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Family residence cancellation (outside the country)

Cancels the residence of a sponsored family member who is outside the UAE, through GDRFA Dubai (Amer).

Start this request processing: 2 days

How it works

  1. 1

    Documents

    You

  2. 2

    Reviewed by MARIO E.G.S.H AI

    MARIO E.G.S.H AI

  3. 3

    Submitted at GDRFA

    Runner at GDRFA

  4. 4

    Medical & biometrics

    You

  5. 5

    Visa issued

    GDRFA

Documents required

  • Passport copy of the family member

    copy

  • Sponsor's passport copy

    copy

  • Sponsor's Emirates ID

    copy

  • Emirates ID of the family member, if available

    in some casescopyOnly if: If the card was issued; staff confirm whether it must be returned

Conditions, time and validity

  • The family member must be outside the UAE (the exit appears in GDRFA's records).
  • Applied for by the sponsor; no MOHRE step is needed for family residence.
  • ICP's federal rule: the residence permits of family members sponsored by a foreign worker must be cancelled before the worker's own residence is cancelled (or kept on hold for a limited time, with fees).
Processing time
GDRFA: 48 hours.
Validity of the result
Final: the residence is cancelled. A new entry permit is needed for the family member to come back as a resident.
Where it is applied for
GDRFA Dubai smart services (website/app, with UAE PASS or username) or any Amer centre.

Steps at the authority

  1. The centre checks the documents and types the application in the GDRFA smart system or at an Amer centre.
  2. The fees are paid when the application is submitted.
  3. GDRFA reviews the application; missing documents must be added within 30 days or the request is cancelled.
  4. The result is sent by SMS and email; the centre forwards it to the client.

Tips that save you a trip

  • Cancel residences of family members who left for good: a residence left open can keep fines or problems on the sponsor's file.
  • A resident who stays outside the UAE more than 6 months usually loses the residence anyway (golden residence is exempt); see the topic on absence.

Common reasons for rejection or delay

  • The system does not show the family member's exit.
  • Open fines or a ban on the sponsor's file.

Questions and answers

Does my wife need to come back to Dubai to cancel?

No. This service is for a family member who is outside; the sponsor applies.

Checked by the MARIO E.G.S.H team on 2026-10-08. Rules can change at any time; our consultant confirms the details for your case.

Legal basis

Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners; Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 (executive regulations)

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