How to Cancel a Visa in the UAE: Full Step-by-Step Guide
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Fatima Saif
- . December 2, 2025
- . Update: December 2, 2025 8:34 pm
It is also necessary to know the process to cancel a visa in the UAE so that residents who intend to leave the country, change jobs, or have a new sponsor will not have any problems. The UAE has simplified its visa cancellation processes, and it is simpler and faster to do so if done properly. Regardless of whether your visa has been sponsored by an employer or a family member, the sponsor is required to cancel it with the help of the official immigration channels. The step-by-step guide to cancelling a visa in the UAE, along with the necessary documents, procedures, schedule, expenses, and necessary regulations, is provided to make the cancellation process quick and painless.
Step 1: Sponsor Starts the Process to Cancel a Visa in the UAE
The initial procedure in learning how to cancel a visa in the UAE is the move by your sponsor, be it an employer or a family member.
In the case of Employees (Employer-Sponsored Visa)
The first step that an employer has to follow is to apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to end your labor contract. This involves:
- Submission of the cancellation request on the Internet.
- Getting your signature so you can know.
- Ensuring that all dues and end-of-service benefits are satisfactory.
After MOHRE has given the go-ahead on the cancellation, your employer can then carry out the immigration cancellation.
For Family-Sponsored Visas
Before the visa of a family sponsor is suspended, he or she is also required to cancel the visas of all the dependents. This can be the children, spouse, parents, or domestic workers.
Step 2: Submit a Visa Cancellation Application.
Once the MOHRE approves (employment visa), the sponsor should request visa cancellation at the immigration office of the UAE.
There are two main ways:
1. Online Cancellation (ICP or GDRFA)
Your sponsor can use online through:
Sanctions Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security ICP.
GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)
Both sites permit the request for cancellation, payment, and tracking of the cancellation.
2. Typing Center Submission
It is also possible to visit any licensed typing center within your emirate with a sponsor. The center completes the cancellation form over the internet and submits it either under ICP or GDRFA on your behalf.
Documents to cancel the Visa
To fill in how to cancel a visa in the UAE, the sponsor will have to provide:
- The sponsor signed the visa cancellation form.
- Your original passport
- Original Emirates ID
- Trade license and establishment card of the company (to get employment visas)
- MOHRE approval (cancellation of employment visa only)
Ensure that such documents are valid and complete to prevent time wastage.
Cost of Visa Cancellation
The price of cancelling a visa in the UAE generally varies from AED 100 to 200, subject to the emirate and the type of visa.
These are fees that are, in fact, legally paid by the sponsors and not visa holders.
Visa Cancellation Timeframe
The cancellation of the visa is usually a 1-2 working-day process.
It can however, take a bit more time than otherwise, provided that:
- The labor card requires additional processing.
- Documents are incomplete
- Some fines or open employment issues exist.
Important Notes to Remember
- When you cancel, a grace period of 30 days is normally given to you to leave the UAE or to switch the type of visa.
- Do not leave the UAE without cancellation permission granted by your sponsor.
- You have to submit your Emirates ID in the cancellation process.
