Can I Cancel My Employment Visa in Dubai 2026

Quick answer

Yes, you can cancel your employment visa in Dubai at any time, but the process must be started by your employer through MOHRE. You’ll need a signed labour contract release, pay any outstanding fees, and complete medical and Emirates ID cancellation. The entire process normally takes 5–10 working days if documents are complete.

Who can request the cancellation?

Only your current sponsor (employer) can initiate the cancellation on the MOHRE and GDRFA portals. You cannot apply yourself unless you have a valid work permit in your own name (freelance or self-sponsored). If your company refuses to release you, you must first settle any contractual notice period or file a labour complaint with MOHRE.

Step-by-step: how to cancel an employment visa in Dubai

1. Notify your employer in writing

Send a formal resignation letter stating your last working day. Keep records of delivery. If you are on probation, 14 days’ notice is standard; outside probation, 30 days is usual unless your contract says otherwise.

2. Obtain the labour contract release

Ask HR for a signed “Release Letter” or the digital approval on the MOHRE system. Without this, the visa cancellation cannot proceed.

3. Clear company liabilities

Return company assets (laptop, SIM, access cards) and settle any loans or advances. Outstanding dues can delay cancellation and may be deducted from your final settlement.

4. Final settlement and experience certificate

Collect your end-of-service gratuity, unused leave pay, and a non-objection experience certificate. MOHRE requires proof that all dues are paid before approving cancellation.

5. Medical fitness and Emirates ID cancellation

Visit an approved centre for a cancellation medical fitness test (AED 300–500). Once cleared, book an Emirates ID cancellation appointment via the ICP app or Amer centres. The card must be physically destroyed.

6. Visa stamp cancellation at GDRFA

Your employer’s PRO submits the cancellation request online. You’ll receive an email when the visa stamp is cancelled. Keep the PDF for exit or new visa applications.

7. Grace period and overstay fines

After cancellation you normally receive a 30-day grace period to leave the UAE or change status. Overstay fines are AED 50 per day after this window, so plan your departure or new visa in advance.

Common mistakes that delay cancellation

• Assuming you can cancel the visa yourself without employer approval.
• Forgetting to return company property, leading to a hold on the release letter.
• Not clearing traffic fines or DEWA bills linked to your Emirates ID.
• Missing the medical fitness appointment, which restarts the 30-day clock.
• Leaving the country before the visa stamp is officially cancelled in the system.

What happens to your family visa?

When the primary employment visa is cancelled, all dependent visas tied to it are also cancelled automatically. You must either transfer the dependents to a new sponsor within 30 days or book exit visas for them. Schools require valid residence visas, so coordinate timing with KHDA institutions if you have children enrolled.

Can you cancel during probation?

Yes. During the probation period either party may terminate the contract with 14 days’ written notice. The employer still needs to complete the same MOHRE cancellation steps, but the notice period is shorter and end-of-service gratuity is not payable for the probation months.

Cost checklist for 2026

• Medical fitness test: verify current fee with DHA-approved centre
• Emirates ID cancellation: verify current fee with ICP
• MOHRE service fee: verify current fee with MOHRE
• GDRFA visa cancellation: verify current fee with GDRFA
• Typing centre documents: AED 100–200 per set

Always confirm the latest amounts on official portals before your appointment.

Tips to leave on good terms

Hand over all projects with documented status, train your replacement, and request an exit interview. A positive relationship increases the chance of a fast release letter and a helpful reference for future UAE roles.

Key takeaway

Cancelling your Dubai employment visa is straightforward when you follow the MOHRE sequence and keep documents organised. Start with written notice, secure the release letter, clear dues, then complete medical and ID cancellations. Allow at least two weeks and keep digital copies of every approval to avoid grace-period fines or re-entry issues later.