Living in Dubai can be exciting, adventurous, and life changing. However, oftentimes, when you are shutting down a business, ending a partnership, or relocating to another country, you have to cancel your existing UAE visa to avoid any legal or immigration complications in the future. That is why we have curated this article, explaining how to cancel Partner Visa in Dubai and what legal formalities you will have to go through.
Partner visa in Dubai: Explained
A partner visa is issued to foreign nationals who hold ownership or shares in a UAE company, enabling them to live and work in the UAE, based on their business activities.
Benefits of a partner visa in Dubai
Before diving into how to cancel Partner Visa in Dubai, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of a partner visa in Dubai: -
- Lavish Lifestyle: Experience the luxurious lifestyle, with access to pristine beaches, high-end shopping malls, vibrant nightlife, quality education at world-renowned institutions, world-class healthcare facilities, and diverse accommodation options offering unparalleled comfort and convenience.
- Smooth Business Operations: Active participation in the operations and growth of the partnered company to shape its direction, while having access to a thriving economy and supportive business environment, and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and professionals.
- Sponsorship for the Family: Sponsor immediate family members, including the spouse, children, and parents, ensuring family togetherness and a high standard of living in one of the vibrant cities in the world.
- Visa Duration: Freedom to travel abroad for up to one year and maintain connections with family and friends outside the UAE without affecting the residency status within the country.
- Validity of the Visa: A two-year renewable residency, ensuring continuity for personal and professional commitments in Dubai.
Primary reasons to cancel a Partner visa
Foreign individuals in the UAE may choose to cancel their partner visa for several reasons, including: -
- Ending a business partnership
- Shutting down or selling the company
- Leaving the UAE permanently
- Switching to a different type of residency visa
- Cancellation of the company’s trade license
Understanding the specific reason for visa cancellation can help simplify the cancellation process.
How to Cancel Partner Visa in Dubai: Step-by-step procedure
The Dubai partner visa cancellation process includes the following steps: -
Step 1: Secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
The first and most critical step is to obtain a signed and stamped NOC from the business partners, which serves as official proof that there is no objection to cancelling the partner visa.
Step 2: Clear All Financial and Legal Dues
Before initiating cancellation, make sure to settle all outstanding commitments, such as:
- Paying off any personal loans or debts.
- Settling all fines.
- Clearing any utility bills.
Also, make sure there are no pending court cases or travel bans against you.
Step 3: Cancel Your Health Insurance
Cancel the health insurance policy linked to the visa through your insurance provider.
Step 4: Initiate Official Cancellation with GDRFA
Submit the cancellation application at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) either via its official website or app, or in person at a centre.
Step 5: Submit Required Documents & Pay Fees
You need to provide certain documents to cancel your partner visa, which may include your original passport and a copy, your Emirates ID, residency visa copy, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the company, a valid trade license copy, and a visa cancellation application form.
Step 6: Receive Official Cancellation Confirmation
Once the application is processed, the GDRFA will issue a confirmation stamp in the passport or notify that the visa has been successfully cancelled.
Step 7: Surrender Your Emirates ID
Submit your Emirates ID to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) to formally deactivate it.
Once the partner visa is successfully cancelled, the holder is granted a grace period of 30 days to either leave the UAE or apply for a new residency visa. Overstaying this grace period can lead to potential fines. Therefore, it is essential to plan your steps accordingly.
How to Cancel Partner Visa in Dubai: Documents required for cancellation
The key documents required for the cancellation process include: -
- Application Form: A completed visa cancellation form, signed by all partners and investors.
- Passport Copies: Visa holder’s passport copy, showing all relevant details and validity.
- Visa Copy: A copy of the current investor or partner visa.
- Trade License: A valid copy of the trade license of the company.
- Emirates ID: Visa holder’s Emirates ID copy.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): A NOC indicating agreement to the visa cancellation, signed by other partners or the director of the company.
- Board Resolution: A board resolution or a partnership withdrawal agreement, showing the consent of all parties.
- Proof of Fee Payment: Evidence of the visa cancellation fees paid to the immigration authorities.
- Sponsor's Passport Copy and Visa Page (if applicable): Copies of the passport and visa page of the sponsor.
- Additional Supporting Documents: Depending on the specific circumstances or the requirements of the emirate.
Post cancellation steps: Things to do after cancelling the partner visa
After getting your partner visa cancelled, these are the next steps you need to complete: -
Option A: Leaving the UAE Permanently
- Wrap up the affairs during the grace period:
- Close all bank accounts and settle all outstanding debts or loans.
- Close the DEWA (utilities) and Etisalat/du (phone/internet) accounts. Settle outstanding bills, if any.
- Cancel car insurance, RTA parking, gym memberships, and other repeated payments.
- Provide official notice to the landlord, make payments, and get a clearance certificate.
- Ship all personal belongings out of the country.
Option B: Switching to a New Visa
- Get a new employment, investor, or freelance visa application before cancelling the old one.
- Secure the legal status within the 30-day grace period. Either travel to a nearby country and return on a new entry permit/tourist visa or change your status without leaving the UAE.
Consult our legal advisors to confirm the best pathway for your visa situation.
Common challenges: Tips to overcome them
The path to partner visa cancellation in Dubai isn’t very smooth. There can be several hurdles. This segment talks about the common hurdles that you can encounter during the process and the upfront solutions to overcome them.
- Uncooperative Business Partner – Sometimes, the business partner refuses to sign the NOC, which may hinder the cancellation process. In such a situation, you can take legal action and file a case with the Dubai Courts.
- Outstanding Company Debts – The unpaid rent, loans, or DED fines by the company can cause a roadblock in the process. To avoid this obstacle, clear all company liabilities and get a clean “No Liability” certificate before applying for visa cancellation.
- Piled up Overstay Fines – With delays in the process, you start accruing daily fines for overstaying. Therefore, it is always better to start the process early and complete the cancellation immediately to stop the fine accumulation. To proceed smoothly, make sure to pay all the fines.
- A Surprise Travel Ban - An unknown police case or travel ban can halt the cancellation. To avoid this situation, run a formal status check with Dubai Police and resolve any underlying case legally.
Choose us for your UAE visa cancellation
Navigating the visa acquisition and cancellation procedures can be complex. Any minor mistake or negligence can lead to hefty fines or big troubles.
Our expert team will guide you through the entire process of how to cancel Partner Visa in Dubai without costing you your valuable time and resources. They will handle the documentation part accurately and coordinate with the government authorities, helping you navigate the complexities of UAE immigration laws effectively.
Consult with our experts today.
