There is a 30 to 90-day grace period after visa cancellation in UAE for most expats, during which they can remain in the country. Likewise, some golden visa and green visa holders are allowed to stay for up to 180 days. The authorities grant grace periods by looking at the type of visa and skills.
Mainland employees’ grace period starts from their labour card cancellation, while free zone workers must track the cancellation of their residence permit. Individuals are encouraged to monitor their immigration status closely, as they can face heavy fines if they overstay in the UAE.
UAE is a dream destination and land of opportunities that attracts people from all over the world to live and work. Everyone tries to get UAE citizenship for a secure and promising future. Even after visa cancellation, the UAE provides a grace period to renew the visa or leave the country.
What does the Grace Period After Visa Cancellation in the UAE Mean?
The grace period allows visa holders to change or renew their visa while staying in the country without any fines. Consequently, it gives extra time to conduct professional or personal business legally.
Typically, the grace period after the cancellation of a UAE residence visa is 30 days. However, the authorities have introduced a two-month grace period in recent policies. The grace period for some categories is different, and you can check the details through the online portal of ICP.
Fines for Overstaying in the UAE After the Grace Period
Overstaying in the UAE after the grace period ends can result in severe penalties and fines. Staying without a valid visa can result in daily fines of AED 50 per day. Additionally, when leaving the UAE, you must pay for an exit permit, which costs around AED 250-300.
You can settle your fines at the airport, immigration office, seaport, land borders, or any authorized typing centers in the UAE. Additionally, if you wish to apply to renew or extend your visa, you can make payments at those places. Making payments at these designated places and renewing the visa can resolve the overstaying situation with ease.
Grace Period After Employment Visa Cancellation
If you were an employee in the UAE and have decided to leave permanently, your employer must cancel your work permit and labor contract with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation). It is not possible to cancel an employment visa without the help of an employer. An employer might need your passport, ID card, emirate ID, labor card, and trading license to proceed with the application for visa cancellation.
According to the latest rules and regulations of authorities, the grace period is usually 30 days, but it can be extended to 60 days, 90 days, and even 180 days in some cases. The purpose of a grace period is to provide enough time for the individual so he/she can
- Find another job
- Renew visa
- Exit the UAE
Grace Period for Visit Visa Holders
The UAE removed its grace period for a visit visa; now you must depart the country or extend your visit visa before the expiry date to avoid fines. If you fail to leave, you will face a daily fine of AED 50 and potentially a re-entry ban. Previous UAE regulations allowed a 10-day grace period for visitors, but new regulations removed it, requiring visitors to follow the expiry dates strictly.
Grace Period for Resident Visa Holders
If you have a residency permit in the UAE, you have a 6-month grace period for expiration and cancellation. If you stay even one day extra after completing 180 days, you must pay 50 AED. To avoid fines, leaving the UAE within 6 months or getting a new visa is recommended.
Grace Period for Retirement Visa
In the UAE, foreigners over 55 can get a retirement visa to stay for 5 years. This visa also offers a grace period of 30 days, but it has some requirements. These include a certain minimum amount in the account, property ownership, and some other factors. It is not affordable for everyone as the requirements are challenging for retired persons. During the 30-day grace period, either renew your retirement visa or depart; otherwise, you may face a fine of AED 50 per day for overstaying.
To Avoid Fines
- Renew your visa before the end of the 30-day grace period.
- If you don’t renew, you must leave the country and re-enter with a new entry permit to avoid any fines and penalties.
Grace Period for Investor Visa
The investors also get a 180-day grace period after the cancellation of their visa or leaving their sponsoring employer to find a new job.
To Avoid Fines
- Find a new sponsor, a new job, or get a new visa during the grace period.
- Apply to adjust your status to a new visa category without leaving the UAE.
- To become eligible for the grace period, deregister your old visa and pay any due fines.
Grace Period for Widows
UAE govt offers special support to women who live in UAE after their husband passes away. They get one year visa extension along with 180 days grace period. This helps them in finding or deciding on new sponsor in difficult time.
Widows are encouraged to contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) and (ICP) to understand the required procedures, documents or a new residency status t (ICP) as they may qualify for.
Canceling your visa is a crucial step before leaving the UAE permanently; otherwise, you might face unwanted situations, including the possibility of being banned. It is better to understand how to cancel your visa so you do not have to face any consequences.
Grace Period for Green Visa
Green visa holders, whether they are entrepreneurs, freelancers, or skilled professionals, are granted a grace period of 180 days. However, if they overstay the grace period, they may have to pay a fine of AED 50 per day.
Grace Period for Golden Visa
All inventors, entrepreneurs, and excellent students with a golden visa are granted a 180-day grace period after their visa expires. They can either renew their permit or depart the country with a different grace period for applying for a new permit for each category.
Grace Period for Standard Work Visa
Standard visa holders in public or private sectors are granted a 90-day grace period. The employer must apply for cancellation on time; otherwise, they will face heavy fines.
