Planning to leave the UAE permanently or change your sponsorship? Then cancelling your Dubai employment visa is mandatory. The UAE has streamlined the process through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), but you must follow the correct steps to avoid fines, legal complications, or travel restrictions.

This guide explains who can cancel a Dubai employment visa, required documents, fees, online and offline processes, and post-cancellation rules for 2026.

Why Visa Cancellation Matters Before Leaving the UAE

If you don’t officially cancel your visa, the system may still show you as a UAE resident. This can cause:

Fines for overstaying or unpaid dues
Issues when applying for future visas
Legal problems with employers or landlords
Restrictions when re-entering the UAE

Who Can Cancel a Dubai Employment Visa?

Employer/Company-Sponsored Employees

Employees cannot cancel their own visas. Only the employer (sponsor) who issued the visa has the authority to apply for cancellation.

Investor/Partner Visa Holders

If you hold an investor or partner visa, you may cancel your visa directly by preparing required documents such as:

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local sponsor
Liability clearance documents from banks and authorities

Pre-Cancellation Checklist: What to Settle First

Before starting the cancellation process, make sure to:

Pay off debts, credit cards, and loans
Sell your car or transfer ownership
Cancel utility connections and tenancy contracts
Collect final salary and gratuity payments
Transfer or close your bank accounts

Employment Visa Cancellation by Employer/Company

Canceling Labor Card & Work Permit

The employer must first apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to cancel your labor card and employment contract.

Settlement of Dues & Benefits

A signed clearance letter is required, confirming both parties agree on:

Gratuity payments
Final salary
Repatriation costs (if applicable)

Submitting Cancellation at GDRFA

Once MOHRE cancels the work permit, the employer can apply for visa cancellation at GDRFA.

Visa Cancellation for Investors & Partners

Investors must:

Submit sponsor’s Emirates ID and supporting documents
Clear all bank liabilities
Provide an NOC from sponsor/local partner

Step-by-Step Process to Cancel Employment Visa

Through Authorized Typing Centers

Visit a GDRFA-approved typing center.
Submit documents (passport copy, visa page, Emirates ID, financial clearance).
Pay the cancellation fee (around AED 110 for dependents).
Receive a cancellation application form for employer and employee signatures.
Visit GDRFA headquarters with original passport and Emirates ID for final stamping.

Online Visa Cancellation via GDRFA Website/App

Visit the official GDRFA website or smart app.
Log in and select “Visa Cancellation.”
Upload documents (passport, visa page, Emirates ID).
Pay cancellation fee online.
Submit application and await approval notification.
Visit GDRFA office (if required) with Emirates ID and passport for final verification.

Required Documents for Dubai Employment Visa Cancellation

Copy of passport (sponsor and employee)
Copy of residence visa page
Original Emirates ID card
Financial clearance certificate (bank, utilities, tenancy)
MOHRE-approved labor card and contract cancellation (for employees)
Signed clearance letter between employer and employee

Fees & Timelines for Visa Cancellation

Cancellation fee: Approx. AED 110 (paid by sponsor)
Processing time: Usually 1–3 working days after submission
Dependents’ visas: Must be cancelled before the employee’s visa

What Happens After Visa Cancellation?

You receive an official cancellation stamp in your passport.
Your Emirates ID must be returned.
You have a grace period of 30 days to leave the UAE or change your visa status.

Risks of Not Canceling Your Employment Visa Properly

Failure to cancel your visa correctly may result in:

Overstay fines accumulating daily
Difficulty obtaining a new visa in the UAE
Blacklisting from future employment opportunities
Legal disputes with previous sponsors

Why Use Professional Assistance for Visa Services

Although the UAE has simplified visa cancellation, errors or incomplete submissions can cause delays, rejections, or fines. Using a professional visa service ensures:

Correct documentation
Faster processing
Guidance on dependent cancellations
Peace of mind

Apply for a New Dubai Visa Online

If you are planning to return to Dubai for tourism or business after cancelling your employment visa, you can easily apply for a new tourist or visit visa online.

👉 Apply for your Dubai visa now at Dubai Visa Center and get expert assistance for a seamless process.

Conclusion: Secure & Smooth Visa Cancellation in 2026

Cancelling your Dubai employment visa in 2026 is straightforward if you follow the correct steps: clear dues, settle contracts, submit documents, and finalize through GDRFA. Always rely on your sponsor or professional visa services for a secure and smooth process.

Plan ahead, avoid last-minute problems, and when ready to visit again, use Dubai Visa Center to apply for your new visa quickly and confidently.