UAE Visa Cancellation - Process, Fees & Important Rules

If you’re planning to leave the UAE, change jobs, or switch to a different visa category, cancelling your UAE residency visa is a legal requirement. Whether you’re an employee, family sponsor, or business owner, understanding the correct cancellation process will help you avoid fines, bans, or complications.

This guide explains the 2025 UAE visa cancellation process, applicable fees, key rules, and what to do after cancellation.

📌 When Do You Need to Cancel a UAE Visa?

You must cancel your residency visa in the following situations:

• Leaving the UAE permanently
• Changing employers (and getting a new work visa)
• Closing your company
• Sponsoring family and leaving the UAE
• Converting to a freelance or golden visa

   

🛑 Note: Tourist and visit visas expire automatically, so cancellation is not required for those.

🧾 Who Can Cancel Your Visa?

📋 Documents Required for Visa Cancellation

Here are the basic documents you or your employer need:

🔹 For Employees

• Original passport
• Emirates ID
• Labor card (if applicable)
• Visa cancellation form signed by employer and employee

   

🔹 For Family Sponsorship

• Your passport
• Passport of sponsored family member
• Emirates ID
• Sponsorship documents

   

🔹 For Investor / Partner Visa

• Trade license copy
• Immigration establishment card
• Share transfer or company closure documents (if applicable)

   

💻 How to Cancel UAE Residency Visa—Step by Step Process (2025)

Option 1: Through Amer Center (Dubai)

1. Visit an Amer Center branch
2. Fill out the visa cancellation form
3. Submit required documents
4. Pay the fee
5. Wait for processing (usually 24-48 hours)

    

Option 2: Online via GDRFA/ICP

• Dubai visas: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae
• Other emirates: https://icp.gov.ae

   

Steps:

1. Log in using UAE Pass
2. Go to “Cancel Residency Visa.”
3. Upload documents
4. Pay online
5. Receive e-cancellation confirmation

    

💰 Visa Cancellation Fees (2025)

💡 Note: Prices may vary slightly by emirate and typing center. Always confirm at the time of application.

⏳ Grace Period After Visa Cancellation

Once your visa is cancelled, you are given a grace period to stay in the UAE legally:

During this time, you can:

• Apply for a new visa
• Exit the country
• Change visa status

   

⚠️ Overstaying after the grace period results in fines of AED 50 per day.

🔄 Visa Cancellation When Changing Jobs

If you’re switching jobs:

• Your current employer must cancel your visa first.
• You can transfer to a new visa during your grace period.
• Some employers may delay cancellation and clarify timelines before resignation.

   

📌 Important Rules & Tips

• Visas must be cancelled before leaving the UAE permanently.
• All sponsored family members’ visas must be cancelled before you cancel yours.
• Ensure all financial dues, loans, and bills are cleared before cancellation.
• Emirates ID and passport will be stamped “cancelled” during the process.

   

• After cancellation, you can apply for

   

  • Tourist visa
  • Freelance visa
  • Golden visa
  • Or leave the country within the grace period

     

🔍 How to Check Visa Cancellation Status

• ICP Portal: https://icp.gov.ae
• GDRFA Portal (Dubai): https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae
• Or through Amer Center or typing center

   

You’ll receive an email confirmation and can download the cancellation paper as proof.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Cancelling a UAE visa is a straightforward process if done properly. Whether you’re leaving the country or switching visa categories, following the right steps will save you from legal issues, fines, or future bans.