How to Cancel a UAE Visa and Avoid Overstay Fines (2025 Guide)
Dubai UAE Visa Cancellation – A Step-by-Step Guide:
Whether you’re changing jobs, closing a business, or leaving the UAE permanently, cancelling your visa is a required legal step. Failing to do so can result in overstay fines, immigration bans, or complications with future visa applications. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you understand and complete the visa cancellation process in Dubai.
Understanding the Need for Visa Cancellation:
Visa cancellation ensures your exit or status change is properly recorded in the UAE immigration system. Whether you’re an employee, investor, or sponsor, proper cancellation protects your record and prevents penalties.
Step-by-Step Visa Cancellation Process:
1. Notify Your Sponsor or Employer
Only your sponsor (company, individual, or yourself in case of investor visas) can initiate the cancellation request.
2. Final Settlement
Settle dues, receive your end-of-service benefits, and return all company assets (Emirates ID, health card, etc.).
3. Submit the Cancellation Request
Your sponsor or PRO submits the cancellation online via GDRFA, ICP, or at an authorized typing center.
4. Provide Required Documents
- Original passport
- Emirates ID
- Sponsor’s trade license (for investor/partner visas)
- Visa cancellation form
- Employment cancellation (via MOHRE, if applicable)
5. Pay Visa Cancellation Fees
- Employment Visa: AED 100 – 350
- Investor Visa: AED 130 – 230
- Family Visa: AED 100 – 220
- Processing Time: Typically 1 to 3 working days.
6. Receive Cancellation Confirmation
Once approved, you will receive a cancellation notice, and your visa record will be updated. The visa page in your passport may be stamped “Cancelled.”
7. Grace Period After Cancellation
You are allowed to stay in the UAE for a limited time to either exit or adjust your visa status:
- Standard employment/family visa: 28–30 days
- Skilled professionals: 60–90 days
- Golden, Green, Investor, Student, or Humanitarian: Up to 180 days
8. Avoid Overstay Penalties
Overstaying your grace period will result in daily fines of AED 50/day:
What You Should Do Next:
Within the grace period, you can:
- Exit the UAE
- Switch visa category (e.g., employment, investor, golden)
- Transfer sponsorship to a new employer
Important Tips:
- Always cancel dependent visas first before cancelling your own (if you’re the sponsor).
- If your employer refuses to cancel your visa, you may file a complaint with MOHRE (call 800-60 or use app).
- Keep your cancellation approval for future reference.
- Do not overstay—exit or change your status during the grace period to avoid fines.
UAE Visa Cancellation Fees Table:
| Visa Type | Inside UAE | Outside UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel – Entry Permit | AED 190 | AED 290 |
| Cancel – Residence | AED 227 | AED 327 |
| Cancel – Entry Permit – Work | AED 227 | AED 327 |
| Cancel – Residence – Work | AED 190 | AED 290 |
Avoid Overstay Fines – What You Need to Know (2025 Updates):
Standard Overstay Fees:
A flat rate of AED 50 per day now applies to all visa overstays—this includes tourist, visit, and residence visas.
Grace Periods:
- Tourist/Visit Visas: Typically have up to 60 days of grace; fines apply after this period.
- Residence Visas: Most offer a 30-day grace period after cancellation or expiry.
- Golden, Green, Investor, and Skilled Visas: May receive 60 to 180 days of grace depending on the category.
Exit Permits & Additional Charges:
If you overstay and plan to exit the country, you will need to obtain an exit permit (also called an out-pass), which costs around AED 200–300.
Amnesty & Exception:
While previous amnesty programs allowed additional grace periods, as of 2025, these have ended. Humanitarian exceptions may apply in rare cases but must be approved by immigration authorities.
Why You Should Stay Compliant:
- Overstay fines accumulate quickly—AED 50 per day adds up fast.
- Additional exit processing fees can apply.
- Overstaying may result in entry bans or difficulties securing future UAE visas.
Pro Tips:
- Track your visa expiry and set reminders.
- Plan your renewal, transfer, or departure in advance.
- Visit an authorized center to settle fines and get an out-pass before exiting the UAE.
- Check with authorities for any updates or new grace periods based on your visa type.
Quick Overview:
| Step | Action | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Initiate cancellation | Employer/PRO, investor, or sponsor files request |
| 2 | Submit docs & pay fees | Employment: AED 100–290; Investor: AED 130–250 |
| 3 | Receive cancellation confirmation | 1–3 days via GDRFA/ICP |
| 4 | Grace period | 28–180 days depending on visa type |
| 5 | Exit, switch, or transfer | Must be done within grace period |
| 6 | Avoid overstays | AED 50/day fines + added penalties |
Conclusion:
Cancelling your UAE visa properly ensures a clean immigration record and allows for future visa approvals without delays or penalties. Whether you are moving to a new opportunity, exiting the UAE, or adjusting your status, following the correct process is essential.
Need help with visa cancellation? Brightlink offers complete assistance for fast, compliant, and stress-free cancellation services across Dubai and the UAE.
