When a UAE residence permit is cancelled or expires, you get a grace period to leave or change status. The overstay fine only starts after it ends. ICP's residence-renewal service card sets grace periods by category.
Grace periods (ICP)
- 180 days: Golden, Green or Blue residence holders and their families, the widow or divorcee of a resident, students after finishing their studies, and foreign-passport relatives of UAE citizens.
- 90 days: skilled professions at levels 1, 2 and 3, and property owners.
- 60 days: residences issued with a sponsor or host, in ICP's wording.
- 30 days: all other categories.
After the grace period, ICP charges AED 50 a day. See UAE overstay fine.
Before and after cancellation
- The employer cancels the work permit and residence. Ask for the cancellation paper.
- Settle your gratuity and final pay first. See UAE gratuity rules.
- Note your grace-period end date and plan the new visa or your flight before it.
- Your ILOE insurance may matter if you lost the job involuntarily. See ILOE insurance.
Last checked: Oct 2026. Which category you fall into is decided by ICP or GDRFA from your file. If unsure, check your own record.