FLASH NEWSUAE Job Seeker Visa 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

What the job seeker visa is

The UAE job seeker visa, officially a visit visa to explore job opportunities, lets you enter the country and look for work without an employer sponsoring you first. You choose a duration of 60, 90 or 120 days when you apply. It does not let you work. Once an employer hires you, they move you onto a proper work permit and residence visa.

Who qualifies

• Skilled workers at the first, second or third skill level of the occupational classification approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), or
• graduates of one of the world’s top 500 universities, and
• a bachelor’s degree or equivalent as the minimum education.

What it costs

Fees depend on where the visa is issued. For Dubai, GDRFA Dubai charges AED 200, 300 or 400 plus 5% VAT for 60, 90 or 120 days, and takes a refundable AED 1,000 security amount with small service fees. The full table is in our Dubai job exploration visa guide. For other emirates the application goes through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), so confirm the exact fee on its portal before you pay. Third-party agents are not required, and they add cost.

How to apply

1. Check your eligibility against the rules above.
2. Apply for a Dubai visa on the GDRFA Dubai website or smart app, using UAE Pass or your username. For other emirates, use ICP Smart Services. Pick 60, 90 or 120 days.
3. Upload a personal photo, a passport copy valid for at least six months and your university degree. Some channels also ask for attested qualification certificates.
4. Pay online. GDRFA Dubai lists a processing time of 48 hours.

Plan the search before you fly

• Budget for housing, transport and health insurance on top of the visa fee. Daily costs in Dubai can exceed the visa itself.
• Line up interviews in advance. Even 120 days passes quickly with public holidays and Ramadan hours.
• Do not start work before your employer converts your status. Doing so can bring penalties for you and the employer.
• Leave before the visa expires, or have a status change under way. Overstaying brings daily fines and can affect future visas.

Not sure about eligibility? See the jobseeker visa eligibility guide.