UAE Jobseeker Visa: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

01What the jobseeker visa is

The jobseeker visit visa lets foreigners enter the UAE to look for work without a host or sponsor. According to the official UAE government portal, it covers one trip, and you can choose a validity of 60, 90 or 120 days.

02Who is eligible

You must meet all three of these conditions:

1. Either work in a job at skill level 1, 2 or 3 under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) classification, or be a graduate of one of the world’s top 500 universities, under the Ministry of Education’s approved list, who graduated within the last 2 years.
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
3. Meet the prescribed financial guarantee. The official page does not state the amount, so confirm it with the issuing authority.

03Documents you need

• A coloured photo
• A copy of your passport
• An attested qualification certificate

The official page does not list the fees. Check the current cost on the ICP or GDRFA website before you apply.

04Where to apply

You can apply through GDRFA’s visit visa service for exploring job opportunities, or through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which has separate online services for the 60-, 90- and 120-day versions.

05Making the most of your search

A jobseeker visa has a fixed end date, so plan your time. Read our employment and labor law guide so you know what a fair contract looks like, and our visas and residency guide to understand what happens once an employer sponsors your residence visa. Our community guide explains how to meet people, and the community’s Jobs & Hiring group is a good place to ask questions.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions