Visa Cancellation in UAE: Check Status & Process

A UAE Visa allows foreigners to live, work, or visit the nation legally for a defined period under immigration rules. Cancelling a visa is the official process to end this legal status before leaving the UAE or changing residency. The UAE visa cancellation process ensures authorities close your legal record once your plan to stay or your job ends. Different visa categories follow specific rules:

• Residence visa cancellation applies when your job ends or your family sponsorship stops.
• Employment visa cancellation links to labor contract termination with MOHRE before immigration cancellation.
• Entry, transit, or tourist visa cancellation applies to short-term Travel or Visit Visas.

Note: If you stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without completing formal cancellation procedures, the authorities automatically cancel your residence visa. This automatic cancellation applies mainly to residence visas, not to visit or tourist visas.

Why You Must Cancel Your Visa Properly?

UAE law requires every visa to be cancelled before exit or status change for compliance with ICP, GDRFA, and MOHRE regulations. Here’s why:

• Non‑cancellation can block future visa applications or travel to the UAE.
• Overstaying without proper cancellation may incur fines, travel restrictions, or legal complications.
• Dependent or family visa cancellation must finish before you leave the UAE.

Following the official process ensures a smooth departure, avoids fines, and updates your visa cancellation status promptly.

Knowing who can cancel a UAE visa ensures a smooth, compliant process. Following the required roles and responsibilities helps you avoid delays, fines, and complications.

Who Has the Authority to Cancel a Visa?

Visa cancellation in the UAE cannot happen without the proper authority. Certain people or representatives are legally allowed to initiate the process:

• The sponsor, such as the employer or family member, acts as the primary authority and must initiate the cancellation. 
• Authorized Representatives, such as agents and Public Relations Officers (PRO) Services, can submit the cancellation on behalf of the sponsor if legally authorized.
• Power of Attorney grants a representative the legal right to act on behalf of the sponsor during the cancellation process.

Responsibilities of Sponsors and Representatives

Sponsors and authorized agents must complete several key tasks to properly finish your visa cancellation:

• They must ensure all dependent visa cancellation requests are completed before initiating the primary visa cancellation.
• They must gather and submit all required documents through official portals, such as MOHRE, GDRFA, or ICP, or via typing centers.
• They must follow legal and administrative requirements to avoid fines, disputes, or immigration holds from delayed processing.

What Happens If the Sponsor Refuses to Cancel?

If a sponsor unreasonably refuses to process your visa cancellation, you still have options:

• You can approach federal authorities such as ICP, GDRFA, or MOHRE and request their intervention to compel cancellation.
• Authorities may allow you or a new sponsor to pursue cancellation or take legal action against the sponsor for non‑compliance. 

Special Cases in Visa Cancellation

Certain visa categories follow different cancellation procedures under UAE rules: 

• Investor Visas: Often allow holders to initiate cancellation themselves or require approval from relevant investment authorities based on visa conditions.
• Golden & Green Visas: Cancellation rules for Green and Golden visas differ slightly from standard residence visas under the UAE visa cancellation process. These long‑term visas can be cancelled directly online or through authorized agents, depending on the specific visa type and immigration authority.

Cancelling a visa in the UAE follows a structured procedure managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Completing the process correctly ensures your visa cancellation status updates without delays or fines. Typically, the authorities complete visa cancellation within 2 working days, depending on the type of visa.

a. Prerequisites Before Applying

Before starting the application, gather all required documents to avoid delays. Essential items include:

• Passport and a copy of your visa.
• Emirates ID and any linked government records for update or return.
• Trade license or company documents if the visa is employment-related.
• Cancel dependent visas or family visas first if applicable.

Preparing these documents ensures a smooth submission and avoids unnecessary complications in UAE visa cancellation.

How to Apply for a Visa Cancellation?

Visa cancellation can be done online or in person:

a. Online Submission

You can cancel your visa through official government portals and mobile apps, depending on your emirate:

• Submit the application via ICP UAE Smart Services, the UAEICP app, or the GDRFA Dubai portal.
• Review the retrieved data and make corrections if necessary.
• Attach documents if automatic data retrieval fails.
• Pay the required visa cancellation fees.
• Receive final confirmation of visa cancellation status.

b. In-Person Submission

If you prefer a physical option, you can visit authorized service centers:

• Go to a typing center such as Amer, Tasheel, or other accredited government service channels.
• Submit your application form and documents with staff assistance.
• Pay the required fees and wait for cancellation confirmation.

The typical processing time for residence visa cancellations is 1–3 working days after all requirements are submitted. 

Applicants must pay official government charges when they cancel a UAE visa. Authorities generally charge AED 100 for residence visa cancellation and AED 50 for entry or tourist visa cancellation.

To review the complete and updated fee structure, read our detailed guide on Visa Cancellation Fees in the UAE.

After authorities complete the UAE visa cancellation process, they update your immigration records and link government and financial services. These services may include your Emirates ID status, medical insurance coverage, bank accounts, and utility connections. Knowing these changes helps residents and employees manage their affairs smoothly.

• Emirates ID & Residency Permit: Authorities will either deactivate or collect your Emirates ID. Your residency permit is officially cancelled, updating your visa cancellation status.
• Medical Insurance & Benefits: Health coverage linked to your residency ends automatically. You must arrange alternative insurance if required before leaving the UAE.
• Impact on Bank Accounts & Services: Banks update resident accounts to non-resident status. Other linked government services, utility accounts, and visa-linked benefits are adjusted accordingly.

Completing these steps ensures legal compliance, prevents fines, and confirms all records reflect your cancelled visa.

After completing the UAE visa cancellation process, residents receive a grace period to exit the country or change their visa status. The grace period is the legally allowed time after visa cancellation in the UAE for residents to leave the country or adjust their residency status. During this period, overstaying may lead to fines and penalties.

Grace Period Durations by Visa Type

• Standard employment/family visas: ~30 days to exit or change status.
• Skilled, Green, or Golden visas: ~60–180 days depending on visa category and benefits.
• Property visa holders: ~90 days to complete departure or transition to another visa.

Understanding the grace period helps manage travel plans and ensures compliance after visa cancellation in the UAE, avoiding fines or legal issues.

If you want to complete your UAE visa cancellation smoothly, SafeLedger is here to help. Our experts guide you through visa cancellation, dependent and family visa management, and visa status checks. Rely on SafeLedger’s professional expertise for a fast, accurate, and easy UAE visa process. Contact us today!