UAE Residency Visa Cancellation: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re leaving the UAE or switching employers, one essential process you’ll need to handle is UAE residency visa cancellation. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step approach to help you navigate the process smoothly and comply with legal requirements.

1. What Is a UAE Residency Visa Cancellation?

Cancelling your UAE residency visa involves officially ending your legal residency status in the country. This process is mandatory if:

• You are permanently leaving the UAE.
• You are changing jobs, and your new employer will issue a new visa.
• You are closing your business in the UAE as a sponsor.

2. When Do You Need to Cancel Your UAE Residency Visa?

1. Expatriates Leaving the UAE

You must cancel your visa before exiting the UAE to avoid legal complications.

2. Job Change

When switching jobs, your previous employer is responsible for cancelling your visa before your new employer can issue a replacement.

3. Sponsorship Changes

If you are sponsoring family members or dependents, their visas must also be cancelled before yours can be.

3. Requirements for Visa Cancellation

To cancel your residency visa, you will need:

• Your original passport.
• Your Emirates ID.
• A copy of your residency visa.
• Employer-provided documents, if applicable (e.g., cancellation letter, clearance from immigration).
• Payment for cancellation fees (approximately AED 100–200, depending on the type of visa).

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel Your UAE Residency Visa

Step 1: Notify Your Sponsor or Employer

If your visa is sponsored by your employer, inform them about your intent to cancel the visa. Sponsors are responsible for initiating the cancellation process.

Step 2: Clear Outstanding Dues

Settle any pending bills, loans, or fines before proceeding. This includes:

• Traffic fines.
• Credit card payments or personal loans.
• Utility bills (e.g., DEWA, Etisalat, or du).

Step 3: Obtain a Cancellation Application

Your sponsor or employer will apply for visa cancellation either:

• Online via the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) portal.
• At an authorized typing center in the UAE.

Step 4: Submit Necessary Documents

Provide the required documents, including your passport and Emirates ID.

Step 5: Pay Cancellation Fees

Fees for cancellation vary depending on the visa type but generally range between AED 100–200.

Step 6: Receive Cancellation Confirmation

Once processed, you’ll receive a cancellation confirmation, which will be:

• A stamped passport with a cancellation stamp.
• A cancellation certificate, if required for record-keeping.

Step 7: Cancel Dependents’ Visas (if applicable)

If you sponsor dependents (spouse, children, or domestic workers), their visas must be cancelled first. The process is similar and requires their Emirates IDs and passports.

Step 8: Exit or Transfer to a New Visa

• If leaving the UAE, plan your exit within the grace period (usually 30 days post-cancellation).
• If transferring to a new job or sponsor, ensure your new visa application starts immediately after cancellation.

 

Conclusion

The UAE residency visa cancellation process is straightforward if you follow the correct steps and submit all required documents. Whether you’re leaving the UAE or transferring to a new sponsor, understanding this process ensures compliance with UAE immigration laws and prevents legal issues.