When it comes to doing business in the UAE, many entrepreneurs choose to establish their companies in either a Free Zone or on the mainland. Both business setups come with their own benefits — from 100% foreign ownership in Free Zones to wider trade flexibility in the mainland. However, when a business partner decides to leave or exit the company, the process of partner visa cancellation in the UAE becomes a critical legal step that must be handled with care.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the partner visa cancellation process in UAE, including differences between Free Zone and Mainland companies, timelines, required documents, and what entrepreneurs should know to avoid fines or overstay issues.

Understanding Partner Visa in UAE

A partner visa (also known as an investor visa) allows a business owner or shareholder to reside and work in the UAE legally. This visa is typically valid for 2–3 years, depending on the emirate and the licensing authority.
If a business partner decides to withdraw their investment or the company is closing, their partner visa must be cancelled before they can exit the country or switch to another visa type.

Failing to cancel the visa properly can result in overstay fines, legal complications, and even restrictions on future visa applications.

Partner Visa Cancellation in UAE Free Zones

Free Zones like Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), JAFZA, and Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) have their own specific immigration and licensing departments. The Free Zone authority handles both company licensing and visa processes, which simplifies the cancellation procedure compared to the mainland.

Here’s how the Free Zone partner visa cancellation process typically works:

1. Submit a request through the Free Zone portal or visit the respective customer service center.
2. Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the company or other partners if applicable.
3. Clear all pending dues, such as license renewals or Emirates ID obligations.
4. Cancel the visa via the Free Zone immigration department, which usually takes 1–3 business days.
5. Once cancelled, the partner typically gets a grace period of 30 days to exit or transfer to another visa category.

Each Free Zone may have slightly different requirements, so it’s always advisable to check directly with the relevant authority.

Partner Visa Cancellation in Mainland Companies

For Mainland companies (licensed by the Department of Economic Development), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) are involved.

The mainland partner visa cancellation process includes:

1. Board resolution or partner agreement stating the withdrawal or change in ownership.
2. Labor and immigration clearance, ensuring no active employment contracts remain.
3. Submission of documents to the typing center or GDRFA office for visa cancellation.
4. Sponsor approval and final cancellation processed by immigration authorities.

The partner will then have a 30-day grace period after cancellation to adjust their visa status or leave the country. In some cases, business partners can apply for new visa sponsorship (e.g., investor or employment visa) during this time.

Key Differences Between Free Zone and Mainland Visa Cancellation

What Happens After Partner Visa Cancellation in UAE

Once a partner visa is cancelled, the individual must either exit the UAE or change visa status within the grace period. If not, overstay fines begin accumulating (starting from AED 50 per day).
It’s also important to cancel the Emirates ID and close any associated bank accounts or utility services linked to the visa.

If the company continues operations, ownership must be officially updated with the licensing authority to reflect the withdrawal of the previous partner.

Checklist After Cancelling a Partner Visa

Before you consider the process complete, ensure that you have:

• Received the official visa cancellation paper from immigration.
• Cancelled Emirates ID and labor card (if applicable).
• Cleared bank accounts, trade license renewals, and tenancy contracts.
• Informed of the Free Zone or Mainland authority of the partner withdrawal.
• Maintained copies of all official cancellation receipts for your records.

Common Challenges Entrepreneurs Face

Many investors face confusion when cancelling a partner visa — especially if they’ve misplaced key documents or are unsure which department to approach first.
That’s where expert assistance can make the process much smoother.

If you have confusion in any way, let us know — we will help you.

If you don’t have the required documents, contact us — we can assist you from scratch and handle the complete visa cancellation procedure.

Partner Visa Cancellation Support in UAE

At Al Tawkel Center, we specialize in handling all kinds of visa cancellation services in the UAE, including partner, investor, and employment visa cancellations for both Free Zone and Mainland companies.
Our team ensures your process is done legally, quickly, and without stress — avoiding penalties or future complications.

Need assistance with partner visa cancellation? Chat with us directly on WhatsApp for fast help.