Leaving the UAE: cancellation checklist
Visa cancellation, final settlement, closing bank accounts and avoiding travel bans.
In short
Before leaving, your employer cancels your visa and pays final settlement including gratuity within 14 days. Close loans, credit cards, phone and utility accounts, and get your tenancy deposit back.
- Final pay
- Within 14 days
- Grace after cancel
- Up to 30–180 days by visa type
- Clearances
- DEWA, telco, bank
- Travel ban risk
- Unpaid debts, cases
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Per contract, 30–90 days.
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Get the final settlement in writing
Don’t
- Don’t leave with unpaid cheques or loans
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Unpaid debts can lead to a travel ban and an Interpol notice in severe cases.
Common questions
Can I keep my bank account?
Banks usually freeze accounts after the Emirates ID expires.
Official links
Background and more detail
Before leaving, your employer cancels your visa and pays final settlement including gratuity within 14 days. Close loans, credit cards, phone and utility accounts, and get your tenancy deposit back.
Key facts
- Final pay: Within 14 days
- Grace after cancel: Up to 30–180 days by visa type
- Clearances: DEWA, telco, bank
- Travel ban risk: Unpaid debts, cases
Steps
- Resign with notice – Per contract, 30–90 days.
- Cancel family visas first – Dependants must be cancelled before your own visa.
- Close utilities and get deposit back – DEWA final bill and landlord deposit.
- Close bank products – Get a liability letter.
Watch out
- Unpaid debts can lead to a travel ban and an Interpol notice in severe cases.
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