What is the grace period after residence visa cancellation in the UAE?

When a UAE residence visa is cancelled, the holder is normally given a grace period to either exit the country or arrange a new legal status (such as transferring to a new sponsor or switching to another visa type). The grace period is set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and, in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and it is usually counted from the date of cancellation rather than the original expiry date. Specific durations have changed over time and can vary by visa category, so confirm the exact number of days that applies to your case directly through ICP, GDRFA, or the official UAE Government portal before relying on any figure. During the grace period you remain in the country lawfully; once it ends without a new status, overstay fines begin to accrue daily. Use the time to finalise cancellation paperwork, settle obligations, and decide your next step. You can also compare verified UAE immigration lawyers on LEXAI if your situation is complex.