How to cancel my UAE Residence Visa?

While most people who move to the UAE choose to live there permanently, there are reasons why you might want to cancel your visa. Cancelling your visa is a fairly straightforward process.

Typically, to initiate the visa cancellation process, your visa sponsor will need to apply for cancellation. Your sponsor could be:

• Your business
• Your employer
• Your parent
• Your spouse
• A government authority

Each person who cancels a visa will need to fill out certain paperwork. Depending on who sponsored your visa, you may or may not be eligible for health and salary benefits.

It’s also important to note that there are a few rules that apply to cancelling a UAE visa. These will vary based on whether you are cancelling the visa while inside the UAE or while in a different country.

Cancelling a Visa in the UAE

Cancelling a visa in the UAE is the easiest way to remove your residency status. To cancel your visa while staying in the UAE, all you need to do is send your passport to the issuing authority.

From there, you’ll need to wait until the visa is cancelled. This typically takes several days to a few weeks.

Cancelling a Visa Outside the UAE

If you want to cancel your UAE visa while residing outside the UAE, the process works a little bit differently.

For starters, you’ll need to make sure that you have been living outside the UAE for more than six months. After you have met this requirement, you will not be required to send your passport to the UAE in order to cancel the visa.

If you choose to cancel your visa and have been living outside the UAE for fewer than six months, you’ll need to send your passport to the UAE. You can also hire a company to help you navigate the process.

Process to Cancel a UAE Residence Visa

Once you’ve determined how to cancel your visa, you’re ready to start the process. Remember that the visa must be cancelled by the issuing authority.

There are a few different authorities that issue visas. These authorities include:

• Free Zones

• GDRFAD for Dubai Mainland Visas

Once you’ve determined the correct authority for cancelling your visa, you have three different options for how to go about the process. These methods include:

• Using the ICA or GDRFAD online services

• Visiting an approved typing centre

• Using the GDRFAD or ICA mobile app

Remember, you can only use these methods to cancel a Mainland visa. Free zone visas must be cancelled by visiting the issuing authority rather than the government’s special services.

Here’s how to navigate cancelling a visa in each of these different ways.

Cancelling a UAE Visa Through GDRFAD Online Services

To get started, you’ll need to visit the GDRFAD online portal. From there, click on “Cancellation of residency visa.”

The portal will take you to a new page. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Start service.”

This will open an individual login page. You’ll be prompted to provide your personal details and documentation.

Complete the form by carefully reading the instructions. At the end of the process, you’ll either receive a phone call or an email verifying the completion of your application.

Cancelling Your UAE Residence Visa Using a Typing Centre

If you’d prefer to cancel your UAE residence visa by visiting a typing centre, you can do so by gathering all the necessary documents.

From there, head to the nearest approved typing centre. At the centre, the agents will provide you with and assist you in filling out the required forms.

You will need to hand over any requested documents to the agents. At that point, the centre will take care of the rest of the process and you are able to move forward with your visa cancellation.

Cancelling a UAE Visa Via the ICA or GDRFAD Mobile App

One of the easiest ways to cancel a UAE visa is using the GDRFAD or ICA mobile application. To cancel your visa this way, you’ll start by downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Next, open the application. You’ll be prompted to log in using your personal information and documentation.

Once you’ve successfully logged into the app, navigate to the service categories. Select “Cancellation of residence visa.” If you can’t find it, use the search bar at the bottom of the app’s home screen to find it.

From here, simply follow the directions until you complete the process. You’ll be notified by phone or email once the application has been successfully submitted.

Documents Required to Cancel a UAE Residence Visa

If you do decide you want to cancel your UAE residence visa, you’ll need a few documents:

• A signed copy of your cancellation paper
• Your labour card and Emirates ID
• Your original passport
• A clearance document from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

As long as you have these documents ready, it will be easy to cancel your UAE visa.