Cancelling Your UAE Visa & Utilities: The Pre-Move Timeline (2026 Guide)
Laura
Relocation Expert
Forgetting to close your accounts before leaving the UAE is a rookie mistake that can cost you thousands. We have seen expats paying utility bills from London for an apartment they left months ago because they missed a single step in the cancellation process.
This is your no-nonsense timeline to a clean financial exit in 2026.
This Guide Is For:
- Residents leaving the UAE permanently
- Expats switching employers or visa status
- Families relocating internationally from Dubai or Abu Dhabi
⚡ Quick Summary: The "Must-Knows" for 2026
| Service | Notice Required | Cost / Penalty | Key 2026 Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Internet | 30 Days | 1 Month Rent | Strict equipment return policy. |
| Ejari | N/A | Free (App) | Can be done via Dubai REST App. |
| DEWA | 24 Hours | ~AED 100 | Refunds now in ~30 mins (via IBAN). |
| Visa | Employer Driven | N/A | 180-day grace period for Skilled Pros. |
| Car Export | N/A | ~AED 120 | Certificate valid for only 30 days. |
📅 30 Days Out: Telecoms & Tenancy
1. Home Internet (The 30-Day Rule)
Your internet plan is the first thing you must tackle. Both Etisalat and Du enforce a strict 30-day notice period. If you cancel with less notice, you will likely be charged a penalty equivalent to one month's rental fee.
- Visit a Main Branch: Do not rely on call centers. Visit a main service center (e.g., in a mall) with your Emirates ID.
- The Equipment Trap: You must return your router and TV boxes. If you threw away the original box, that's usually fine, but bring the device and power cables. Failure to return these results in a charge on your final bill (often AED 500+).
2. Ejari Cancellation
Your landlord cannot legally rent the property to a new tenant until your Ejari is cancelled.
- Online (Recommended): Use the Dubai REST App. If your landlord approves the request digitally, it is free and instant.
- In-Person: Visit a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre. This typically costs approx. AED 220 (AED 40 fee + service charges).
- Requirement: You need a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) or signed cancellation letter from your landlord if doing this in person.
Moving within the same city? If you are just moving neighborhoods, read our Guide to Moving Within Dubai to transfer services instead of cancelling them.
📅 1 Week Out: Utilities & Banking
3. DEWA (The New Instant Refund)
The DEWA disconnection process has improved significantly for 2026.
- Request Move-Out: Use the DEWA Smart App and select "Deactivate Supply."
- Provide IBAN: Crucial Step. Enter a valid UAE IBAN.
- Instant Refund: As of recent updates, refunds for amounts under AED 4,000 are often processed in minutes (historically this took days) after the final bill is settled.
Banking Warning: Some banks automatically freeze accounts once a visa is cancelled or a final salary payment (marked "Final Settlement") hits the account. Open or maintain a digital bank account before starting visa cancellation to ensure you have access to funds.
⚠️ The District Cooling Warning (Empower/Emicool) If your building uses Empower or Emicool, their refund process is not connected to DEWA. You must contact them directly. Their security deposit refund typically takes 3-4 weeks.
Pro Tip: Keep a UAE bank account open (like Wio or Liv) for at least 30 days after you leave to receive these final deposits. International wire fees will eat up your refund otherwise.
📅 The Final Days: Visa & Assets
4. Visa Cancellation & Grace Periods
Your employer handles the cancellation, but you must know your rights regarding the Grace Period—the time you can legally stay in the UAE after cancellation.
- Standard Grace Period: 60 Days (for most employment categories).
- Skilled Professionals (Levels 1 & 2): 180 Days. If you hold a degree and work in a skilled role, you now have 6 months to exit or find a new job.
- Golden & Green Visa Holders: 180 Days.
Eligibility depends on MOHRE skill classification and visa type. Always verify your category on your work permit before planning travel.
Once your visa is cancelled, you must exit or change status before this period ends to avoid overstay fines (approx. AED 50/day).
5. Exporting Your Car (RTA Guide)
If you are shipping your vehicle, timing is critical. (See our full guide on Exporting a Car from UAE).
Do not start this too early. The RTA Export Certificate is valid for only 30 days.
- Clear Fines: Pay all traffic fines and clear bank loans.
- Export Test: Visit an RTA center (like Tasjeel) for an "Export Test."
- Surrender Plates: You must physically unscrew and hand over your license plates.
- Tow It: Once plates are removed, you cannot drive the car. It must be recovered (towed) to your International Mover's warehouse immediately.
FAQ: Quick Answers
Q: Can I cancel my UAE visa from outside the country? A: Yes, but it is complicated. It is highly recommended to complete the process while physically present in the UAE to sign end-of-service documents and avoid "absconding" flags.
Q: How long does the UAE visa grace period last in 2026? A: The standard grace period is 60 days. However, Skilled Professionals (Levels 1 & 2), Golden Visa, and Green Visa holders receive a 180-day grace period.
Q: How long does it take to get a DEWA refund? A: If you apply online and provide a UAE IBAN, refunds for amounts under AED 4,000 are often processed in as little as 30 minutes after the final bill is paid.
Q: Do I need my landlord’s approval to cancel Ejari? A: Yes. Ejari cancellation requires mutual consent. The landlord must approve the request digitally via the Dubai REST app or sign a cancellation letter.
Q: Should I cancel DEWA before or after visa cancellation? A: Ideally, cancel DEWA before your visa. Visa cancellation can often trigger bank account freezes, making it difficult to receive your utility deposit refund if you wait.
With your exit formalities handled, let professionals manage your move.