UAE Visa Cancellation Process 2025 – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

UAE Visa Cancellation Process 2025 – Requirements, Fees & Full Guide

If you're leaving the UAE, changing jobs, or canceling a family visa, you must follow the official UAE Visa Cancellation Process. In 2025, the UAE has updated the cancellation steps to make the process faster and completely digital.

This guide covers everything: who can cancel a visa, documents needed, how to cancel online, fees, timelines, grace period rules, and FAQs.

What You Will Learn

• Who can cancel UAE residence visas

• Cancellation process for employment visa, family visa & investor visa

• Online cancellation steps (GDRFA & ICP)

• Required documents

• Cancellation fees

• Grace period after cancellation

• FAQs

1. Who Can Cancel a UAE Visa?

Visa cancellation can only be done by:

✔ Employer / Company PRO (for employee visas)
✔ Sponsor (for family visas)
✔ Investor / Partner (for their own visa)
✔ Agent authorized by company

You cannot cancel your own visa unless you are the visa sponsor.

2. UAE Visa Cancellation Requirements 2025

To cancel a residence visa, you must have:

✔ Passport copy
✔ Emirates ID
✔ Visa page / Visa number
✔ Cancellation application form
✔ Sponsor/Employer signature
✔ No outstanding fines (overstay, absconding, Emirates ID fines)

3. How to Cancel UAE Visa (2025 Step-by-Step)

The cancellation method depends on whether the visa was issued in Dubai or other emirates.

Method 1 – Dubai Visa Cancellation (GDRFA)

For Dubai employment visas, family visas, or investor visas.

Steps:

1. Go to GDRFA Smart Portal
   ➤ https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae

2. Login with UAE PASS

3. Select Services → Visa Cancellation

4. Enter:
   ✔ Visa File Number
   ✔ Passport Number
   ✔ Emirates ID

5. Upload required documents

6. Pay cancellation fee

7. Receive cancellation confirmation (PDF)

Processing time: 4–24 hours

Method 2 – UAE Visa Cancellation (ICP for All Other Emirates)

Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ, RAK, Fujairah.

Steps:

1. Go to ICP Smart Services
   ➤ https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae

2. Login with UAE PASS

3. Choose Services → Cancel Residency Visa

4. Enter required details

5. Upload passport + Emirates ID

6. Pay fee

7. Download cancellation approval

Processing time: 1 day

4. Employment Visa Cancellation (2025 Rules)

When canceling your job visa:

✔ Your company must cancel labour contract
✔ Labour card must be cancelled
✔ Work permit must be deactivated
✔ Residency visa cancelled via GDRFA/ICP

Important:

You should return your Emirates ID to employer or sponsor.

Once cancelled, you receive a grace period to stay legally in UAE.

5. Family Visa Cancellation (2025)

If you're sponsoring your family:

✔ You must cancel dependents' visas before you cancel your own
✔ You can cancel online via ICP or Amer/GDRFA
✔ No need for family members to visit the office

Required documents:

• Sponsor Emirates ID

• Dependent passport copy

• Dependent visa copy

Processing time: 5–24 hours

6. Investor / Partner Visa Cancellation

Investor visa cancellation requires:

✔ Original Emirates ID
✔ Passport
✔ Establishment card
✔ Trade license copy
✔ Immigration file
✔ Partner resignation (if applicable)

You must also clear:

✔ Any outstanding liabilities
✔ Business licenses
✔ Bank clearances (in some cases)

7. UAE Visa Cancellation Fees (2025)

Total approximate cost: 100–250 AED

8. Grace Period After Visa Cancellation (2025)

After your visa is cancelled, you get a grace period to exit the UAE or switch visa.

Grace Period (2025 Standard):

✔ 30 days after cancellation
✔ No fines during this period
✔ You may:

• Exit UAE

• Change to tourist visa

• Apply for new employment visa

• Apply for new family visa

Overstaying after the grace period results in 50 AED per day fine.

9. Check UAE Visa Cancellation Status Online

Dubai (GDRFA):

Use “Application Status” → Enter File Number

Other Emirates (ICP):

Use "Application Tracking" → Enter Application Number or Passport Number

Status will show:

• Under Process

• Approved

• Rejected

• Cancelled

10. FAQs – UAE Visa Cancellation 2025

1. How long does UAE visa cancellation take?

Usually 4 hours to 1 day.

2. Can I cancel my visa myself?

Only if you are the sponsor (family visa/investor visa).
Employees must cancel through employer.

3. Do I need to leave UAE immediately?

No — you get 30-day grace period after cancellation.

4. Does the Emirates ID get cancelled?

Yes, once visa is cancelled, your Emirates ID becomes invalid.

5. Can I apply for a new visa after cancellation?

Yes, anytime during the 30-day grace period.

6. Do children need to visit the office for cancellation?

No — cancellation is fully online.

Conclusion

The UAE has made visa cancellation fast, simple, and fully digital in 2025. Whether you’re changing jobs, sponsoring your family, or leaving the country, following the correct cancellation process ensures you avoid fines and maintain a clean immigration record.

By using GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates), you can cancel your visa in minutes and track your status online.

Internal Links

Popular UAE Visa Guides

• UAE Entry Permit Status Check 2025

• UAE Medical Test for Visa 2025

• UAE Child Visa Guide 2025

• UAE Family Visa Requirements 2025

• UAE Residence Visa Renewal Guide 2025

• UAE Employment Visa Guide 2025

• UAE Visit Visa Guide 2025

• UAE Golden Visa Guide 2025

Useful Expat Guides

• UAE Salary Guide 2025

• UAE Job Seeker Visa 2025

• UAE Transit Visa Guide (48/96 Hours)

• UAE Overstay Fine Checker & Reduction Rules 2025

• UAE Visa Stamping to Emirates ID System 2025