Can You Still Use Your UAE Bank Account After Visa Cancellation?

Answer:

Let’s say someone—call him Ali—loses his job in the UAE and his residency visa is cancelled. He now has 30 days to figure out his next move: maybe he finds a new job, switches to a dependent visa, or prepares to exit the country.

But here's the big question:

Can Ali still use his bank account during this transition—and even after the visa cancellation is processed?

Yes, he can.

Losing your residency visa doesn’t automatically shut down your bank account. Let’s break down why:

🏦1. Visa cancellation ≠ account closure

Just because a residency visa is cancelled doesn’t mean the bank account is frozen or closed. UAE banks don’t take action on an account unless certain conditions are met—and simply cancelling a visa isn’t one of them.

According to UAE Central Bank Regulation No. 29/2011, an account is not considered dormant or inactive as long as the customer’s address is known or they’re actively using their account.

“None of the opened accounts can be considered ‘dormant’ if the customer’s address is known or if the customer is present and has other active accounts with the bank.”

So, if Ali is logging into his account, making transactions, or even just staying in touch with the bank—he’s good.

⏳2. Dormant accounts have very specific criteria

A dormant account in the UAE isn’t something that happens quickly or automatically. According to UAE Central Bank Circular No. 1/2020, an account only becomes dormant if:

• There have been no financial or non-financial transactions for 3 years, and
• There has been no communication from the account holder during that time.

This includes things like:

• Not making deposits or withdrawals
• Not submitting service requests
• Not updating personal details or responding to the bank
• No emails, messages, or logins

So, unless Ali completely ghosts his bank for three straight years, his account is staying active.

🌍3. Residency status might change, but access won’t

While the account itself stays open, the status of the account may change from “resident” to “non-resident.” This reclassification depends on the bank’s internal policies. It may come with new terms, like:

• Different minimum balance requirements
• Changes in the types of services or benefits available
• Possibly a request for updated documentation

This is standard practice and doesn’t mean the account will be frozen. It just means the bank wants to align the account type with the customer’s new residency status.

✅What should Ali (or anyone) do?

To avoid any surprises, the best move is to inform the bank. Tell them about the visa cancellation and that you're in the process of either switching jobs or changing visa status. This helps build trust and ensures smooth communication if anything needs to be updated on the bank’s side.

TL;DR

• Visa cancellation does not mean automatic account freeze.
• Accounts only become dormant after 3 years of total inactivity and no contact.
• Banks may reclassify the account as non-resident, but you’ll still have access.
• Stay in touch with your bank and keep the account active.

Still got questions about banking and residency in the UAE? Ninjaz can help. Drop us a message—we’re here to make the rules make sense.