Cancel Dubai Residence Visa in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide (Inside/Outside UAE), Documents, Fees & Pro Tips

Relocating, changing jobs, or ending sponsorship? Cancelling your Dubai residence visa correctly protects you from fines, travel disruptions, and future immigration issues. This 2026 guide explains who cancels, how to cancel from abroad, the documents, timelines, and the quickest routes through GDRFA Dubai, ICP eChannels, Amer, and MOHRE.

Can You Cancel a Dubai Residence Visa from Outside the UAE?

Yes. If you’re outside the UAE, your sponsor (employer or family sponsor) can complete cancellation on your behalf.

• If you’ve been outside the UAE for 6+ months, your residence may auto-invalidate; formal cancellation is still recommended to close records cleanly and avoid issues with future visas.

• If you’re outside < 6 months, the sponsor can still cancel by filing the standard e-form and attaching the required proofs.

Pro Tip: Keep passport scans, latest visa page, and your UID/File number handy. Clear scans reduce back-and-forth and speed up approvals.

Who Can Cancel a Residence Visa? Sponsor Rules

Cancellation is always initiated by the sponsor that issued the visa.

Employer-Sponsored (Work Visa) Cancellation

1. MOHRE step: Employer cancels the labour card/work permit after obtaining your signed final settlement (dues & end-of-service acknowledgment).

2. GDRFA step: Employer files for residence visa cancellation via Amer/online.

3. After residence cancellation, your dependent visas (if any you sponsored) must be cancelled before your own visa is cancelled.

Family-Sponsored (Spouse/Children/Parents) Cancellation

• The family sponsor (e.g., husband/wife/parent) submits the cancellation.

• If the sponsor’s own residence is being cancelled (resignation/relocation), dependents’ visas must be cancelled first, then the sponsor’s.

Required Documents for Visa Cancellation (2026)

(Exact lists may vary by case; submit clean color scans to avoid delays.)

When the Visa Holder is Outside UAE > 6 Months

• Cancellation e-form signed by sponsor

• Sponsor’s passport & Emirates ID

• Proof visa holder is abroad (e.g., exit/entry record, airline statement, or system record showing > 6 months absence)

• Visa holder’s passport/visa page scans (if available)

When the Visa Holder is Outside UAE < 6 Months

• Cancellation e-form signed by sponsor

• Sponsor’s passport & Emirates ID

• Visa holder’s passport & residence visa page scans

• Optional: Reason letter (job change/relocation) if requested

When the Sponsor’s Visa is Being Cancelled

• Cancel dependents first (spouse/children/parents)

• Provide UAE ID, passport, sponsor & dependents visa pages, and any clearance certificates required

Note: For company sponsors, attach company stamp on forms, trade license (if requested), and the MOHRE clearance/final settlement for employees.

How to Cancel a Dubai Residence Visa

Option A: Through Amer/Registered Typing Centers

1. Sponsor visits Amer/typing center (or authorizes PRO).

2. Staff prepare & submit the GDRFA cancellation request.

3. Pay fees; receive a reference number.

4. Track status; once approved, download the cancellation confirmation.

Option B: Online via GDRFA Dubai / ICP eChannels

• Dubai-issued visas: Submit online through GDRFA Dubai portals.

• Other emirates: Use ICP eChannels to file cancellation.

• Upload documents, e-sign, pay fees, and download confirmation after approval.

Option C: Employer Route via MOHRE + GDRFA

1. Employer cancels work permit/labour card in MOHRE system (requires final settlement signed by employee).

2. Employer then files residence cancellation via GDRFA/Amer.

3. Employee receives cancellation confirmation; grace period (if any) starts from cancellation date.

Grace Period Reminder: After residence cancellation, a limited grace period typically applies to exit, transfer, or status change. Don’t overstay—overstay leads to daily fines.

Timeline, Fees & Status Tracking

• Typical timeline: Often 1–5 working days after complete submission; company cases with MOHRE steps may take longer.

• Fees: Government + service/typing fees apply (vary by channel & case).

• Tracking: Use the reference number provided by Amer/GDRFA/ICP to view status and download the cancellation letter once approved.

Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection

• Wrong or unclear scans (cropped passports/photos, glare, low resolution).

• Mismatched data (name, passport number, UID/File number).

• MOHRE not cleared (for employees) before GDRFA step.

• Dependent visas not cancelled before sponsor’s cancellation.

• Outstanding fines/overstay not settled.

Fix fast: Re-upload clear scans, correct the data, settle fines, and attach the required MOHRE clearance where applicable.

Risks of DIY Cancellation vs Using a Professional Service

• DIY pitfalls: Missing MOHRE step, data mismatches, incomplete dependents’ cancellations, and delayed responses can trigger rejections, fines, or travel holds.

• With Dubai Visa Center:

  • Document pre-check & data validation to avoid rejections

  • Correct sequencing (dependents → sponsor, MOHRE → GDRFA)

  • Status tracking & follow-ups until the cancellation letter is issued

  • Advisory on grace periods to prevent overstay fines

Apply with Dubai Visa Center (Fast Track Support)

Relocating or switching sponsors? We’ll review your case, prepare the correct e-forms, coordinate the MOHRE & GDRFA/ICP sequence, and track approvals end-to-end.

👉 Start your Dubai residence visa cancellation now with Dubai Visa Center.
✔ Expert file check | ✔ Faster approvals | ✔ No fines or surprises