UAE Visa Cancellation Procedure for All Types of Visas in 2025

If you’re planning to leave the UAE permanently or transition to a new visa, it’s important to officially cancel your existing residence visa, whether it’s sponsored by a family member or your employer. 

Only your sponsor can initiate the visa cancellation process, which is done through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). 

The fee for cancelling a UAE visa is AED 110, and you are permitted to stay in the country for 30 days after the visa is cancelled. The process itself is simple, especially since your sponsor handles most of the paperwork. 

In this guide, I’ll take you step by step through the entire visa cancellation process, making sure you’re fully prepared.

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UAE Visa Cancellation for Resident or Employment Permits

UAE Visa Cancellation Process for Abu Dhabi, Dubai & All Other Emirates

I will provide online & offline methods to cancel different types of visas in the UAE. To make it even easier, I will include images and screenshots for each step, guiding you through the process smoothly.

Method 01: MOHRE Visa Cancellation in UAE

When it comes to work permits and employment contracts, your sponsor or employer is responsible for canceling your residency visa. For canceling work permit or contract as an employer, follow each step below.

Go to the MOHRE website by clicking on the link.

log in to the relevant service platform using your username and password. If you’re using online or smart channels, you can also use UAE Pass for a quicker login.

Scroll down and go to the option “Cancellation of Work Permit & Employment Contract” and click on the “Start Service” option.

Now choose the option “Electronic Work Permit Cancellation”.

1 Electronic Work Permit Cancellation

Enter your company code in the box and click on the “Get Employment List” button.

Enter your company code in the box

Now enter “Card Number” and “Unified Number” in the boxes.

2 enter Card Number and Unified Number

Choose the type of “E-Signature Card.”

3 Choose the type of “E-Signature Card

Now you need to fill in the details of your employee in the form.

4 need to fill in the details of your employee in the form

Next provide the details of the applicant.

5 Next provide the details of the applicant

Upload passport and visa copies.

6 Upload passport and visa copies

Review the application and click on the “Submit” button.

Once submitted, your application will be sent electronically to the Ministry for verification. They will check if all requirements and documents are in order.

7 Review the application and click on the “Submit” button

If there are any missing or incomplete documents, the Ministry will notify the establishment (your company) to provide the necessary information.

Once your request is processed, you’ll receive a notification. To stay updated on your application status, you can:

  • Visit the MOHRE Website
  • Use the MOHRE Smart App
  • Call the MOHRE Call Center at 600-590-000
  • Chat with the support team via the chatbot

After the Ministry receives all required documents and confirms everything is complete, they will approve the cancellation of your permit or contract.

Required Documents for Visa Cancellation Through MOHRE

  • Worker Outside the Country: Provide the residence visa details.
  • Worker with Contagious Diseases: Attach a medical fitness form indicating the worker is unfit.
  • Deceased Worker: Include a death certificate from the relevant authority.
  • Used Work Permit: Both the employer and employee must sign the cancellation form.
  • Unused Work Permit: Only the employer’s signature is needed on the cancellation form.
  • Electronic Work Permits: Both parties need to sign the cancellation form.
  • Administrative Deportation: Provide residence visa details for cancellation.

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Method 02: GDRFA Visa Cancellation of All Types

You can cancel all types of residence visas in the UAE through the GDRFA website.

Go to GDRFA website by clicking on the link.

Click on the “Start Service” button.

Login to your account using your username and password.

Enter the information in the form.

Attach the following documents:

  1. The sponsor’s passport.
  2. The passport of the person being sponsored.
  3. An extract of the work permit cancellation issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (for employees in the private sector).

Pay the residence permit cancellation fee AED100 & submit your application

Method 03: ICP Visa Cancellation Process in The UAE

ICP Smart Services website is another way to cancel visa in the UAE. 

Go to the ICP website by clicking on the link.

Now click on the “Smart Service” option.

Login to your account by using UAE PASS.

Fill in the required for and upload required documents.

