Navigating UAE Visas: Your Complete Guide to Status and Cancellation

Author: Hanoof Al Naama
Published: March 26, 2025 Updated on: Nov 27, 2025
Tags: Business in Dubai, Business in Sharjah, UAE Visas, Visa Cancellation

Introduction

In recent years, the UAE has emerged as a magnet for individuals seeking a dynamic and prosperous destination for residence and work.

Investors from across the globe are increasingly drawn to the UAE. However, to live and do business in the UAE, it's imperative to have a UAE visa, a prerequisite for entry and residence. Understanding how to check your visa cancellation status in UAE is important.

As investors and professionals explore opportunities to set up a company in the UAE, understanding the intricacies of obtaining and maintaining a UAE Visa becomes paramount. Knowing your visa cancellation status in UAE is a key part of this process.

Check Your Visa Cancellation Status In UAE

Navigating your visa cancellation status check UAE is an easy process, which can be done through ICP visa status check.

Steps to Check Visa Status UAE

  1. Visit the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
  2. Navigate to "Services" and choose: check the visa status
  3. Enter the needed details, including your passport number and other additional details related to your visa
  4. Receive information on your visa status, such as the visa's expiration date, visa type, and other information specific to your UAE visa status

Alternatively, you can contact the Amer service helpline or visit one of the Amer centers to find out how to check visa cancellation status in UAE. It's important to be aware of your visa cancellation status in UAE throughout your stay in the country.

Understanding the Visa Cancellation Process in UAE

The process and required documents for canceling the UAE Visa depend on many factors, including the type of visa. It also depends on whether you are employed in a free zone or mainland UAE. Below are the general steps involved.

Canceling Your Employment Visa

Firstly follow the above steps to learn how to check employment visa status. For employers looking to navigate employment visa cancellation UAE, the first step is canceling the work permit and labor contract with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).

Canceling Your Work Permit

To get visa cancellation of the work permit, you will need the following:

Canceling Your Family Visa

If you're the sponsor of family members in the UAE and you're canceling your residency visa in UAE, then you must cancel their residence visas first. You can also cancel the UAE Visa of the dependents if they are outside the UAE.

Canceling Your Investor Visa

If you are an investor and want to cancel your UAE Visa, you can do that physically by visiting an Amer Service Center, or online using the ICP website or ICP app to navigate your visa cancellation status in UAE.

Step By Step Guide On Cancelling Your UAE Visa

Step 1: Employer or Sponsor Requests Cancellation

The visa cancellation process in Dubai is as follows. The employer (for work visas) or individual (for investor visas) must initiate the cancellation request through the appropriate authority.

Step 2: Submission of Required Documents

Documents required to cancel a UAE Visa differ based on the type of the visa. The key documents required at SPC Free Zone to cancel a family, employee, or investor visa include:

Investor:

Employment:

Dependent:

Step 3: Approval from the Immigration Department

Regardless of the type of visa you want to cancel, the process usually takes 1-2 working days for most visa types and involves submitting the required documents, paying the applicable visa cancellation fees, and obtaining the cancellation approval letter by email. The request is processed through ICA or GDRFA, and once approved, the visa is officially canceled. Understanding visa cancellation status in UAE is vital at this stage.

Grace Period After Cancellation

Once the visa is canceled, individuals typically have a 30-day grace period to leave the UAE or apply for a new visa.

Free Zone Visa Cancellation: Key Differences

For businesses operating in UAE free zones, the visa cancellation process is slightly different from the mainland system.

Common Issues When Checking Visa Cancellation Status In UAE

Sometimes, visa cancellation requests face delays or errors. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

❌ Cancellation Status Not Updated

Solution: Contact the free zone authority or immigration department for an update.

❌ Outstanding Dues or Fines

Solution: Settle any unpaid fines, loans, or end-of-service payments before requesting cancellation.

❌ Sponsor Not Processing Cancellation

Solution: Employees can report employers who fail to process visa cancellations through MOHRE visa cancellation or the free zone authority.

❌ Overstay Penalties After Cancellation

Solution: Make sure to exit the UAE within the grace period or apply for a new visa to avoid penalties. It's important to monitor your visa cancellation status in UAE to avoid these issues.

Legal Consequences of Not Cancelling a Visa in UAE

Failing to cancel a visa properly can lead to severe consequences, including:

The Benefits of Expert Guidance

Though the process of canceling a UAE Visa is straightforward, it requires good knowledge of the requirements and regulations. Get the assistance of qualified professionals like those at SPC Free Zone, who can guide you through the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to leave the UAE after my visa is cancelled?

You generally have a 30-day grace period after your visa is officially cancelled to either exit the UAE or apply for a new visa. Overstaying this period can result in daily fines.

Where do I check my UAE visa cancellation status in UAE?

You can check your ICA visa cancellation status through the official General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website, by visiting an Amer service center, or by contacting the Amer service helpline.

What documents are typically required for a freezone visa cancellation process?

You'll likely need your passport copy, Emirates ID copy, and a signed end-of-service benefits confirmation. Employers also need to provide a clearance letter stating all dues are settled.

What happens if my employer refuses to cancel my visa?

If your employer fails to process your visa cancellation, you can report them to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for mainland visas or the respective free zone authority for free zone visas.

Can I cancel my family's visas if they are outside the UAE?

Yes, you can cancel the visas of your dependents even if they are currently outside the UAE. You'll need to follow the same cancellation process as if they were inside the country.

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About SPC Free Zone

SPC Free Zone provides comprehensive business setup services in Sharjah, UAE, including visa processing, documentation assistance, and business licensing support.

Services Offered

Contact Information

For more information about visa services and business setup in the UAE, visit the SPC Free Zone website or contact their customer service team.


Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about UAE visa cancellation processes. Requirements and procedures may vary based on individual circumstances, visa type, and current regulations. Always consult with official authorities or qualified professionals for specific guidance related to your situation.