Cancelling a UAE visa involves a straightforward legal procedure, but many residents end up paying unnecessary charges simply because they don’t know the correct rules. Whether you are resigning from your job, leaving the UAE, changing employer sponsorship, or cancelling your family visa, understanding visa cancellation fees and refund eligibility saves you time and money. This comprehensive guide explains the visa cancellation cost, step-by-step process, refund policies, and timelines.
What Is Visa Cancellation?
Visa cancellation is the legal closing or removal of a residency visa from the UAE immigration system. It must be completed when:
- An employee resigns or is terminated
- A family visa is no longer needed
- A resident is permanently leaving the UAE
- A person is changing their employment sponsorship
- A company shuts down or closes its trade license
After cancellation, the visa holder is given a grace period to exit the UAE or transfer sponsorship.
Who Is Responsible for Visa Cancellation?
- Employment Visa → Employer is responsible
- Family Visa (Dependents) → Sponsor is responsible
- Investor/Partner Visa → Visa holder is responsible
- Golden Visa → Beneficiary must apply via ICP or GDRFA if cancelling
Cancellation cannot proceed if there are pending fines, financial disputes, or loan-related immigration notices.
Visa Cancellation Fee – Complete Breakdown
The cost depends on the type of visa and issuing authority (ICP / GDRFA) but typically includes:
- Immigration submission fee
- Service center typing fee
- Cancellation administration charges
Average Visa Cancellation Cost
| Visa Type | Expected Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Employment Visa | AED 100 – 250 |
| Family / Dependent Visa | AED 100 – 200 |
| Investor / Partner Visa | AED 300 – 550 |
| Golden Visa | AED 150 – 350 |
| Visa Cancellation via Amer / Tasheel | AED 100 – 200 service fee extra |
If you use a typing center or agent, additional service charges may apply.
Refund Policy – How Much Can You Get Back?
During cancellation, you may receive refunds on:
- Security deposits paid for family visas
- Security deposits for nanny/housemaid visas
- Investor/partner security deposit
- Pending balance from unutilized visa fees (in some cases)
General Refund Eligibility
| Category | Refund Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Security deposit | Yes |
| Medical test fee | No |
| Emirates ID application fee | No |
| Visa stamping fee | No |
| Courier / agent fee | No |
| Overstay fine | No |
Refunds are always returned to the original payer’s bank or card.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cancellation fee | AED 100 – 550 depending on visa type |
| Responsible person | Employer / sponsor / self (visa type dependent) |
| Refund eligibility | Mainly security deposit |
| Refund timeline | 7 – 21 business days |
| Where to cancel | ICP website, GDRFA website, Amer, Tasheel |
| Grace period after cancellation | 30 – 180 days depending on visa type |
Visa Cancellation Time and Processing Duration
- Typing request → 5–10 minutes
- Immigration approval → 24–72 hours
- Refund processing (if applicable) → 7–21 working days
- Visa grace period after cancellation → 30, 60, 90, or 180 days
Golden Visa, Employee Visa, and Family Visa may have different grace durations based on the cancellation reason.
Step-by-Step Visa Cancellation Procedure
For Employment Visa
- Employer submits cancellation request
- Employee signs cancellation form
- Labour contract and work permit closed
- Immigration visa cancelled
- Grace period starts
For Family Visa
- Cancel dependents first
- Submit Emirates ID, passport copies, and visa page
- Immigration processes cancellation
- Refund amount returned (if eligible)
For Investor or Partner Visa
- Settlement of financial liabilities
- Submission of passport copy, Emirates ID, trade license
- Visa cancellation and security deposit refund
Important Points Before Cancelling a Visa
- All fines (overstay, traffic, visa, Emirates ID) must be cleared.
- If leaving UAE permanently, ensure bank loans and credit cards are settled.
- Dependents’ visas must be cancelled before employment visa.
- Immigration will reject cancellation if a police case or bank hold exists.
- Grace period allows you to stay legally in UAE after cancellation.
Avoid Extra Charges – Money-Saving Tips
- Use online cancellation services instead of agent offices
- Confirm security deposit refund status immediately
- Download and keep cancellation approval certificate
- Renew passport at least 6 months before cancellation
- Complete company exit clearance to avoid liability
FAQs
Q1. Can an employee be charged for visa cancellation by their employer?
No, visa cancellation cost must be paid by the employer — it cannot be deducted from the employee.
Q2. Can I reverse a visa cancellation by mistake?
No, once cancelled, the visa cannot be reinstated; a new visa needs to be issued.
Q3. Is it mandatory to exit UAE after cancellation?
No, you can legally stay during the grace period or transfer to a new visa.