Emirates Visa Cancellation Guide 2026: Step-by-Step Process, Rules & Requirements

If you plan to leave the UAE permanently or change your sponsor, you must cancel your Emirates visa properly to avoid fines, legal issues, or future travel restrictions. Whether it’s a tourist, work, or residence visa, the cancellation process in 2026 is streamlined through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

This complete guide explains everything you need to know — from who can cancel your visa and required documents to the exact step-by-step process and post-cancellation rules.

Overview of Emirates Visa Cancellation in 2026

The Emirates visa cancellation process ensures that your visa record is officially closed before you exit the UAE. Every foreign resident or visitor must cancel their visa before leaving the country permanently. Failing to do so can result in overstay fines, travel bans, or rejection of future visa applications.

Types of Emirates Visas Before Cancellation

Before initiating the cancellation process, it’s essential to understand which type of visa you hold:

Tourist Visa

Valid for 30 or 90 days; cannot be extended beyond the permitted period.

Visit Visa

Issued for short-term family or business visits, usually 30 or 60 days.

Transit Visa (96-Hour)

Valid for travelers transiting through UAE airports for up to 96 hours.

Multi-Entry Long-Term Visa

Allows multiple visits over 90 days, ideal for frequent business travelers.

Residence & Work Visa

Issued for foreign employees, investors, and dependents. Must be canceled before leaving the UAE permanently.

When and Why You Need to Cancel Your Emirates Visa

You must cancel your Emirates visa if:

• You are leaving the UAE permanently.

• You are changing employers or sponsors.

• Your employment contract has ended.

• You plan to apply for a new Emirates visa under a different category.

Who Can Cancel an Emirates Visa?

Only your sponsor or employer can initiate the Emirates visa cancellation process — individuals cannot cancel it independently. For employees, the company’s PRO or HR department handles the cancellation through GDRFA or MOHRE.

For dependents (family members), the head of the family (the visa sponsor) must apply for cancellation on their behalf.

Documents Required for Emirates Visa Cancellation

The sponsor or employer must provide the following documents:

• Completed UAE visa cancellation form, signed and stamped.

• Original passport of the visa holder.

• Emirates ID card.

• Copy of residence visa page (for reference).

• MOHRE approval letter for work visa cancellations.

• Final settlement confirmation from the employee (for work visas).

If the visa holder is outside the UAE, a computerized extract of the visa record can be used for cancellation.

Step-by-Step Process to Cancel an Emirates Visa (How to Apply)

Step 1: Cancel Your Labour Card and Work Permit

For employees, your employer must first log in to the MOHRE portal and request the cancellation of your labour card and work permit. You will also be required to sign a document confirming that all dues and benefits have been paid.

Step 2: Submit Visa Cancellation Request to GDRFA

Once the work permit is canceled, your sponsor must apply for visa cancellation via the GDRFA offices or online portal. The same GDRFA office that issued the visa must process its cancellation.

Step 3: Receive Confirmation & Exit UAE

After approval, the visa cancellation is processed, and a 30-day grace period is granted to exit the UAE or change your visa status. Ensure you leave the country before this period ends to avoid fines.

Emirates Work Visa Cancellation Process

Employer’s Role and Online Application

Your employer must initiate the work permit cancellation through the MOHRE website, attach all required documents, and await confirmation. The GDRFA and MOHRE coordinate electronically to finalize both the residence and labour card cancellation.

Employee Rights and Final Settlement

Do not sign the cancellation acknowledgment unless you have received all pending salaries, settlements, and end-of-service benefits. Once signed, your employer cannot be held liable for any remaining payments.

Important Things to Do Before Leaving UAE

Before your Emirates visa is canceled, ensure the following are completed:

• Close your bank accounts.

• Pay off all utility and phone bills.

• Terminate your tenancy contract.

• Sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle (if applicable).

• Collect all pending salaries and settlements.

Grace Period After Emirates Visa Cancellation

After cancellation, expatriates are typically given a 30-day grace period to exit the UAE or apply for a new visa. During this time, you can make travel arrangements or switch employers if applicable.

Risks of Improper Visa Cancellation

Failing to cancel your Emirates visa correctly can result in:

• Overstay fines accumulating daily.

• Travel bans or rejection of future visa applications.

• Employment restrictions (labour ban) if the process is incomplete.

• Legal disputes with your sponsor or employer.

Why Use Professional Visa Assistance for Emirates Visa Cancellation

Handling visa cancellations can be complex, especially for those unfamiliar with UAE laws or online systems. Using a trusted visa service provider ensures:

• Correct and fast submission of documents.

• No risk of missing paperwork or penalties.

• Guidance on new visa applications and extensions.

👉 Apply for your Emirates Visa through our professional team to ensure a smooth, compliant, and stress-free process.

How to Apply for a New Emirates Visa After Cancellation

Once your old visa is canceled, you can immediately apply for a new Emirates visa through official channels. Whether it’s for work, tourism, or family visits, ensure your previous visa status is fully cleared before reapplying.

Steps to apply for a new Emirates Visa:

1. Visit our platform and choose your visa type (Tourist, Business, Transit, etc.).

2. Fill out the application form with updated personal details.

3. Upload your passport copy, photograph, and travel details.

4. Submit payment securely online.

5. Receive your approved Emirates Visa via email.

✅ Final Call to Action

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Our team ensures a quick, reliable, and compliant process for all visa types in 2026.