Life in the United Arab Emirates is dynamic. Whether you are resigning, changing jobs, closing a company, or leaving the country for good, one legal step is unavoidable: visa cancellation.
In the UAE, your residence visa is legally tied to your sponsor. Until it is officially cancelled, you remain legally linked to that sponsor — even if you have stopped working. Failure to cancel properly can lead to:
- Daily overstay fines
- Bank account restrictions
- Immigration complications
- Travel bans
This professional guide explains everything you need to know about Visa Cancellation Rules in UAE (2026 update).
What is Visa Cancellation?
Visa cancellation is the formal termination of your legal residency status in the UAE.
Once cancelled:
- Your residence visa becomes invalid
- Your Emirates ID is deactivated
- Your work permit/labour card is closed
- Your grace period begins
Cancellation is mandatory if you:
- Leave the UAE permanently
- Change employers
- Close your business
- End dependent sponsorship
Who Is Responsible for Cancelling the Visa?
This is the most common misunderstanding.
👉 The sponsor is legally responsible for initiating cancellation — not the employee.
Mainland Employees
The employer must process cancellation through:
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Dubai Immigration
Residency cancellation is processed via:
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Other Emirates
Handled through:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
Free Zone Employees
Cancellation is coordinated directly through the respective Free Zone Authority portal.
Dependents (Family Visa)
The primary sponsor (husband, wife, or parent) must cancel dependent visas.
⚠️ Employees cannot cancel employer-sponsored visas independently.
Step-by-Step Visa Cancellation Process (2026)
The process is largely digital but must follow the correct order.
Step 1: Final Settlement
Before applying for cancellation, the employer must settle:
- Pending salary
- Leave encashment
- End-of-service gratuity
- Any contractual benefits
Employees are asked to sign a declaration confirming payment.
Important:
Do NOT sign until you have received your full settlement.
Step 2: Labour Contract Cancellation (Mainland Only)
For mainland companies:
- Employer cancels work permit via MOHRE portal.
- Employee must digitally approve the cancellation request.
Free Zones usually integrate this step internally.
Step 3: Residency Visa Cancellation
After labour cancellation:
- Dubai: Via GDRFA or Amer centers
- Other Emirates: Via ICP Smart Services
- Free Zones: Through zone portal
Processing time:
- Mainland: 1–3 working days
- Free Zone: 1–7 working days
Step 4: Grace Period Begins
Once cancellation is approved:
- Emirates ID is deactivated
- Residency status becomes “Cancelled”
- Grace period countdown begins
Mainland vs Free Zone Cancellation: Key Differences
| Feature | Mainland Visa | Free Zone Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | MOHRE + ICP/GDRFA | Specific Free Zone Authority |
| Process | Two-step (Labour + Residency) | Streamlined single portal |
| Processing Time | 1–3 days | 1–7 days |
| Employee Approval | Required via MOHRE | Required via zone system |
Grace Period After Visa Cancellation (2026 Update)
After cancellation, you do NOT need to leave immediately.
Your grace period depends on visa type:
30 Days
- Standard work visas
- Family residence visas
90 Days
- Some property-linked visas
180 Days
- Skilled professionals (Level 1 & 2)
- Green Visa holders
- Golden Visa holders
- Investors
- Widows/divorced women
- Recent graduates
⚠️ For mainland employees, the grace period starts from labour card cancellation date.
For Free Zone employees, it starts from residence cancellation date.
Overstay Fines (2026)
If you exceed your grace period:
- AED 50 per day overstay fine
- Additional exit permit fee: approx. AED 250–350
Fines accumulate daily and must be cleared before exiting or obtaining a new visa.
Government Cancellation Fees
Cancellation costs are typically paid by the sponsor.
Approximate fees:
- ICP: ~AED 150
- Dubai (GDRFA): AED 190–225
- Free Zone service fees: AED 250–800
Employers are legally responsible for these costs.
How to Check Visa Cancellation Status
You can verify cancellation independently.
Dubai Visas
Check via GDRFA Dubai portal.
Other Emirates
Check via ICP Smart Services:
- Select “Public Services”
- Choose “File Validity”
- Enter passport details
If status reads “Cancelled” or “Closed”, the process is complete.
