Grace period after visa cancellation

The four tiers

ICP lists four grace periods on its residence cancellation service. The period runs from the date the permit is cancelled or expires.[source]

Ordinary employees: 30 or 60 days?

This is the open question. ICP's text says: "A 60-day grace period is granted after the expiry or cancellation of the residence permit for residence permits issued with a guarantor or host. A 30-day grace period is granted after the expiry or cancellation of the residence permit for all other categories."[source]

It does not say whether a permit sponsored by a private employer counts as "issued with a guarantor or host". GDRFA Dubai's cancellation page states: "After the cancellation or expiration of the residence permit, there is a grace period of (60) sixty days during which you may remain in the country."[source]

We have not found an official text that settles which tier an employer-sponsored employee is in. Until we do, this page does not give one number for everyone. If your skill level is 1 to 3, the 90-day tier above may apply to you. Ask ICP or GDRFA to confirm the date your grace period ends before you plan around it.

The legal ceiling

Cabinet Resolution 65 of 2022 leaves the period for each category of resident to a separate resolution, "on condition that they do not exceed in their entirety a period of (6) six months from the date of cancellation or expiry of the Residence Permit".[source]

Family members

ICP gives 180 days to the family members of Golden, Green and Blue Residence holders.[source] The federal portal u.ae says more broadly: "Dependents are granted a 6-month grace period from the date of expiry or cancellation of their visas to obtain a new residence permit."[source] For families of ordinary employees the two texts do not match, so check with ICP.

For Green Residence holders, ICP's FAQ also describes "a flexible grace period of up to 6 months after the permit expires".[source]

Dubai and Abu Dhabi

ICP's tiers are published federally. Dubai's GDRFA is the only official page we found that names a single figure, 60 days, for cancelled or expired permits.[source] We found no separate Abu Dhabi figure.

When the clock starts

Cancellation removes the residence permit and the linked Emirates ID card.[source] Family members' permits under a worker's sponsorship "must be cancelled before his residence is cancelled, or placed on hold for a limited period with applicable fees".[source]

After the grace period

ICP applies a fine of AED 50 for each day you stay after the visa expires or is cancelled and the grace period has ended.[source] See overstay fines for the legal maximum per day and where to check.