Visa cancellation
A residence visa must be formally cancelled when you leave the UAE permanently, change sponsor or close the company.
Steps
- For employees on the mainland, cancel the work permit with MOHRE, including final settlement.
- Cancel the residence visa with immigration.
- Cancel dependants' visas before, or together with, the sponsor's.
Grace period
After cancellation you have a grace period to leave the UAE or obtain a new visa. Its length depends on the visa type.
Why it matters
Uncancelled visas can lead to fines, travel issues or problems with future applications, and they keep the company liable for the visa holder.
Common questions
Do I need to be in the UAE to cancel my visa?
Cancellation can often be done while you are inside or outside the country, depending on the authority and visa type.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.