Leaving the UAE: your checklist

Leaving the UAE is quick once you know the order: settle your dues, collect your final settlement, then cancel your visa and leave within the grace period.

Updated 29 October 2026 · 16 items

Work and final settlement

Resign with the notice your contract requiresUsually 30 to 90 days.
Check your end-of-service gratuity21 days' basic pay for each of the first five years, 30 days for each year after, capped at two years' pay. Your employer should pay it within 14 days of the contract ending.
Check unused leave and final payPaid with the final settlement.
Collect any workplace savings schemeIf your employer used one instead of, or alongside, gratuity.

Money

Clear loans and credit cards, and get clearance lettersUnpaid debts can lead to a court case and a travel ban.
Keep your bank account open until the settlement arrivesThen move the money and close it, or keep it if the bank allows non-residents.
Pay traffic and other finesCheck online with the police and your emirate's services.
Move your savings to IndiaMoving your money.

Home and car

End the tenancy and cancel the Ejari (or Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi)Give notice as the contract says.
Close electricity, water and cooling accountsDEWA, ADDC, SEWA or your provider; the final bill releases the deposit.
Sell the car and transfer the registrationClear any car loan and Salik or Darb balances first.
Close or switch your phone and internet contractsSettle final bills.

Visa and family

Your employer cancels your residence visa and work permitThen you have a grace period to leave (often 30 days; longer for some visas). Check yours on the ICP or GDRFA website.
Cancel family visas you sponsorBefore or with your own.
Get children's transfer certificates attestedBy the education authority and the Indian embassy, if the new school asks.
Get an export permit for petsMoving with pets.

Questions

How is UAE gratuity calculated?

For each of the first five years, 21 days of your last basic salary; for each year after that, 30 days. The total is capped at two years' pay.

What happens if I leave the UAE with unpaid loans?

Banks can file a court case, which can lead to a travel ban on any return and problems with future visas. Clear or settle all debts and keep the clearance letters.

Are my ticks saved?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data, or opening the page on another device, starts a fresh list.

Will your money last after the move?

The free retirement planner works it out year by year, with Indian inflation, your children's costs and a stress test.

Open the retirement planner

General information for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change: check anything important with the official source.