How Much Is Visa Cancellation in Dubai 2026

Quick answer

Visa cancellation in Dubai costs AED 0 when filed online by the sponsor; you only pay if you have overstayed or need a new Emirates ID. The real cost comes from fines (AED 50 per day after 30 grace days) and any medical or Emirates ID re-issuance fees you may have triggered. Always cancel before the grace period ends to avoid penalties.

Who needs a visa cancellation in Dubai?

Every resident visa holder who is leaving the UAE permanently, changing sponsors, or whose visa has expired must cancel the visa with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) or the Immigration Department at Amer centres. Tourists on 30- or 90-day visas do not need cancellation; their entry stamp simply expires.

Current official fees (2026)

• Online cancellation via ICP or GDRFA portal: AED 0
• Counter cancellation at Amer or typing centre: AED 100 service fee
• Inside Dubai International Airport: AED 250 (if you cancel on exit)
• Emirates ID cancellation/reprint: AED 100 (if you still hold the card)
• Medical fitness re-test (if required for new visa): AED 300–750 depending on the centre

Always verify the current fee with GDRFA before you pay; prices above are the published 2026 rates.

Step-by-step: how to cancel your Dubai visa

1. Check your grace period

After your employment or residency ends you normally have 30 days of grace before fines begin. Log into the ICP app or GDRFA portal to see your exact expiry date.

2. Collect the right documents

• Original passport + valid visa page
• Emirates ID (if still in your possession)
• Signed cancellation form from your sponsor or PRO
• Company stamp and trade licence copy (if employment visa)
• One passport-size photo (white background)

3. File the cancellation

Most companies now cancel visas online through the ICP or GDRFA e-channel. If your sponsor prefers a typing centre, visit any Amer branch in Dubai (Satwa, Deira, Jafza, Ibn Battuta). The process takes 5–15 minutes once papers are complete.

4. Return your Emirates ID

Drop the card into the designated boxes at Amer centres or Dubai Airports before departure. Failure to return it can block future visas.

5. Confirm the stamp

After cancellation you will receive an exit stamp in your passport or a digital confirmation via the ICP app. Keep the PDF receipt for your records.

Common mistakes expats make

• Waiting until the last day of grace and finding typing centres fully booked
• Assuming the company will cancel automatically; you must follow up
• Forgetting to pay DEWA, Etisalat or du final bills, which can trigger an immigration stop
• Leaving the Emirates ID inside an old passport that you no longer carry
• Booking a one-way ticket before the cancellation is confirmed in the system

Overstay fines you should know

If you exceed the 30-day grace period, GDRFA levies AED 50 per day for the first 6 months, AED 100 per day thereafter, up to a maximum of AED 10,000. Overstaying also blocks future visa applications until the fine is cleared at an Amer centre or online via the ICP app.

Can you get a refund after cancellation?

Visa fees already paid to the government are non-refundable. However, if you paid a security deposit to your landlord or employer, you can request it back once the visa is cancelled and the property is handed over. Ejari tenancy contracts must be terminated separately through the Ejari portal.

Visa cancellation vs. visa transfer

If you are moving to a new job inside the UAE you may not need a full cancellation. Ask your new sponsor to file a visa transfer (AED 0–300 depending on timing). The old visa is automatically cancelled when the new one is stamped. Always keep copies of both the NOC from your old employer and the new employment contract.

Airport same-day cancellation

Travellers who forget to cancel can do it at Dubai International Airport Departure Immigration. The fee is AED 250 and must be paid by card. You will still need the sponsor’s signed form, so coordinate with your PRO in advance. This option is slower during peak hours (evenings and weekends).

Key takeaway

Visa cancellation itself is free or costs AED 100 at most, but the real expense is avoiding the AED 50 daily overstay fine. Start the process at least a week before your grace period ends, return your Emirates ID, and keep digital copies of every receipt. When in doubt, open the ICP app or call GDRFA Dubai on 800 40000 for the latest guidance.