Leaving the UAE permanently? Credit card dues, visa, rental contract cancellation explained

Khaleej Times

09-03-2025

Question: After a fruitful career and life in Dubai, I am planning to retire next month. Can you please tell me the aspects I need to take care of before leaving the country for good — for instance, cancelling visas of my family members, credit cards, tenancy etc.
Answer: If an individual is leaving the UAE and has no intention of coming back to the country on residency, it is advised to close all bank account(s) as laid down in Article 9(b) of the UAE Central Bank Regulation No. 29/2011 dated February 23, 2011, on Regulations Regarding Bank Loans & Other Services Offered to Individual Customers.
The law states, 'Commercial banks may open all types of accounts for their retail customers, but in such cases, they must abide by the standard agreement mentioned under Article (12) of these regulations. In case a customer requests the closing of the account and termination of the business relationship with the bank, the bank should do that without imposing a penalty if the account opening date goes back more than one year. In all cases, an account must be closed and an appropriate certificate must be issued within, maximum, seven days from the date of submission of the application.'
Furthermore, for cancellation of the family member's visa, you can either visit the Amer Service Centre or complete the process online by submitting the required documents and paying the applicable fees for the service. An individual sponsoring his/her spouse, children and other dependents must cancel the dependents' visas before he/she cancels his/her own visa.
The Dubai Land Law does not specifically address the early termination of tenancy agreements. Therefore, you may notify your landlord in writing at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the agreement, indicating your intention not to renew the lease and your decision to vacate the property. In case you intend to vacate the property before 90 days, you may inform your landlord about the same and mutually agree with your landlord to do so. In case there is no mutual agreement on the said issue, you may reach out to the Real Estate Regulatory Authority to resolve the matter.
'Article 14 of the Law No. 33 of 2008 Amending Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai:
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties to a rent contract, where either party wishes to amend any of its terms pursuant to Article (13) of this Law, that party must notify the other party of this intent no less than 90 days before the date on which the rent contract expires.'
It is advisable to clear all the credit card dues before leaving the UAE.
In case, you have defaulted in making any payment, the lender may approach the relevant court which has jurisdiction if the outstanding amount is more than Dh10,000 and request the imposition of a travel ban on you in accordance with provisions of Article 324 and Article 325 of the Federal Decree Law no. 42 of 2022 on Civil Procedures Law.
Additionally, the lender may file a payment order case or a civil case against you in court to recover the outstanding debt. If the final judgement is not in your favour, the lender may proceed to file execution proceedings against you and that may include a request to impose a travel ban and issue an arrest warrant against you.
In conclusion, before retiring and leaving the UAE, it is essential to address key aspects such as closing your bank accounts, cancelling family visas, managing your tenancy agreement and handing over possession and keys of the rented property while you are vacating with acknowledgement from the landlord. Compliance with all the above will avoid any legal complications. You may consult the relevant authorities or legal professionals for further guidance if needed.