Grace Period for Student Visa
Generally, all student visa holders, whether their institute or parents sponsor them, are given a grace period of 180 days after their visa expires. A grace period allows students to transition or renew their visa status after graduating.
| Visa Types | Grace Period | Fines for Overstaying | Key Details |
| Visitor Visa | No grace period | AED 50 per day | Exception for delayed or cancelled flights |
| Residence Visa | 180 days | AED 50 per day | 5-10 year validity |
| Retirement Visa | 180 days | AED 50 per day | Foreigners aged 55+ with financial requirements |
| Green Visa | 180 days | AED 50 per day | AED 50 per day
Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals |
| Golden Visa | 180 days | AED 50 per day | 5-10 year validity, renewable |
| Standard Work Visa | 90 days | AED 50 per day | For public and private sector employees |
| Widowed/Divorced Women | 180 days | AED 50 per day | Can be extended for one year without the choice of renewability |
| Student Visa | 180 days | AED 50 per day | For students sponsored by their institutions or parents |
| Investors Visa | 180 days | AED 50 per day | Valid for 5-10 years |
Visa Cancellation Procedure in UAE
There can be multiple reasons behind this decision, such as personal matters, health issues, job changes, or educational opportunities in another country. In the UAE, individuals can not cancel their visas on their own; they have to go through a formal process.
- The first step is to submit an application, and for that, you can choose between service centers (Tasheel center, local typing center) and online service (General Director of Residency and Foreign Affairs, smart channel).
- Signing the application by relevant authorities and sponsor
- Submit the required documents to initiate the process.
- After this, the application is forwarded to GDRFA (for cancellation of the resident visa by the Ministry of Labor.
- The employer or sponsor has to visit the General Director of Residency and Foreign Affairs to complete the cancellation process.
You will receive an electronic confirmation from GDRFA of the permanent cancellation of your labor card.
Can I Extend a Grace Period After Visa Cancellation in the UAE?
There are no office announcements regarding the extension of a grace period after the visa cancellation in the UAE. However, it can be extended if you’re applying for a new visa, for a tourist or residence visa. The only way to stay in the UAE after the grace period ends is to change the status or renewal of your visa. Here’s what you can do,
- Apply for a new visa (tourist, employment, residence, or student visa) before the expiry of your grace period.
- Ensure your passport, Emirates ID, and other documents are valid and complete.
- Clearing your pending fines or other legal issues is essential before renewing or changing your visa.
Do I need to leave the country before applying for a new visa?
No, there is no need to leave the country to apply for a new visa during the grace period. You can apply for a visa status change through a recognized typing center or the online portal of ICP.
What Documents are Required to Change Visa Status during the Grace Period?
You can easily change your visa status during your granted grace period without leaving the country or staying at the airport. You must be aware of your grace period expiry date and submit the following documents,
- A passport with a validity of six months.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- A photocopy of your previous visa (tourist or canceled employment visa).
Can Overstaying Affect My Future Visa Applications?
Yes, overstaying can negatively impact your capability to apply for future visas. You may face the following issues,
- Visa Rejections. Overstaying records can negatively impact your future visa application and cause visa rejection.
- Travel Ban. Overstaying can cause future bans and re-entry in the UAE and the GCC countries.
- Non-Sponsorship from Employers. Future employers may not sponsor individuals with a history of overstaying, limiting their future job chances.
- Deportation. You may face detention or deportation in case of overstaying.
Fines and Legal Proceedings. In some cases, people who overstay may face fines and legal consequences, making them financially burdened.
How To Check Grace Period After Visa Cancellation?
There are several ways to check the grace period after visa cancellation. The easiest possible way is to contact relevant government authorities, including the Immigration and Neutralization Department, which is involved in visa issuance and cancellation.
Another option that you can use to check the grace period is to use an online service provided by the UAE government. The grace period can be checked online through the official ICP website. Follow these steps to check the duration of the grace period.
- Open the official website of the ICP service center.
- Tap on Public Visa Service
- Click on Visa Status
- Choose the Residency Validity section and type in the required information, which includes your passport number, passport type, date of birth, and current nationality.
- After providing the above details, click on the search bar to check the validity status.
The third way to check the grace period if you are in UAE is to visit the local police station and provide them with your passport and other documents.
Fine For Overstaying After Grace Period
In UAE, rules should be followed to avoid penalties and fines. The same is true for visa cancellation. After cancellation, you have to leave before the completion of the grace period; otherwise, you have to pay a fine.
- First day: AED 125 and AED 25 will be added for each subsequent day.
- After six months: The fine will be AED 50 instead of 25
- After one year: AED 100 for each subsequent day
What is the Impact of the New Two-Month Grace Period on the Residents of the UAE?
The new two-month grace period after visa cancellation in the UAE brings different positive changes for residents of the UAE.
Reducing Immediate Pressure
After visa expiration, residents do not have to pay immediate fines. The individuals can renew their visa within 60 days or leave the country without any stress.
Flexibility
The grace period also covers any delays, such as delays in visa sponsorship or a change of job, giving enough time for an easy transition without risking legal status.
Promoting Fairness
The new grace period promotes tolerance and fairness if they unintentionally violate any regulations. Additionally, promotes trust among the foreign community.
Supporting Academic Institutions and Employers
If there are fewer urgent visa renewal applications, the employers and educational institutes can plan better and keep their workers and students.
Additional Time to Collect Documents
With the additional time given, the individuals can gather their documents, meet the renewal requirements, and complete their medical test exams, reducing fines and making the process uncomplicated.
Conclusion
At the end of this article, we hope it has given you a clear understanding of the grace period after visa cancellation in UAE. It is valuable time that should be spent on finding a better job, renewing a visa, or planning to leave the UAE. Information about the grace period duration for your visa type is crucial, as you might face penalties for overstaying. There are a number of ways to check the grace period; choose the way that suits you. Online portals or websites also allow you to check the grace period.
Visa cancellation or renewal during the grace period is a complicated process, and if you are doing it for the first time, it can be challenging. You can reach out to Al Riyady for assistance and guidance. We also provide services to help you set up your business and obtain a UAE golden visa.
