How to Cancel Your UAE Residence Visa (Leaving the UAE)
When you leave the UAE for good, your residence visa must be cancelled officially. In most cases, only your sponsor can cancel it. First, your employer cancels your work permit with MOHRE. Then your sponsor applies to ICP to cancel the visa. After cancellation, you get a grace period. You must leave, or change your status, before it ends. The grace period is 180, 90, 60, or 30 days. It depends on your residence category. If you stay past your grace period, you pay AED 50 per day.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Varies — confirm fees in ICP Smart Services
- Total time:
- Same day to a few days
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- icp.gov.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go Before your cancellation
Cancel dependants visas first
The visas of your family members must be cancelled before your own residence is cancelled. Or they can be put on hold for a short time, and you pay the fees that apply. Your own visa cannot be cancelled while family visas under your sponsorship are still active.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Same day to days
Employer cancels the work permit (employment visas)
Your company applies to MOHRE to cancel your labour contract and work permit. You sign the application. The company also sends a letter, signed by you, that confirms you received all your wages and end-of-service benefits.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Same day Varies — confirm in ICP Smart Services
Sponsor applies for visa cancellation
Your sponsor applies through ICP Smart Services or the ICP Smart App. A registered typing centre can also apply for you. The cancellation of a residence visa for a domestic worker goes through MOHRE or the Domestic Work Bundle. This includes paying the fees and cancelling the linked Emirates ID. Check the current fees in ICP Smart Services when you apply.
Click to mark as done
- Receive Within 14 days of contract end
Collect the final settlement
Your employer must pay all your wages and everything you are owed within 14 days of the end of your contract. Check your gratuity, your leave pay, and any other money owed to you. Do this before you sign any settlement paper.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up 30–180 days by category Overstay AED 50/day
Use your grace period
After your visa expires or is cancelled, you get a grace period (ICP). Some people get 180 days. These are Golden, Green, and Blue Residence holders and their families. They also include widows and divorced women of residents, students who have finished their studies, and relatives of UAE citizens who hold foreign passports. Skilled workers in levels 1–3 and property owners get 90 days. People with a permit issued with a guarantor or host get 60 days. All other categories get 30 days. Leave, or change your status, before your grace period ends. If you overstay, you pay AED 50 per day.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Before departure
Close out DEWA, bank, and tenancy
Close your DEWA account, or transfer it. Get your final bill and your deposit back. Close your bank accounts after your last payments clear. Cancel your Ejari when your tenancy ends. Also make sure your Emirates ID is cancelled. This is done together with your residence cancellation.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my own residence visa?
In most cases, no. Only your sponsor can cancel it. You cannot process the application on your own.
How long can I stay after cancellation?
It depends on your category. It is 180, 90, 60, or 30 days, as set by ICP. Check the exact last day on your cancellation document or in your ICP record.
What if I find a new job during the grace period?
Yes. You can change your status to your new employer within the grace period, instead of leaving. Start the process for your new work permit before your grace period ends.
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