Thinking of leaving the UAE permanently or changing jobs within the country? There’s one crucial thing you absolutely can’t afford to ignore: visa cancellation.

Hi guys, it’s Kojo here from Explore With Kojo… and as someone who has lived and worked in Dubai and helped several friends navigate UAE’s immigration process, I can tell you firsthand that canceling your UAE visa properly is just as important as getting it in the first place.

If you skip steps or don’t follow the right process, you could face delays, legal issues, or even a ban. In this guide, I’ll break it all down for you in simple, no-nonsense language with real-world tips.

Section 1: What is UAE Visa Cancellation and Why Is It Important?

If you have a UAE Residence Visa, you must cancel it before leaving the country permanently. Even if you’re just switching jobs, certain cancellation steps still apply.

Why it matters:

  • Avoid getting flagged as an absconder
  • Prevent legal trouble when trying to re-enter the UAE later
  • Free your sponsor from legal obligations
  • Get a clean break before moving on

Kojo’s Tip: I knew someone who left without canceling their visa. When they tried to visit for Expo 2020, they were denied entry. It took months to clear things up.

Section 2: Who Cancels the Visa?

In the UAE, your sponsor is the one responsible for canceling your visa. That could be:

  • Your employer (for work visas)
  • You, if you’re sponsoring family members

You can’t walk into immigration and cancel it yourself. It has to be done by the entity that applied for it.

Section 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling a UAE Residence Visa

A. If You’re Employed:

  1. Employer cancels your work permit via the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
  2. Then they apply to the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) to cancel your visa
  3. Once cancelled, you’ll have 30 days to exit the UAE or switch to a new visa

B. Visa Cancellation for Dependents:

If you’ve sponsored your family on a UAE Family Visa, you must cancel their visas before your employer cancels yours.

Kojo Reminder: One of my friends had to cancel his wife and kids’ visas before leaving Dubai for good. It’s a step many forget.

Section 4: Cancelling a Work Visa If You’re Changing Jobs

Just because you’re staying in the UAE doesn’t mean you skip visa cancellation. If you change jobs:

  • Your current employer must cancel your work permit
  • You need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if the contract is not yet over
  • Your new employer uses your visa cancellation paper to apply for a new visa

If you break the contract early without NOC, you may face a ban (6-12 months).

Kojo Insight: Switching jobs is smoother after completing 2 years. Employers are more cooperative then.

Section 5: Where Can Visa Cancellation Be Done?

There are a few ways to process the cancellation:

  1. In-person at a GDRFA-authorized typing center
  2. Online via:
    • Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
    • GDRFA websites of your emirate (like Dubai GDRFA)
    • Dubai’s Amer Center for expats and families

Kojo Tip: If you’re in Dubai, Amer Centers are your best bet. They’re fast and customer-friendly.

Section 6: What If You Are Outside the UAE for Over 6 Months?

Your visa is automatically cancelled if you’re abroad for more than 6 months. But this method comes with risks:

  • Your employer might report you as absconding
  • Reapplying later may trigger red flags

Kojo Caution: Don’t leave without closing things formally. Even if you think the visa will expire quietly, that strategy can backfire.

Section 7: Documents Needed for UAE Visa Cancellation

  • UAE visa cancellation form (signed & stamped by sponsor)
  • Your original passport
  • Original Emirates ID
  • Computerized extract of your visa (if you’re abroad)
  • MOHRE clearance and salary settlement confirmation (for workers)

Kojo Tip: Never sign a salary clearance letter unless you have received all your dues – including gratuity, bonus, and leave encashment.

Section 8: Cost of Cancelling a UAE Visa

Visa cancellation is not expensive. Expect to pay between AED 100 and AED 200, depending on the emirate.

The sponsor/employer covers this, not the visa holder.

Section 9: How Long Does Visa Cancellation Take?

  • Cancellation alone: 1 to 2 working days
  • With labor card: 1 additional day

It’s fast – but only if your sponsor submits everything correctly.

