United Arab Emirates (AE)
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah — that has transformed from a pearl-diving and fishing economy into one of the world's most modern and cosmopolitan nations within a single generation.
Leaving United Arab Emirates
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
Plan your UAE departure over 4–8 weeks: Week 1–2: Give notice to employer and landlord. Confirm EOSG calculation with HR. Week 2–3: Begin shipping or selling furniture and vehicles. Close gym memberships, club memberships, BOTIM subscription. Week 3–4: Submit visa cancellation request (coordinated with employer). Close or transfer bank accounts. Submit DEWA disconnection request. Week 4–6: Complete final meter readings, collect DEWA deposit refund. Receive final pay and EOSG from employer. Collect Emirates ID (physically return at ICP or it deactivates automatically). File any outstanding VAT returns if a business owner. Final week: Clear all fines (check Dubai Police app, Abu Dhabi Police). Confirm no travel bans via ICP Smart Services app. Depart.
Deregistration
When leaving the UAE permanently, your residence visa must be cancelled — this is done by your employer (for employment visa holders) within 30 days of your last working day. If you resign and leave without employer cancellation, the visa cancels automatically when you depart (for most visa types). You should also deregister your Emirates ID at the Federal Authority (ICP) — though the ID automatically becomes inactive when the visa cancels. Ensure your Ejari (tenancy) and DEWA accounts are closed before departing. Note: there is no formal deregistration from a government database like some European countries require — but closing all open accounts and subscriptions is essential.
Tax clearance
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, so no income tax clearance is required when leaving. However, if you own a business registered in the UAE and are VAT-registered, you must file a final VAT return with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and deregister from VAT. If you own a company, formal company cancellation/liquidation is required — this must be done through the relevant free zone or mainland DED before departure. Outstanding fines or debts (including traffic fines) must be cleared before your visa cancels — unpaid fines can prevent visa cancellation.
Pension portability
There is no state pension for expatriates in the UAE. Your End-of-Service Gratuity (EOSG) is typically paid upon departure — ensure you receive this from your employer before leaving. EOSG is calculated on your basic salary and years of service. If your employer participates in the new voluntary EOSG Savings Scheme (pilot), your fund balance is portable. Any private pension or savings plans (e.g., through a DIFC-regulated provider) can typically be continued internationally or transferred. If you have a pension in your home country, no additional steps are needed — your home country pension contributions record is unaffected by UAE employment.
Health insurance
Your employer-provided UAE health insurance ends on the date your employment visa is cancelled. Ensure you have alternative coverage before leaving. If you have dependants in the UAE who will remain temporarily, check whether their insurance can be maintained without your visa sponsorship. For travel during the departure period, purchase travel insurance from your home country or internationally. Once you return to your home country, your home country's health system applies.
Bank account
You are not required to close your UAE bank account when leaving, but consider whether you want to maintain it. UAE bank accounts charge monthly maintenance fees (AED 25–50/month) if minimum balance is not maintained. Some banks require you to be a UAE resident — if your visa cancels, the bank may close your account. Before leaving: cancel any standing instructions (direct debits), transfer funds to your home-country bank, pay off any outstanding credit card balances or personal loans (leaving unpaid debt in the UAE can result in travel bans or Interpol notices in extreme cases). If you want to keep the account for occasional UAE visits, ensure you maintain the minimum balance.
Utilities
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water): Submit a disconnection request via the DEWA app or website at least 2 days before your move-out date. DEWA will do a final meter reading and issue a final bill. Your security deposit (AED 1,000–4,000 depending on property type) will be refunded after settlement. ADDC (Abu Dhabi): Same process via Abu Dhabi Municipality. Telecom (e&/du): Give 1–2 months notice to cancel postpaid contracts (earlier cancellation may incur device instalment balance payable in full). Prepaid SIMs can simply be discontinued.
Rental contract
Give formal written notice to your landlord per your Ejari-registered tenancy contract. Notice periods in Dubai are typically 2–3 months as specified in the contract. Return the property in its original condition (fair wear and tear excepted). Document the handover with photos. Your security deposit (typically 5% of annual rent) should be returned within 30–60 days after lease end, minus any deductions for damage or cleaning. If the landlord makes unreasonable deductions, you can dispute via RERA (Dubai Rental Dispute Settlement Centre) or equivalent authority in other emirates.
Leaving the Country
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