How do I cancel my trade licence in Dubai when employees still have visas under it?

You have been told correctly: the visas come first. The usual sequence for closing a Dubai company with sponsored staff runs like this. Start with a shareholders' resolution to wind up, since later steps will ask for it. Then settle each employee's end-of-service entitlements and cancel their work permits through MOHRE, followed by their residence visas through immigration — an employee who is overseas can normally be cancelled while outside the country through the standard process, so that need not block you. Once no visas remain under the establishment card, move to clearances: utilities, telecoms, any customs code, and confirmation that no fines are outstanding. Limited liability companies generally also need a liquidator appointed and a public notice period before final cancellation, so the licence cancellation at the Department of Economy and Tourism comes last, after the notice period runs and the clearances are in hand. Two practical warnings: do not cancel the establishment card while any visa still sits under it, and do not let the licence expire mid-process, because accumulating fines complicate every later step. A lawyer experienced in UAE company liquidation can sequence the file so nothing gets stuck halfway — which is exactly the trap you are sensing.