Kojo Reminder: In my case, my sponsor used an Amer Center and everything was sorted in less than 48 hours.

Section 10: Final Things to Do Before Leaving the UAE

Before your exit, make sure you:

  • Close bank accounts
  • Pay off utility bills
  • Cancel tenancy contract
  • Sell your car (if any)
  • Collect final salary, gratuity, benefits
  • Return your Emirates ID and health card

Kojo Checklist: One of my subscribers once got stuck at the airport due to an unpaid DEWA bill. Don’t let that happen to you.

Conclusion: Leaving the UAE Gracefully

Visa cancellation might seem like paperwork, but it’s your clean break from your UAE chapter. Done right, it protects your future travel opportunities and legal record. So whether you’re heading back home or just jumping to a new employer, follow the steps above. And if you’re unsure? Reach out to your HR or visit a typing center. And hey … if this guide helped you, share it with someone else who might be preparing for that bittersweet Dubai farewell.

Until next time,
Kojo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About UAE Visa Cancellation

1. Can I cancel my own UAE residence visa?

This has to be done by your sponsor. If you’re on a work visa, your employer handles the cancellation. If you’re sponsoring your family, then yes, you are responsible for canceling theirs.

Kojo says: “You can’t cancel what you didn’t apply for. That’s why it’s your sponsor’s job.”

2. How long do I have to leave the UAE after my visa is cancelled?

You have 30 days to either leave the UAE or transfer your visa to another sponsor. Staying beyond that can lead to overstay fines or legal issues.

3. How much does UAE visa cancellation cost?

Cancellation fees usually start at around AED 100 and can go up to AED 200, and this is generally paid by your sponsor, not you.

4. Can my employer cancel my visa without my permission?

Yes, but only after your work contract is legally terminated and all dues are paid. Your signature is usually required on a salary clearance document, which confirms you’ve received your final payments.

Kojo’s Tip: Don’t sign unless you’re truly satisfied. Ask questions and double-check everything.

5. What happens if I leave the UAE without cancelling my visa?

Big mistake. Your visa may eventually expire, but your sponsor can report you as absconding, which could lead to a ban from re-entering the UAE or issues with future visa applications.

6. Can I cancel my family’s visa before my own?

You must. If you’re sponsoring family members, cancel their visas first before your own gets cancelled by your employer or other sponsor.

7. Do I need to cancel my visa if I’m only changing jobs?

Yes, your old employer must cancel your visa and labor card, even if you plan to stay in the UAE. You’ll also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you’re breaking your contract early.

8. What documents are required to cancel my UAE visa?

Here’s what your sponsor typically needs:

  • Visa cancellation form
  • Original passport
  • Emirates ID
  • MOHRE clearance (if applicable)
  • Proof of wage settlement (signed by employee)

9. Can I cancel my visa if I’m not physically in the UAE?

Yes. Your sponsor can still cancel your visa while you’re abroad, but they’ll need a computerized extract of your visa and other documents. Just be aware that doing it this way might trigger legal complications if you left without resigning formally.

10. How do I check if my visa has been cancelled?

You can check online through:

You’ll need your passport number or visa details to verify your status.

11. What should I do before my visa is cancelled?

Here’s your checklist:

  • Close bank accounts
  • Pay off utilities
  • Sell your car if you have one
  • Cancel tenancy
  • Collect final pay
  • Return ID and health card

Kojo’s Checklist Tip: Don’t leave loose ends. They can turn into nightmares later when you try to return or apply for a visa somewhere else.

12. How long does it take to cancel a UAE visa?

Usually 1 to 2 working days. If your labor card needs to be cancelled too, add another day. So total processing time is about 2–3 working days.

13. Can I re-enter the UAE on a tourist visa after cancellation?

Yes, after your residence visa is cancelled and you’ve exited the UAE, you can apply for a tourist visa to re-enter. But make sure your exit record is clean.

14. What’s the risk if my employer refuses to cancel my visa?

This is rare but possible in disputes. You can file a labour complaint with MOHRE, or consult a typing center for legal steps.