A grace period after visa cancellation is the time window a temporary resident has to renew their permit or leave the country. Undoubtedly, navigating UAE grace periods, visa cancellations, and overstay fees is crucial to expatriates and tourists alike. In this guide, we discuss UAE grace periods for different visa types and the dangers of overstaying. 

What is the grace period after visa cancellation in UAE? This duration is non-existent for those with visitor visas. However, the different types of residence visas have grace periods between 30 to 180 days from the date of cancellation. If exceeded, overstaying attracts a daily AED 50 fine. 

Grace Period After Visa Cancellation by Visa Type

The number of days or months a visa holder has before they are fined for overstaying depends on their visa and circumstances around it. Here are some common visas and their grave periods: 

Grace Period for Visitor Visa 

As of 2023, there are no grace periods for UAE visitors. Once the visa expires, the government considers another minute in the country an illegal stay. An AED 50 daily fine accumulates for every illegal day spent. But if you are still in the country due to canceled flights or close airports, you don’t receive any sanctions. 

Grace Period for Investor Visa 

The grace period for the Emirates Investor visa is six months. The visa is the most popular long-term visa in the UAE, and its validity period spans between 5-10 years. After the grace period has elapsed, the now illegal resident will attract an AED 50 daily fine till they depart or renew their visa. 

Grace Period for Green Visa 

UAE Green Visa holders do not need employers or sponsors. Green Visas allows independent workers like freelancers, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers to live with their families in the UAE for up to five years. The grace period is six months. And defaulters get a daily fine of AED 50. 

Grace Period for Golden Visas 

UAE awards golden visas to exceptional talents. These often include experts in their fields, investors, and outstanding students. The visa allows holders to bring their family along. Its grace period of this visa is 180 days. UAE Golden visa validity period is 5 to 10 years and holders can effortlessly renew them.

Grace Period for Standard Work Visa 

Foreigners can get a standard work visa that’s valid for two years in the UAE. The person can either be employed by the private or public sector. The employer must also apply for the work visa. The grace period for this visa is 90 days or 3 months. Note: a working residence visa is different from a working permit. 

Grace Period for Retired Visa

Foreigners over the age of 55 ca for the long term visa of five years. The UAE retired visa comes with hefty requirements. Once the visa expires, there is a grace period of six months or 180 days to renew or leave the country. 

Grace Period for Divorced Women and Widows

For women living in the UAE on their husbands’ visa, the UAE government grants them a 180 days grace period and one year extension if they are widowed or divorced. The extension begins on the day of their husband’s death or divorce. However, this visa is only renewable once and doesn’t require a substitute sponsor. 

Grace Period for Student Visas 

For students sponsored by their parents, they get a five years residency visa to complete their studies and 180 days’ grace periods. Students that are sponsored by educational institutions get a one-year renewable residency visa up to one year after graduation. 

Extending the Stand Grace Period After UAE Visa Cancellation

Extending your grace period often comes with fees. And there are only speculations about it. As of now, there are no official statements about extending a grace period in the UAE. If you want to remain in the UAE before your grace period elapses, renewing your visa is the best route. This way, you get to stay longer and escape any daily fines.   

Changing Visa Status During the Grace Period

You don’t have to exit the UAE to change your visa status. You also don’t have to wait out long hours at the airport. If your visa has expired and you are on the grace period, you can extend or change your visa status seamlessly. Ensure you have a well-rounded idea of your grace period, so you renew on time. The documents you need to effect a visa change while in the country are: 

• A copy of your passport 
• Passport size photograph 
• A copy of your old tourist visa/canceled visa copy 

Consequences of Overstaying in the UAE after the Grace Period

Once you overstay your grace period in the UAE, it attracts some serious consequences. For the first day of your illegal stay in the UAE, you pay AED 50. Plus, you have to pay a daily fine of AED 50 for every day you stay there. Also, by the time you decide to leave the UAE, you pay for an exit permit that costs between AED 250 and AED 300. 

Once you are ready to leave, you can pay your fine at any airport, sea port, land border, immigration offices, or type offices. And if you are opting for an extension, you can visit any of the spots to pay too. 

Consequences of Leaving UAE without Proper Cancellation of Employment Visa

Like overstaying your welcome in the UAE, there are consequences of leaving the UAE without proper cancellation of your employment visa. If you try to desert the UAE without resigning, dealing with all the loose ends, and properly canceling your visa, your employer can report you. Once your employer reports you for absconding, you get legal consequences like an arrest the next time you try to enter the UAE. They can also ban you from ever visiting the UAE. 

FAQs About Grace Period After Visa Cancellation in UAE

What are the new rules after visa cancellation in UAE 2023?

The grace period after a UAE residence visa cancellation or expiration increased from 30 days to six months. There is a six-month window to either renew the visa or leave the country. Also, the tourist visa period was extended and its 10 day grace period was removed.  

How much is the fine for overstaying in the UAE for a Canceled visa? 

Defaulters of overstayed welcome pay a daily fine of AED 50 and an exit permit fee of AED 250 to 300 when they decide to leave the country. 

How do I check my grace period after visa cancellation?

To confirm your grace period after your Visa cancellation, here are the steps to follow: 

• Visit the ICP website 
• Pick the search criteria
• Enter your details 
• Complete the reCAPTCHA then press search 

At the bottom of the page, you will see your visa information, including the permitted grace period. 

How do you know if they already canceled your visa?

You can check whether or not your visa is canceled on the ICP website. On the website, you can see the status of your visa and its validity.