Every good thing comes to an end, and one of them is the moment when you leave Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. If the time has come to leave the country, be aware that it is essential to make yourself a checklist so that the transition goes as smoothly as possible. We have created a comprehensive checklist (we hope) that will be useful when you have to leave the country.

Checklist Before Leaving Dubai

There are many reasons that could make you leave Dubai. By choice or because you are forced to!

Leaving Dubai by Choice

Some expatriates choose to leave the Emirates to return to their country of origin, while others leave to conquer new territories.

Leaving Dubai Under Constraint

Then there are the other expatriates, those who unfortunately are forced to leave the country after losing their job and therefore their residence visa. Note that the residence visa is the document that allows you to have resident status in the Emirates. Whatever the reason that makes you leave the Emirates, do not forget that there are many things to consider in order to leave the country properly and smoothly. This list we are offering you will help you forget nothing before leaving the United Arab Emirates.

Step 1: Canceling Your Residence Visa in the Emirates

The first thing to do before leaving the Emirates is to cancel your visa. If you decide to leave of your own accord, it is up to you to inform your employer (do not forget to take your notice period into account). The process is handled by your employer and their PROs. Our firm and our PROs can also handle this task on behalf of your employer. You will need to hand over your passport temporarily so that the visa can be canceled. You will also need to remember to cancel the residence visas of your dependents, namely your spouse, parents, and domestic staff. If you do not cancel your residence visa in time, your departure will be delayed. Therefore, we encourage you to keep visa cancellation at the top of your list of priorities. Once your visa has been canceled, you will have 30 days to leave the country. If, for any reason, you remain in the United Arab Emirates after the 30-day grace period, you will be subject to heavy fines for exceeding the authorized period of stay.

Step 2: Remember to Recover Your Contributions

Whether you resigned or were dismissed by your employer, you will receive your end-of-service gratuity. Give yourself and the company enough time to prepare your end-of-service statements.

Step 3: Settling Your Debts and Putting Your Finances in Order

Another equally important step is settling your debts. In the Emirates, nonpayment of a debt is considered a criminal offense that can, in the worst case, lead to arrest and possibly imprisonment. You will automatically be stopped by immigration officers, who have the authority to prevent you from boarding a plane if you have outstanding debts. It is therefore essential to repay all your loans and settle all your debts in Dubai and the Emirates in general. Also remember to close all the credit cards you have.

Step 5: Closing Your Bank Accounts in Dubai

One of the steps not to forget is closing your local bank accounts. The procedure for closing a bank account in Dubai is very simple. Simply go to the branch with your passport and Emirates ID, complete and submit a closure form. As for your funds, there are two possibilities: the bank can either transfer your money to another bank (outside the United Arab Emirates) or give you cash.

Step 6: Settling Your Bills

Finally, do not forget to contact customer service departments to request the “Final Bill” for all your local contracts and settle the amounts due (Etisalat or Du, DEWA, Empower, Lootah Gas, etc.). Also remember to cancel your newspaper, cleaning, dry-cleaning, and other subscriptions. Once the bills have been settled, you can ask them to disconnect your services. The request to disconnect DEWA must be made in person at their offices. However, your telephone, television, and Internet contracts can be disconnected in a single visit to the customer service offices.

Step 7: End Your Tenancy Contract, Also Called EJARI

You must inform the landlord of your intentions while respecting the notice period stipulated in the contract. However, terminating a tenancy contract is not simple. You may have to pay an additional month’s rent if it falls within the contract period. Negotiate with your landlord to find a solution that works for everyone. Be sure to comply with all the RERA rules for tenants.

Step 8: Request Your Children’s School Transfer Certificates

Remember to request a school transfer certificate from your children’s school. This document is necessary to enroll your children in a new school. Also, if you are leaving in the middle of the school year, you can contact the school administration to find out whether fees paid in advance can be refunded.

Step 9: Transfer Your Domestic Staff’s Employment

If you employ domestic staff, you must inform them of your decision well in advance and give them enough time to find another employer. You can obtain domestic staff transfer documents from any typing center. Once all the formalities have been completed, submit the documents to the “Residence” section of the GDRFA. The deposit you initially paid will be returned to you. The secret to a successful departure is planning it in advance. We recommend starting the process at least 6 months ahead of time. It is essential to allow enough time so that you are not caught off guard. Only by proceeding this way can you ensure a smooth transition. Enjoy your last months in the Emirates, gather your friends for a meal, and look back on the good (and less good) memories you made in Dubai. Who knows when you will return here next time?