Quick Answer: UAE visa cancellation must be initiated by your sponsor (your employer for work visas, a family member for dependent visas). The process incurs government fees of AED 100-170 and takes 2-5 business days. After cancellation, you receive a 30-180-day grace period, depending on your visa type and skill level. Overstaying the grace period incurs a daily fine of AED 50.
Introduction
A clear understanding of the visa cancellation process helps expatriates and residents feel more confident and in control of their departure from the UAE.
Failing to properly cancel your visa can result in significant fines, legal complications, and even bans on future entry to the UAE. This guide covers every aspect of the cancellation process, from gathering documents to understanding your grace period and avoiding penalties.
The cancellation process involves coordination between multiple government entities, primarily the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Each plays a specific role in ensuring your visa is properly terminated and your exit from the UAE is legally compliant.
What is UAE Visa Cancellation?
Visa cancellation is the official process of terminating your legal residency status in the UAE before it expires. When your visa is cancelled, you are no longer legally tied to your sponsor, and the countdown begins for you to either secure a new visa or exit the country.
Ensuring all documents are properly prepared and submitted reassures residents that they are following legal procedures and avoiding future issues.
Knowing that your sponsor must complete the process on your behalf can help residents feel supported and understand their role.
Different visa types have specific cancellation requirements and processes, making it essential to understand the particular steps for each category to ensure proper compliance:
Different visa types have specific cancellation requirements and processes:
Employment Visa
The most common visa type requiring cancellation. Your employer initiates the process through MOHRE. The work permit and residence visa are cancelled together. Employee acknowledgment and settlement of dues are required before cancellation proceeds.
Family/Dependent Visa
The primary visa holder (sponsor) must cancel dependent visas before cancelling their own. Evidence of financial settlements must be submitted to GDRFA. Children and spouse visas are processed separately.
Investor/Partner Visa
Requires additional documentation, including a certificate of cancellation or waiver of commercial license. Must provide evidence of business closure or ownership transfer. May require a No Objection Certificate from other stakeholders.
Domestic Worker Visa
Cancellation is provided through MOHRE or the Domestic Work Bundle service. Includes fee settlement, residence cancellation, and linked Emirates ID cancellation. The sponsor must arrange the worker’s return travel.
Tourist/Visit Visa
Generally, it does not require formal cancellation as it expires automatically. However, if you wish to change your status or extend your stay, the existing visa must be addressed. Overstaying triggers immediate fines with no grace period for most tourist visa categories.
Who Can Initiate Visa Cancellation?
The responsibility for initiating visa cancellation falls on the sponsor, not the visa holder. Understanding who your sponsor is determines the correct process:
| Visa Type | Responsible Party | Primary Authority |
| Employment Visa | Employer | MOHRE + GDRFA |
| Family/Dependent Visa | Primary Visa Holder | GDRFA |
| Investor Visa | Visa Holder (Self) | GDRFA + DED |
| Domestic Worker Visa | Household Sponsor | MOHRE |
| Golden/Green Visa | Visa Holder (Self) | ICP/GDRFA |
Required Documents for Visa Cancellation
For Employment Visa Cancellation
- Original passport of the employee
- Original Emirates ID card
- Cancellation form signed by sponsor (company stamp and authorized signatory)
- Copy of the company trade license
- Labor establishment card
- Immigration establishment card
- E-signature card of authorized signatory
- Employee acknowledgment letter confirming receipt of all dues
For Family Visa Cancellation
- Original passport of the dependent
- Original Emirates ID of the dependent
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID copy
- Sponsor’s passport copy
- Signed cancellation application
For Investor Visa Cancellation
- Original passport
- Original Emirates ID
- Certificate of cancellation or waiver of commercial license
- NOC from business partners (if applicable)
- Proof of business closure or ownership transfer
Step-by-Step Visa Cancellation Process
Employment Visa Cancellation
Step 1: Settlement of Dues
The employer must settle all outstanding payments, including final salary, end-of-service gratuity, unused leave encashment, and any other contractual benefits. The employee signs an acknowledgment confirming receipt of all dues.
Step 2: Work Permit Cancellation (MOHRE)
The employer submits the cancellation request via the MOHRE portal or through Tasheel/Amer service centers. Required documents are uploaded online. MOHRE reviews the application and issues a clearance letter.
Step 3: Residence Visa Cancellation (GDRFA)
MOHRE forwards the clearance to GDRFA. The employer or PRO visits GDRFA or uses online channels to complete the residence visa cancellation. The employee’s Emirates ID is surrendered and passport is stamped.
Step 4: Labor Card Closure
GDRFA notifies MOHRE upon visa cancellation. MOHRE then closes the labor card/work permit in their system. The employee receives a cancellation paper specifying the grace period.
Step 5: Exit or Status Change
Within the grace period, you must either exit the UAE, secure a new visa with another sponsor, or change your status to a tourist visa. Failure to act within the grace period triggers overstay fines.