Special Scenarios Explained
1️⃣ Changing Jobs
If you are switching employers:
- Current sponsor cancels visa
- You receive a grace period (usually 30 days)
- New employer applies for fresh visa
You do NOT need to exit the UAE.
2️⃣ Cancelling Dependents
If leaving permanently:
- Cancel dependents first
- Then cancel your own visa
If changing jobs:
- Dependents can often remain under hold status
3️⃣ Employer Refuses to Cancel
If an employer refuses cancellation:
Mainland
File complaint with MOHRE (80060 or mobile app)
Free Zone
File complaint with the respective Free Zone Authority
MOHRE can legally cancel the work permit without employer consent if justified.
4️⃣ Staying Outside UAE for 180+ Days
If you remain outside the UAE for more than 180 days:
- Residence visa is automatically cancelled
However, if you exited without formal cancellation, the employer may file an absconding report — which can cause re-entry issues.
Checklist Before Leaving UAE
Before your visa is cancelled and you exit, complete the following:
- Close bank accounts
- Clear credit cards
- Cancel DEWA and utilities
- Terminate tenancy contract
- Sell/transfer vehicle ownership
- Obtain clearance certificates
- Collect full final settlement
Proper exit protects your future travel and employment prospects.
Final Thoughts
Visa cancellation in the UAE is a structured legal process designed to protect both employers and employees. While systems are digital and efficient in 2026, timing and documentation are critical.
For Employees:
Ensure your sponsor initiates cancellation immediately after your last working day and verify status online.
For Employers:
Timely cancellation protects labour quotas and prevents legal liability.
When in doubt, always verify through official portals managed by ICP or GDRFA.
Disclaimer: Immigration laws and fees may change. This guide reflects regulations as of early 2026. Always consult your employer’s PRO or a licensed immigration consultant for advice specific to your case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is responsible for cancelling a work visa in the UAE?
The sponsor is legally responsible for cancelling the visa. For employees, this means the employer must initiate the cancellation through the relevant authority (MOHRE for mainland companies or the respective Free Zone Authority). Employees cannot cancel an employer-sponsored visa on their own.
2. How long does visa cancellation take in the UAE?
Visa cancellation typically takes:
- 1–3 working days for mainland visas
- 1–7 working days for Free Zone visas
The timeline may vary depending on documentation and authority approvals.
3. What is the grace period after visa cancellation?
The grace period depends on the visa type:
- 30 days for most standard work and family visas
- 90 days for certain property-linked visas
- Up to 180 days for skilled professionals, Green Visa holders, Golden Visa holders, investors, and specific special categories
The grace period begins once the visa is officially cancelled.
4. Can I stay in the UAE after my visa is cancelled?
Yes. You may remain in the UAE during your grace period. Within this time, you must either:
- Secure a new visa
- Change your visa status
- Exit the country
Overstaying beyond the grace period results in daily fines.
5. What is the overstay fine in 2026?
The standard overstay fine is AED 50 per day.
If leaving the country after overstaying, an additional exit permit fee (approximately AED 250–350) may apply.
6. Do I need to cancel my dependents’ visas before cancelling my own?
Yes. If you are the primary sponsor, you must cancel your dependents’ visas before cancelling your own residence visa. Failure to do so may delay the process.
7. What happens if my employer refuses to cancel my visa?
If an employer refuses to cancel a visa unlawfully:
- Mainland employees can file a complaint with MOHRE.
- Free Zone employees can raise a complaint with the respective Free Zone Authority.
Authorities can intervene and cancel the work permit if legal conditions are met.
8. Can I transfer my visa when changing jobs?
No direct transfer occurs. Your current employer must cancel your existing visa. Your new employer must then apply for a fresh visa within your grace period.
9. Is my Emirates ID automatically cancelled?
Yes. Once your residence visa is cancelled, your Emirates ID is automatically deactivated in the system.
10. How can I check if my visa has been cancelled?
You can check online through:
- ICP Smart Services portal (for most emirates)
- GDRFA Dubai website (for Dubai-issued visas)
If the status shows “Cancelled” or “Closed,” the process is complete.