How Do You Cancel Your UAE Visa in 2025? Step-by-Step Process Guide

Key Takeaways

• UAE visa regulations are governed by Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) and GDRFA
• Employment visa processing typically takes 2-3 weeks after all documents are submitted
• Visa costs in the UAE vary based on visa type, duration, and emirate of application

UAE visa cancellation is a mandatory legal process when leaving the country permanently or changing employment. Only your sponsor can initiate the cancellation—you cannot cancel your own visa unless you hold an investor visa. The process takes 1-2 working days and costs between AED 50-100, with a grace period of 30-180 days depending on your visa type.Understanding the UAE visa cancellation process

protects you from legal complications, overstay fines, and future travel restrictions. Whether you're changing jobs or leaving the country, proper cancellation maintains your clean immigration record.Who Can Cancel Your UAE Visa?Sponsor responsibility Your visa sponsor must initiate and complete the cancellation process. For employment visas, this is your employer. For family visas, it's typically

the husband, father, or family member who sponsored your residence permit.Self-cancellation exceptions Only UAE investor visa holders can cancel their own residence permits. All other visa categories require sponsor involvement and cannot be self-cancelled.Required authorisation Sponsors need proper documentation and authorisation to cancel visas, including company trade licences for employers and

Emirates ID for family sponsors.What Are the Steps for Employment Visa Cancellation?Step 1: Labour card cancellation with MOHRE Your employer must first apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to cancel your labour contract and work permit. This requires your signed confirmation that you've received all wages, benefits, and end-of-service payments.Step 2: GDRFA residence

visa cancellation After MOHRE approval, your employer submits the visa cancellation application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate where your visa was issued.Step 3: Final settlement verification You must sign a letter confirming receipt of all dues, including salary, gratuity, annual leave payment, and any other contractual benefits before the employer

can proceed with cancellation.Processing timeframe Employment visa cancellation typically takes 2-3 working days total: 1 day for labour card cancellation and 1-2 days for residence permit cancellation.How Do You Cancel Family and Dependent Visas?Sponsor requirements The primary visa holder (usually husband/father) must cancel all dependent family member visas before cancelling their own residence

permit.Individual cancellation process Each family member's visa requires separate cancellation through GDRFA, either online or through registered typing centres.Children's visa considerations Dependent children's visas must be cancelled in the same emirate where they were issued. The validity period cannot exceed the sponsor's visa duration.Documentation needed Family visa cancellation requires original

passports, Emirates ID cards, and proof of relationship to the primary sponsor.What Are the Different Cancellation Methods?Online through ICP Smart ServicesVisit the ICP (Identity...

About This Article

This article provides general information about UAE labour law and employment regulations. The information is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and subsequent amendments. For specific legal advice regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).