UAE Visa Cancellation 2025 – Rules, Process & Grace Period

Visa cancellation is a mandatory legal procedure for any resident leaving the UAE permanently or transitioning to a new sponsor. This formal process applies to work visas, family residence visas, student visas, and even self-sponsored permits like the Green and Golden Visas. Failing to cancel a visa correctly can lead to serious consequences, including daily overstay fines, legal complications, and potential bans on re-entering the country.

This guide provides a formal, step-by-step breakdown of the UAE visa cancellation process for 2025. It explains the rules, required documents, and critical grace period information to ensure you remain compliant with UAE immigration laws.

Who Can Cancel a UAE Visa?

The responsibility for initiating a visa cancellation lies with the sponsor. The process differs based on the type of visa you hold.

• Work Visa: Only the sponsoring employer has the authority to initiate the cancellation process. An employee cannot cancel their own work visa.
• Family/Dependent Visa: The sponsoring family member (the primary visa holder) is responsible for canceling the visas of their dependents, such as a spouse, children, or parents.
• Freelance/Investor/Green/Golden Visa: As these are self-sponsored visas, the visa holder is responsible for initiating their own cancellation through the official government portals.
• Tourist/Visit Visa: These visas typically expire automatically at the end of their validity period. No formal cancellation is needed, but the holder must exit the country before the visa or its grace period ends.

UAE Visa Cancellation Process (2025)

The cancellation procedure varies slightly depending on the visa category and the sponsoring authority.

Work Visa Cancellation

This is the most common type of cancellation, typically occurring when an employee resigns or their contract ends.

1. The employer initiates the cancellation by submitting an application through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) portal and the relevant immigration authority (GDRFA for Dubai or ICP for other emirates).
2. The employee must sign a clearance form or formal end-of-service document confirming they have received all their dues.
3. The employee’s original Emirates ID is submitted to the authorities or returned to the employer.
4. Once all steps are complete, the cancellation is approved and updated in the immigration system.

Family/Dependent Visa Cancellation

This process is initiated by the family sponsor.

1. The sponsor logs into the official portal: ICP Smart Services for Abu Dhabi/other emirates or GDRFA Dubai for Dubai.
2. They select the service for canceling a dependent’s visa and submit the required details.
3. The cancellation fee is paid online.
4. The dependent’s Emirates ID may need to be submitted at an official service center.

Freelance, Investor, Green, or Golden Visa Cancellation

As the visa holder is their own sponsor, the process is more direct.

1. The visa holder applies for cancellation directly via the ICP or GDRFA online portals.
2. They must upload the necessary documents and pay the cancellation fee.
3. This step is often required when closing a business, liquidating an investment, or leaving the UAE permanently.

Required Documents

While requirements can vary, the core documents needed for most visa cancellations include:

• A clear copy of the visa holder’s passport.
• The original Emirates ID of the person whose visa is being canceled.
• A completed visa cancellation application form (usually filled out online by the sponsor).
• For work visas, a copy of the sponsoring company’s trade license and immigration establishment card.

Fees & Processing Time

The process is generally quick and affordable if all documents are in order.

• Cancellation Fee: Approximately AED 100 – AED 250, depending on the channel (online vs. in-person at a service center).
• Processing Time: Typically 1 to 5 working days. Once approved, the cancellation is reflected in the immigration system immediately.

For official information on services and fees, refer to the MoHRE UAE website for labor-related matters.

Grace Period After Visa Cancellation

After a residence visa is canceled, the holder is granted a grace period to either arrange for a new visa or exit the country. Overstaying this period results in daily fines.

Visa Type	Grace Period
Work/Residence Visa	30 days
Student Visa	30 days
Family/Dependent Visa	30 days
Green Visa	90–180 days
Golden Visa	180 days

During this grace period, the individual must secure a new residence visa (e.g., through a new employer), switch to a temporary visa (like a tourist visa), or leave the UAE.

Common Problems During Cancellation

Certain issues can complicate or delay the cancellation process.

• Employer Refuses Cancellation: If an employer unfairly refuses to cancel a work visa after employment has ended, the employee can file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
• Pending Debts or Fines: Any outstanding traffic fines, utility bills, or other debts must be cleared before a visa can be successfully canceled.
• Overstaying After Cancellation: Failing to exit the country or secure a new visa before the grace period ends will result in daily overstay fines and potential legal action.

FAQs – UAE Visa Cancellation 2025

Can I cancel my own work visa?
No, only your sponsoring employer can initiate the cancellation of your work visa. You must coordinate with them to complete the process.

How long do I have to leave the UAE after visa cancellation?
For standard work and residence visas, you have a 30-day grace period to leave the country or secure a new visa.

Can I switch to a new employer without exiting the UAE?
Yes, it is possible to transfer your sponsorship to a new employer from within the UAE. This involves your old employer canceling your visa and your new employer immediately applying for a new one. This must be done within the grace period.

What happens if my sponsor doesn’t cancel my visa after I leave my job?
If your employer fails to cancel your visa, you remain under their sponsorship, which prevents you from joining a new company. If they are unresponsive, you should contact MoHRE to file a complaint and have the visa canceled through official channels.

Conclusion

Proper visa cancellation is a mandatory and non-negotiable step when concluding your residency in the UAE or changing sponsors. Following the correct legal process is essential for a smooth transition and ensures you avoid costly fines, travel bans, or future immigration problems.

Always communicate clearly with your sponsor, understand your rights and responsibilities, and be mindful of the grace period. By adhering to the official procedures, you can finalize your affairs in the UAE with a clean record, leaving the door open for future opportunities.