your employment, leaving the country, or closing a business. Whether you’re sponsored by a company or you’re a dependent, following the correct legal procedure ensures you avoid fines, bans, or delays. Always cancel dependent visas first, keep track of your grace period, and check for any unresolved issues before exiting.
By handling the process properly, you’ll keep your immigration record clean, which is crucial if you plan to return or apply for another visa in the UAE later.
FAQs
Who can cancel my UAE residence visa?
Only your sponsor (employer or family member) can cancel your visa. You can’t do it independently unless you’re self-sponsored.
How long does it take to cancel a UAE residence visa?
Visa cancellation usually takes 1 to 3 working days, depending on the emirate and processing channel used.
Can I cancel my family’s visa before mine?
Yes, you must cancel all dependent visas first before cancelling your own.
What happens if I don’t cancel my visa before leaving the UAE?
You may face fines, a UAE travel ban, or issues re-entering. Always cancel properly before exit.
Do I need to cancel my Emirates ID separately?
No, once your visa is cancelled, your Emirates ID becomes invalid automatically.
What is the grace period after visa cancellation?
You have a 30-day grace period to exit the UAE or change your visa status after cancellation.
Can I cancel my visa if I have a police case or loan?
You need to clear legal and financial issues first. Outstanding cases can block visa cancellation.
Can I cancel my visa online?
Yes, through GDRFA (for Dubai) or ICP (for other emirates) portals using UAE PASS.
Is there a penalty for late visa cancellation?
No direct penalty, but you must avoid overstaying after cancellation as fines will apply.
Can I apply for a tourist visa after cancelling my residence visa?
Yes, but it must be done within the grace period and before you overstay.
