When an expatriate`s employment in the UAE comes to an end, or when they decide to leave the country permanently, it is a legal requirement to formally cancel their **residence visa**. The visa cancellation process is as important as the visa application process. Failure to properly cancel a residence visa can lead to fines, legal complications, and potential issues with re-entering the UAE in the future. [1]

The responsibility for initiating the visa cancellation lies with the sponsor. For an employee, the sponsor is their employer. For a family member, the sponsor is the resident who sponsored them (e.g., the husband/father).

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the UAE residence visa cancellation process for 2025. We cover the process for both employees and their sponsored family members. T4me (t4me.com) offers a professional and efficient service to manage this final, crucial step of your residency journey in the UAE.

Why is Visa Cancellation Necessary?

• To Legally End Employment: For an employee to receive their end-of-service benefits (gratuity), their visa and labor card must be formally canceled.
• To Join a New Employer: Before a new employer can apply for a new work visa for you, your previous visa must be canceled.
• To Avoid Fines: If you leave the country without canceling your visa and do not return, you will be marked as an absconder, which can lead to a lifetime ban and fines.
• To Close Bank Accounts and Settle Debts: You will need your visa cancellation paper to close your bank accounts and settle any outstanding utilities or loans.

The Visa Cancellation Process: Step-by-Step

For Employees:

1. Resignation and Notice Period: The employee must formally resign and serve their contractual notice period.
2. Labor Card Cancellation: The employer applies to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to cancel the employee`s labor card and work permit. The employee must sign a form confirming they have received all their final settlement dues.
3. Residence Visa Cancellation: Once the labor card is canceled, the employer applies to the immigration authorities (GDRFA) to cancel the residence visa, which is stamped in the employee`s passport.
4. Grace Period: After the visa is canceled, the employee is typically given a 30-day grace period to either leave the country or obtain a new residence visa (e.g., through a new employer or by switching to a tourist visa).

For Sponsored Family Members:

If an employee`s visa is canceled, the visas of their sponsored family members must also be canceled.

• Sponsor`s Visa Cancellation First: The sponsor`s (the employee`s) visa must be canceled before the family members‚Äô visas can be canceled.
• Individual Cancellation Applications: A separate cancellation application must be submitted for each family member.

Alternatively, if the employee is moving to a new job within the UAE, they can transfer their family`s sponsorship to their new employment visa once it is issued.

How T4me (t4me.com) Can Help with Visa Cancellation

Managing the visa cancellation process, especially when it involves coordinating with a previous employer and handling family visas, can be stressful. T4me`s PRO services ensure this process is handled smoothly and correctly.

Our services include:

• Coordination with Employer: We can liaise with your employer to ensure all the necessary steps are taken in a timely manner.
• Cancellation Processing: We manage the submission of the cancellation applications for you and your family members.
• Clear Guidance: We provide clear advice on the grace period and your options for staying in the country legally after cancellation.
• Peace of Mind: We ensure that your legal status is correctly updated in the immigration system, giving you peace of mind for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I cancel my visa if I am outside the UAE?

Yes, your sponsor (employer) can cancel your visa while you are outside the country. You will need to send your passport to them for the cancellation stamping.

2. What happens if I overstay my grace period?

If you overstay the grace period after your visa is canceled, you will incur daily fines.

3. Do I need to cancel my Emirates ID?

When your residence visa is canceled, your Emirates ID is automatically invalidated.

4. I am a business owner. How do I cancel my investor visa?

To cancel an investor visa, you must first liquidate your company or sell your shares. Once the company license is canceled, you can proceed to cancel your visa.

5. Can I cancel my family`s visas without canceling my own?

Yes, for example, if your family is leaving the UAE but you are staying, you can cancel their visas while your own visa remains valid.

Conclusion: Closing a Chapter Correctly

Properly canceling your UAE residence visa is the final and essential step in closing your chapter of life or employment in the country. It is a legal requirement that ensures a clean exit and prevents any future complications.

Whether you are an employer managing the departure of an employee or an individual planning your exit from the UAE, a clear understanding of the process is key. By using a professional service like T4me, you can ensure that this final administrative task is handled with efficiency, accuracy, and complete compliance with UAE law.

Contact T4me (t4me.com) today for professional assistance with your residence visa cancellation needs. Let us help you close your chapter in the UAE smoothly and correctly.

References

[1] U.AE. “Cancelling residence visa.” u.ae, 2023, https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/cancelling-residence-visa.