Visa Cancellation & Grace Period in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
When your employment or sponsorship ends, your residence visa must be cancelled. The grace period you receive depends on your visa type:
- Standard employment visas: After visa cancellation, you have 30 days to either find a new sponsor, switch to a different visa type (such as a job-seeker visa), or leave the UAE.
- Green Visa holders: Get an extended grace period of 6 months after cancellation.
- Golden Visa holders: The visa remains valid even without employment — cancellation of your job does not automatically cancel the Golden Visa.
- Employer obligations: Your employer must cancel your visa within 14 days of your last working day, return your passport, and settle all end-of-service benefits.
- Exit freedom: You do not need an exit permit to leave the UAE. You can leave at any time, even during the grace period — this is a key reform from the old kafala system.
When does it apply?
- Your employment contract has ended — by resignation, termination, non-renewal, or mutual agreement.
- Your sponsor has cancelled your visa for any reason.
- You are a dependent whose sponsor's visa has been cancelled.
What to Do If Your UAE Visa Has Been Cancelled by Your Employer
- Confirm your visa cancellation date with your employer — the 30-day grace period starts from this date. You can check your visa status through the ICP smart app or GDRFA app.
- If you are looking for a new job, apply for a job-seeker visa (available for 60, 90, or 120 days) or secure a new employer sponsorship before the grace period ends.
- Settle any outstanding financial obligations — loans, rent, DEWA utility bills, and Salik (toll) balances — before leaving.
- If you are leaving the UAE permanently, cancel your Emirates ID and close any bank accounts.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not overstay past the grace period — overstay fines are AED 100 per day after the grace period ends, plus potential detention, deportation, and an entry ban.
- Do not let your employer delay cancellation — if they refuse to cancel your visa, file a complaint with MOHRE (600-590000) or visit a Tasheel service centre.
- Do not leave the country with outstanding bounced cheques or unpaid loans — this can result in a travel ban that prevents you from leaving.
Common Questions
When does it apply — visa cancellation & grace period?
Your employment contract has ended — by resignation, termination, non-renewal, or mutual agreement.Your sponsor has cancelled your visa for any reason.You are a dependent whose sponsor's visa has been cancelled.
What should I do if my employer in the UAE cancelled my visa and I need to find a new sponsor?
Confirm your visa cancellation date with your employer — the 30-day grace period starts from this date. You can check your visa status through the ICP smart app or GDRFA app.If you are looking for a new job, apply for a job-seeker visa (available for 60, 90, or 120 days) or secure a new employer sponsorship before the grace period ends.Settle any outstanding financial obligations — loans, rent, DEWA utility bills, and Salik (toll) balances — before leaving.If you are leaving the UAE permanently, cancel your Emirates ID and close any bank accounts.
What should you NOT do — visa cancellation & grace period?
Do not overstay past the grace period — overstay fines are AED 100 per day after the grace period ends, plus potential detention, deportation, and an entry ban.Do not let your employer delay cancellation — if they refuse to cancel your visa, file a complaint with MOHRE (600-590000) or visit a Tasheel service centre.Do not leave the country with outstanding bounced cheques or unpaid loans — this can result in a travel ban that prevents you from leaving.