Visa Cancellation Fees 2025
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) |
| Residence Permit Cancellation | 100 |
| Service Fee (GDRFA) | 50 |
| Knowledge Dirham | 10 |
| Innovation Dirham | 10 |
| Typing/Administrative Fees (varies) | 50 – 200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 220 – 370 |
Note: The employer typically pays government cancellation fees. Some agencies charge AED 500-1,000 for full-service processing.
Grace Periods After Visa Cancellation
The grace period is the time you can legally remain in the UAE after your visa is cancelled without incurring fines. The duration depends on your visa type and professional classification.
| Visa Category | Grace Period |
| Standard Employment Visa | 30 days |
| Skilled Workers (MOHRE Level 1 & 2) | 180 days |
| Skilled Workers (MOHRE Level 3) | 90 days |
| Golden Visa Holders | 180 days |
| Green Visa Holders | 180 days |
| Investor Visa | 180 days |
| Family/Dependent Visa | 30 days (follows sponsor) |
| Tourist/Visit Visa | 0 days (immediate) |
MOHRE Skill Levels: Level 1 includes highly qualified roles requiring university degrees (doctors, engineers, finance managers). Level 2 covers technical roles requiring diplomas (software developers, lab technicians). Level 3 includes skilled workers with vocational training (sales executives, administrative officers).
Overstay Fines and Penalties
Exceeding your grace period triggers immediate financial penalties. The UAE standardized overstay fines effective October 14, 2022:
| Penalty Type | Amount (AED) |
| Daily Overstay Fine | 50 per day |
| Exit Permit (Out Pass) | 200 – 300 |
| 30 Days Overstay Example | 1,500 + exit permit |
| 90 Days Overstay Example | 4,500 + exit permit |
| 180 Days Overstay Example | 9,000 + exit permit |
Fines accumulate daily without any ceiling. Extended overstays of several years can result in tens of thousands of dirhams in penalties. In severe cases, overstayers may face legal action, deportation, and entry bans.
How to Check Visa Cancellation Status
You can verify your cancellation status through multiple official channels:
Online Methods
- ICP Smart Services Portal: Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae and log in using UAE Pass or Emirates ID credentials
- GDRFA Dubai Portal: Access gdrfad.gov.ae for Dubai-issued visas
- UAE ICP Mobile App: Download the official app to check status and receive notifications
- MOHRE App: For employment-related cancellation status
In-Person Methods
- Amer Centers: Visit any Amer service center in Dubai
- ICP Service Centers: For other emirates
- Authorized Typing Centers: Can verify status and provide documentation
What to Do Before Leaving the UAE
Before departing, ensure you complete these essential tasks to avoid complications on future visits:
- Receive All Employment Dues: Confirm receipt of final salary, gratuity, and unused leave encashment
- Close Bank Accounts: Clear all loans, credit cards, and auto loans. Obtain bank clearance letters
- Settle Utility Bills: Clear DEWA, Etisalat, du, and other utility accounts
- Cancel Tenancy Contract: Terminate Ejari registration and settle any outstanding rent
- Sell or Export Vehicle: Clear Salik fines and deregister any owned vehicles
- Cancel Mobile Contracts: Pay termination fees if applicable
- Cancel Health Insurance: Coordinate with former employer or personally cancel active policies
- Obtain Cancellation Paper: Keep this document as proof of proper visa termination
- Book Exit Travel: Confirm flights well before the grace period ends
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the visa cancellation process take?
The standard processing time is 2-5 business days once all documents are submitted. Employment visas may take slightly longer as they require coordination between MOHRE and GDRFA. Online applications through official portals are typically processed faster than in-person submissions.
Can I cancel my own visa without my employer?
Employment visa cancellation must be initiated by your employer. If your employer refuses to cancel your visa or is unresponsive, you can file a labor complaint with MOHRE. The ministry will intervene and facilitate the cancellation process. Self-sponsored visa holders (Golden Visa, Green Visa, Investor Visa) can initiate their own cancellation.
What happens if I leave the UAE without cancelling my visa?
Leaving without proper cancellation can result in your employer reporting you as absconding, which triggers legal consequences, including potential arrest upon re-entry to the UAE. You may also face a permanent entry ban. Additionally, your previous sponsor remains legally responsible for you, complicating any future visa applications.
Can I get a new visa immediately after cancellation?
You can apply for a new residency visa or change to a tourist visa immediately after cancellation, provided you remain within your grace period. Coordinate with your new sponsor to initiate the visa application promptly. Many people complete the entire job change and visa transfer process without leaving the UAE.
Do I need to surrender my Emirates ID during cancellation?
You must surrender your Emirates ID card at GDRFA offices when your visa is cancelled. This applies even if you are changing jobs within the UAE rather than leaving the country. A new Emirates ID will be issued when you obtain your new visa.
Official Sources and Resources
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Website: mohre.gov.ae | Tasheel Centers for employment visa services
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae | Amer Centers: 600 522 222
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Website: icp.gov.ae | Smart Services: smartservices.icp.gov.ae
UAE Government Official Portal
Website: u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id
Disclaimer: Information provided in this guide is current as of February 2026. UAE immigration policies are subject to change. Always verify requirements with official government sources before initiating any visa cancellation. Processing times and fees may vary by emirate.
Last Updated: February 2026