Leaving Dubai Checklist 2026: 60-Step Complete Exit Guide

Key Points

Phase 1: Planning (3-6 Months Before)

01

Financial Planning

Review end-of-service gratuity. Calculate outstanding loans. Check bank account closing requirements. Review investment portfolios. Consult tax advisor about destination country obligations.

02

Logistics Planning

Research international moving companies. Get quotes for shipping household goods. Decide what to sell vs ship. Research pet relocation if applicable. Book storage if needed.

03

Family Planning

Research schools at destination. Request school transcripts and records. Begin application process for new schools. Arrange medical records transfer. Update vaccination records.

04

Employment

Review contract notice period. Understand non-compete clauses. Negotiate exit terms. Request employment reference letters. Understand gratuity calculation.

At a Glance

Phase 2: Execution (1-3 Months Before)

#	Task	Timeline	Notes
1	Submit resignation	Per contract	Written notice required
2	Notify landlord	90 days (Ejari)	Check lease early termination
3	Cancel/transfer Ejari	30 days before	Need landlord NOC
4	DEWA final bill	2 weeks before	Schedule disconnection
5	Du/Etisalat cancellation	30 days notice	Check early termination fees
6	Salik account closure	After last drive	Refund takes 30 days
7	RTA fine clearance	Before visa cancel	Check online portal
8	Sell/export vehicle	4-6 weeks	Need police clearance
9	Sell furniture	2-4 weeks	Dubizzle, Facebook groups
10	Cancel gym/club memberships	30 days notice	Check refund policies

1

01

TaskSubmit resignation
TimelinePer contract
NotesWritten notice required

2

02

TaskNotify landlord
Timeline90 days (Ejari)
NotesCheck lease early termination

3

03

TaskCancel/transfer Ejari
Timeline30 days before
NotesNeed landlord NOC

4

04

TaskDEWA final bill
Timeline2 weeks before
NotesSchedule disconnection

5

05

TaskDu/Etisalat cancellation
Timeline30 days notice
NotesCheck early termination fees

6

06

TaskSalik account closure
TimelineAfter last drive
NotesRefund takes 30 days

7

07

TaskRTA fine clearance
TimelineBefore visa cancel
NotesCheck online portal

8

08

TaskSell/export vehicle
Timeline4-6 weeks
NotesNeed police clearance

9

09

TaskSell furniture
Timeline2-4 weeks
NotesDubizzle, Facebook groups

10

TaskCancel gym/club memberships
Timeline30 days notice
NotesCheck refund policies

Key Points

Phase 3: Financial Exit (2-4 Weeks Before)

01

Bank Accounts

Close accounts after all transactions clear. Keep one account open for gratuity deposit. Transfer funds internationally. Request bank reference letter.

02

Credit Cards

Clear all outstanding balances. Cancel cards. Request closure confirmation letter. Check if any annual fees are pending.

03

Insurance

Cancel health insurance (or keep if self-sponsored). Cancel car insurance after sale. Cancel home contents insurance. Get premium refunds where applicable.

Key Points

Phase 4: Visa & Legal (Final Weeks)

01

Visa Cancellation

Employer initiates visa cancellation. Receive exit permit. 30-day grace period to leave. Emirates ID automatically cancelled. Can convert to visit visa if needed.

02

Document Collection

Police clearance certificate. Salary certificate. Experience letter. NOC from employer. Attested educational certificates. Driving record from RTA.

Overview

Phase 5: Final Days

In your last week: confirm all utility accounts are closed, do a final DEWA meter reading, hand over keys to landlord with inspection report, collect security deposits, do a final check of all government portals for outstanding fines, and ensure your bank has your international contact details for any pending transactions.

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

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What happens to my end-of-service gratuity?

Your employer must pay gratuity within 14 days of your last working day. For unlimited contracts: 21 days basic salary per year for first 5 years, 30 days per year after. Capped at 2 years' salary.

Can I keep my Dubai bank account after leaving?

Some banks allow non-resident accounts with minimum balance requirements. Emirates NBD and HSBC offer this. Fees may apply. Useful for receiving final payments.

What if I have outstanding loans?

All loans must be settled before visa cancellation. Banks may offer early settlement discounts. Your employer's final settlement can be directed to loan repayment.