Dubai visa cancellation is a mandatory legal process for residents who are permanently leaving the UAE, switching employers, or ending their sponsorship responsibilities. Whether you hold a Dubai residence visa, work visa, or family dependent visa, cancellation must be completed correctly to avoid legal complications, fines, or future entry bans.

Many residents wrongly assume that simply exiting the UAE automatically cancels their visa. This is incorrect. A visa remains active until it is officially cancelled by the sponsor through UAE immigration authorities.

This guide explains who can cancel a Dubai visa, the correct procedures, documents required, costs, timelines, and risks, so you can exit or transition smoothly without future problems.

What Is Dubai Visa Cancellation?

Dubai visa cancellation is the official termination of a UAE residence permit issued to an individual. Once cancelled, the visa holder is no longer legally permitted to reside in the UAE beyond the allowed grace period unless a new visa is issued.

Visa cancellation applies to:

Employment visas
Family dependent visas
Investor or partner residence visas

READ ALSO: Immigration Consultants in Dubai

Who Can Cancel a Dubai Visa?

Only the official sponsor has the legal authority to cancel a Dubai visa.

Employer → cancels work and employment-based visas
Individual resident → cancels visas sponsored for family members
Company or investor sponsor → cancels partner or investor visas

Visa holders cannot cancel their own visas independently.

Dubai Residence Visa Cancellation Process

Residence visa cancellation is handled through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Step-by-Step Residence Visa Cancellation Procedure

Sponsor submits the cancellation request
Application is processed through GDRFA or authorized typing centers
Visa status is officially cancelled in the immigration system
Cancellation confirmation is issued

The same emirate that issued the visa must process its cancellation.

Grace Period After Dubai Visa Cancellation

After cancellation, residents are granted a limited grace period to:

Exit the UAE, or
Change status to a new visa

Overstaying beyond this period may result in daily fines.

Dubai Work Visa Cancellation Process

Work visa cancellation involves two authorities:

MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation)
GDRFA (Residence visa cancellation)

Work Permit Cancellation via MOHRE

Employer applies online through MOHRE
Employment contract is cancelled
Clearance request is submitted

Residence Visa Cancellation by GDRFA

Once MOHRE approval is granted:

GDRFA cancels the residence visa
Final confirmation is issued

Important Settlement & Salary Clearance Rules

Employers must submit a signed declaration confirming:

Full salary payment
End-of-service benefits settled

⚠️ Do not sign clearance documents until all dues are received.

Changing Jobs in Dubai – Do You Need Visa Cancellation?

Job Change Without Leaving the UAE

If changing employers within the UAE:

Old employer cancels the work permit
New employer applies for a fresh work permit

In many cases, residence visa cancellation may not be required if status change is approved.

NOC and Employment Ban Rules

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) may be required depending on contract type
Contract violations can result in temporary employment bans

READ ALSO: Ras Al Khaimah Tour Package

Dubai Family Visa Cancellation Process

Who Cancels Family Dependent Visas?

The primary resident sponsor must cancel all dependent visas before their own visa is cancelled.

Dependents include:

Spouse
Children
Parents

When Family Visas Do Not Need Cancellation

If the sponsor is changing jobs and staying in the UAE, family visas can remain active.

Where to Cancel a Dubai Visa

Dubai visa cancellation can be done through:

GDRFA offices
Authorized typing centers
Online immigration portals

Professional assistance helps avoid delays and documentation errors.

Dubai Visa Automatically Cancelled After Long Absence

If a resident stays outside the UAE for over six consecutive months, the residence visa may be automatically invalidated.

Re-entry then requires a new visa application.

Documents Required for Dubai Visa Cancellation

Original passport (or copy if outside UAE)
Emirates ID
Signed visa cancellation form
Sponsor’s authorization

Dubai Visa Cancellation Fees

Visa cancellation fees typically range between:

AED 100 to AED 200

The sponsor is responsible for payment.

Dubai Visa Cancellation Processing Time

Standard processing: Same day to 2 working days
Delays may occur due to incomplete documents

Risks of Improper or Incomplete Visa Cancellation

Failing to cancel a visa properly can result in:

Immigration absconding cases
Future visa rejections
Entry bans
Legal penalties

Leaving the UAE without formal cancellation is high-risk.

Why Use a Professional Dubai Visa Service?

DIY cancellation often leads to:

Missed steps
Incorrect authority submissions
Employer disputes
Delayed exits

Using a professional service ensures:

Correct authority handling
Fast processing
Legal compliance
Peace of mind

How We Help With Dubai Visa Services

We provide end-to-end support for:

Dubai visa cancellation
Status change assistance
New Dubai visa applications

Final Summary

Dubai visa cancellation is a critical legal requirement that must be handled carefully. Whether cancelling a work visa, residence visa, or family visa, following the correct process protects your future travel and employment opportunities.

For fast, accurate, and risk-free visa services, trust professional experts who understand UAE immigration rules inside out.

Apply Dubai Visa