Complete the required form and upload the necessary documents:

  1. If applicable, include the cancellation or transfer of the trade license due to the residency cancellation of a partner or investor.
  2. If the person has passed away, provide:
    • A death certificate issued within the country.
    • A death certificate from abroad, certified by the relevant official authorities.

When handling the cancellation process, here’s a quick look at the fees you’ll need to pay:

  • Order Fee: 50 AED
  • E-Services Fee: 10 AED

You can easily cover these costs using a credit card.

Method 04: Amer Service Center Visa Cancellation Procedure

To handle your residency visa cancellation or similar procedures, start by heading to the nearest Amer Service Center. Once you arrive, you’ll need to get an automated turn ticket and wait for your number to be called. 

When it’s your turn, you’ll present your completed application and any required documents to the customer service employee. Don’t forget to pay the service fee at this point.

Alternatively, you can visit an Amer Typing Centre, which is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The staff there will help you fill out the necessary forms and ensure you have all the right documents. After completing the paperwork, you’ll pay the required fees and submit your application.

Now, let’s talk about the fees you should expect. For the service, you’ll pay AED 100. There’s also an innovation fee of AED 10 and a knowledge dirham charge of AED 10. If you’re submitting your application via the ZAJEL Courier Centre, there’s an additional printing fee of AED 100.

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Employer is Not Canceling The Visa: What I Should Do?

First, if you’re in this situation, try contacting the Ministry of Labor by calling their number, 0084. You need to request the cancellation of your visa through them. Once your cancellation request is processed, you’ll receive a message. Click on this message to open an application confirming that the cancellation has been completed.

For Dubai: If you have an Emirates ID, you can visit any Amer Service Center to submit your visa cancellation application. If you don’t have an Emirates ID, you’ll need to go to Al-Kifaf Center. I’ll share an image to guide you through this process.

For Sharjah or Abu Dhabi: Visit any Tasjeel Center and inform them that you need an “Exemption Cancellation” rather than a regular cancellation. They will process your request, so you won’t need to go to immigration. Your cancellation should be completed within 24 hours.

Related Article: Labour Card Cancellation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the process of visa cancellation in the UAE?

The process of visa cancellation involves several steps:

  • For Employment Visas: Your employer or sponsor is responsible for initiating the cancellation process. They must submit a cancellation request through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or the relevant immigration department. Once the request is approved, you will receive a notification confirming the cancellation.
  • For Residence Visas: If you are cancelling a residence visa, you need to ensure all requirements and documents are completed, including any final settlement with the employer or sponsor. The cancellation request is typically processed through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or relevant immigration authorities.

2. How much does it cost to cancel a visa in the UAE?

The cancellation fee for a visa in the UAE is AED 110. This fee is applicable for most types of visas, including employment and residence visas. There may be additional fees depending on the type of visa and the specific services used.

3. How many days can we stay in the UAE after visa cancellation?

After your visa is cancelled, you are allowed to stay in the UAE for up to 30 days. This grace period is provided to allow you time to make arrangements to leave the country or adjust your visa status.

4. Can I get a refund for visa cancellation?

Generally, the visa cancellation fee is non-refundable. The fee is charged for the administrative process of cancelling the visa, and there are usually no refunds issued for this service.

5. Can I apply for a visa if it was cancelled?

Yes, you can apply for a new visa even if your previous visa was cancelled. However, you must ensure that all legal and administrative processes are completed, and any outstanding issues or violations are resolved before applying for a new visa.

6. What if my employer refuses to cancel my visa in the UAE?

If your employer refuses to cancel your visa, you should file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). You can reach out to them through their call center or online services. They will assist in resolving the issue and ensuring that the cancellation process is completed in accordance with UAE labor laws.

Haris Ali
About the author

I'm Haris Ali. I am resident of United Arab Emirates. I've been working with identification documents in UAE for over 8 years. I've gained valuable experience from working with various government authorities in the region, especially with documents like the Emirates ID.

In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and exploring new destinations around the world.

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