Dubai Visa Cancellation Guide: Step-by-Step Process to Cancel Your UAE Residence or Work Visa (2026 Update)

When planning to leave the United Arab Emirates permanently, one of the most important steps is to cancel your UAE residence or work visa. The visa cancellation process must be completed properly to avoid legal complications or future entry restrictions.

This comprehensive 2026 guide explains everything you need to know about how to cancel a Dubai visa, the required documents, and the rules for employees, families, and residents outside the UAE.

Understanding Dubai Visa Cancellation

A Dubai visa cancellation officially ends your legal residency status in the UAE. Whether you hold a work visa, residence visa, or family visa, it must be cancelled before you leave the country permanently or switch employers.

Failing to cancel your visa properly may result in fines, blacklisting, or future immigration issues.

Who Can Cancel a Dubai Visa?

You cannot cancel your UAE visa independently. The sponsor—which can be your employer, family member, or company—is responsible for submitting the visa cancellation request to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Step-by-Step Procedure to Cancel a Dubai Residence Visa

Step 1: Employer or Sponsor Initiates Cancellation

If you are employed, your company or sponsor must first initiate your visa cancellation. They are responsible for requesting termination through the GDRFA system.

Step 2: Application Submission to GDRFA

The sponsor submits the official visa cancellation form along with your passport copy, Emirates ID, and labour card to the GDRFA that issued your visa.

Step 3: Confirmation and Visa Revocation

Once approved, your UAE residence visa is officially revoked. The GDRFA sends confirmation to the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), finalizing your visa cancellation.

Cancelling a Dubai Work Permit and Work Visa

When leaving employment, your work permit and labour contract must also be terminated with the MOHRE before your residence visa can be cancelled.

Termination of Labour Contract and Work Permit

• Employer submits cancellation request through MOHRE’s portal.

• Required documents include Emirates ID, passport, and cancellation letter.

• Once MOHRE processes the request, it notifies GDRFA.

GDRFA Verification and Final Cancellation

The GDRFA then cancels your residence visa and updates MOHRE records to reflect the visa status change.

Cancelling a UAE Work Permit When Changing Jobs

If you’re changing employers within the UAE, you don’t need to leave the country or fully cancel your residence visa. Instead, your current employer provides a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for visa transfer.

No Objection Certificate (NOC) Requirement

A signed NOC from your existing employer is mandatory if your employment contract hasn’t expired but you intend to switch jobs.

Work Ban Duration and Conditions

If your employer refuses early termination approval, you may face a work ban lasting 6 months to 1 year.

Cancelling UAE Family Visas (Dependents)

If you have sponsored family members under your residence visa, you must cancel their visas before cancelling your own.
Dependents include your spouse, children, and domestic staff.

If you’re only changing jobs within the UAE, family visas do not need to be cancelled.

Automatic Visa Cancellation for People Outside the UAE

Six-Month Rule for Visa Expiry

If you stay outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months, your residence visa automatically becomes invalid.

Legal Consequences of Unofficial Exit

Leaving the UAE without properly cancelling your visa can lead to:

• Being marked as an absconder by your employer

• Legal action or fines upon re-entry

• Difficulty obtaining new UAE visas in the future

Required Documents for Visa Cancellation in Dubai

Your sponsor must submit the following documents to cancel your Dubai visa:

• Completed UAE Visa Cancellation Form (signed by sponsor)

• Original Passport of the visa holder

• Emirates ID card

• Labour card or work permit copy

• Digital extract of the residence visa (if applicant is outside UAE)

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Cancellation

• Leaving the UAE without official visa cancellation

• Not cancelling dependent or family visas first

• Missing NOC when switching jobs

• Allowing your visa to expire while abroad

These can lead to fines, bans, or delays in future UAE visa applications.

Why Use a Professional Visa Service?

Many residents make costly mistakes while cancelling visas on their own. Professional visa experts ensure:

• No missing documents

• Correct submissions to GDRFA

• Smooth coordination with MOHRE and immigration departments

• Avoidance of legal or travel complications

How DubaiTransitEVisa.com Can Help You

At DubaiTransitEVisa.com, we make the Dubai visa cancellation process seamless and error-free.
Our team ensures quick handling of documentation, real-time updates, and full compliance with UAE immigration regulations.

✅ Cancel your UAE visa easily.
✅ Avoid rejection or legal issues.
✅ Receive step-by-step guidance from experts.

Final Words & Call-to-Action

Cancelling your Dubai residence or work visa is an important legal step before leaving the UAE or changing employment. Doing it incorrectly can cause long-term complications.

Let experts handle it for you.
Apply or consult our visa team now at DubaiTransitEVisa.