UAE Visa Cancellation Guide

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for tourists, professionals, and expatriates. With its diverse culture and rapid growth, the UAE offers numerous opportunities for individuals from around the world. However, there may come a time when you need to cancel your UAE visa, whether it be for personal reasons or due to changing circumstances. This comprehensive guide will outline the process and requirements for cancelling your UAE residency visa, including work visas and family visas, as well as provide essential information on costs and timelines.

How to cancel a UAE visa: General rules and steps

Cancelling a UAE visa is a straightforward process that is much simpler and quicker than obtaining a visa, but it is essential to follow the appropriate steps and ensure all requirements are met. The cancellation process may vary slightly depending on the type of visa, but the general steps are as follows:

1. To cancel your visa independently (excluding a work visa, which is managed by your employer), you can choose one of the following methods:

• Submit an application via the ICA Smart Services portal, which provides identification-related services for UAE citizens and residents.
• Apply through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• Visit a typing center in person, such as the Amer government services center in Dubai. 
• Cancel your visa through the free zone, if it was obtained this way, for example when you start a business in the UAE. Contact the free zone authority to process the cancellation.

2. Complete the visa cancellation form with accurate information and attach the required documents.

3. Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the GDRFA, a registered typing center, or a free zone authority. Note that visas must always be cancelled at the same location where they were initially issued.

4. Pay the visa cancellation fees.

5. Wait for the Visa Cancellation Paper sent to your email, which is typically issued within a few days. After receiving it, you have 30 days to either change your visa or depart the country. If needed, this period can be extended up to 60 days.

Required documents

The required documents for visa cancellation may vary depending on the type of visa and your specific situation. Generally, the following documents are required:

1. Completed visa cancellation application form
2. Original Emirates ID
3. Original passport and a copy
4. Original visa or a copy
5. Sponsor's passport copy (for dependent family members)

Cancelling a UAE work visa

If you hold a UAE work permit and work visa and wish to cancel it, the process involves coordination between you, your employer, and the MOHRE. It is the employer who initiates and organizes the UAE visa cancellation process, not you. The employer also pays the government fee for the cancellation. The steps they will take are as follows:

1. Your employer should initiate the cancellation process, submitting a visa cancellation form to the MOHRE.
2. The MOHRE will issue a clearance letter confirming the cancellation and forward the information to GDRFA.
3. The GDRFA cancels your residency visa and then the Ministry closes your work permit.

Cancelling if you are changing jobs

If you are changing jobs within the UAE, your current employer must cancel your work permit. After that, you need to cancel your current work visa and apply for a new visa under your new job contract. It is essential to coordinate with both your current and future employers to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any legal issues.

Remember that you have 30 days for obtaining a new visa. Otherwise, there may be fines.

Cancelling for dependent family members

Note: If you have dependent family members (spouse, children, or elderly parents) under your sponsorship, their visas must be cancelled before you cancel your visa.

The sponsor must initiate the cancellation process for each dependent family member's visa. The process is similar to the general visa cancellation steps outlined earlier in this guide. Refer to a typing center in the emirate where you stay or Amer in Dubai.

If you want to change jobs within the same emirate there is no need to cancel the dependants’ visas. You can visit the immigration to put their visas on hold, so that when your new visa is processed, the hold can be released. Visa hold costs about 500 - 1000 AED depending on the emirate. 

The immigration gives you 30 days to complete your visa process for the hold to be released.

You can read more about Family visas in our guide UAE Family Visa Requirements - Required Documents, How to Apply, Cost of Family Visa in UAE.

Interesting fact!

Large companies may sometimes arrange family visas for their employees.

Residence Visa Cancellation for a Person Outside UAE

If you have been outside the UAE for longer than six months, your residence visa may be considered invalid. In such cases, you or your sponsor must apply for visa cancellation at the GDRFA office in the emirate where the visa was issued or in an AMER center in Dubai. Cancel your visas on time to avoid fines!

There are additional risks and legal consequences to consider:

• Automatic cancellation and re-entry issues: If your visa is canceled while you are abroad, you must secure a new entry permit to return to the UAE.
• Legal risks: Leaving the UAE without properly resigning, completing job-related formalities, or canceling your visa could lead to your employer reporting you as absconding.
• Potential consequences: Being flagged as absconding may result in legal actions, fines, or restrictions on re-entry to the UAE.

Plan ahead to resolve employment and visa matters before leaving the country to avoid complications.

However, there is an option to re-enter the UAE if you have been outside the country for longer than the allowed period. If you have a valid reason for your absence, you may apply for re-entry, but the immigration authority will make the final decision.

Where to cancel a UAE residence visa?

You can cancel your UAE residence visa in different ways:

• Online via the ICA Smart Services website or the GDRFA website in the emirate where your visa was issued.
• Offline via a registered typing center, which will then forward the documents to the GDRFA on your behalf. In Dubai, you can cancel visas in an AMER center.
• Through the corresponding free zone.

Cost of a UAE visa cancellation

The cost of cancelling a UAE visa can vary depending on the type of visa, the emirate where it was issued, and any additional circumstances. Typically, the visa cancellation fee in Dubai is about AED 500-1,000.

There are also additional service charges. The fees depend on the platform you choose:

• ICP website: AED 50 for the service and AED 10 for e-services, payable via credit card only.
• GDRFA website: AED 100 for urgent processing and an additional AED 10 innovation fee and a 10 AED knowledge fee.

Overstay fine

If you overstay your residence visa, you will incur a fine of AED 50 for each day of overstay

How long does it take?

The visa cancellation process takes 2-5 business days in most cases.

Grace periods

After your visa is canceled, the UAE grants a grace period allowing you to stay legally while settling your affairs.

• 30 Days: Applies to most work and family visas after cancellation.
• 180 Days: Available for Golden Visa holders, their dependents, Green Visa holders, widows, divorcees, and students who have finished their studies.
• 90 Days: Granted to Property Visa holders.
• 10 Days: Applies to visit visas, including prepaid and visa-on-arrival types.

Checking visa cancellation status

After submitting your UAE visa cancellation application, processing typically takes up to 48 hours. If any documents are missing, you have 30 days to provide them; otherwise, the application will be voided.

You can verify your visa cancellation status via the ICP website by entering your passport details in the corresponding field. This will show your visa’s status, including whether it has been canceled. This process is useful if you're unsure or outside the UAE.

Things to do before you leave the UAE

• Close your bank account.
• Make sure that you have received your salary, bonuses and settlements from your employer in the UAE.
• Cancel the tenancy agreement.
• Pay utility bills.
• Sell the car.

Want to stay longer in the UAE?

After canceling your visa, you can extend your stay in the UAE by taking one of the following steps during your grace period:

• Travel nearby: Visit a neighboring country and apply for a new UAE visa, such as a tourist or visit visa.
• Airport-to-airport change: Fly out temporarily to obtain a new tourist visa and return.
• Apply for a new visa: If eligible, explore options like property, job seeker, or other visa types. Review requirements to ensure eligibility.

Stay informed with Emirabiz

Cancelling your UAE visa is a crucial step when leaving the country or changing jobs, and it is essential to be aware of the process and requirements. By following the steps outlined in this guide and ensuring you have the necessary documents, you can smoothly navigate the visa cancellation process.

Emirabiz will help you to stay informed of any changes in visa regulations and requirements, as they may affect the cancellation process or your eligibility for a new visa. Contact our professional consultants for any questions or assistance.