UAEVisa

Jobseeker Visit Visa in the UAE

The jobseeker visa is a guest status on which a professional comes to the UAE to look for an employer. It is arranged without a host party or guarantor: the jobseeker files the application themselves. It differs from work residence in that it gives no right to work — employment begins only after the ministry's permit. What sets it apart from a tourist visa are the requirements as to skill level and an attested degree.

Visa term

60, 90 or 120 days — at the applicant's choice.

Processing time

48 hours.

Source: GDRFA Dubai — General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs

Who the jobseeker visa is issued to

The authorities name two features of the applicant: skill level under the MOHRE classification, and a degree from a university on a global top list.

MOHRE levels

Who this is: a worker at the first, second or third skill level under the classification of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
What is proved: a bachelor's degree or equivalent, attested by the authorised bodies.

Top 500

Who this is: a graduate of one of the world's 500 best universities under the classification of the UAE Ministry of Education, who graduated no more than 2 years ago.
What is proved: a bachelor's degree as the minimum level of education.

When it will not suit

The visa covers only the search for an employer. In three cases a different status is needed.

You already have an employer and need to start work

Work residence: the work permit is requested by the employer from MOHRE, and the employer also initiates the visa formalities.

Work visa

There is no bachelor's degree, or the university does not meet the condition

A guest or tourist visa for the trip, with employment arranged through an employer who will obtain the entry permit for work themselves.

A long status is needed — renewable, with life in the country

Residence programmes: the green or the golden visa. They are arranged as separate services.

Green Visa

What it costs

60-day visa5% VAT is charged on top of the fee	200 AED
90-day visaInstead of the 60-day fee	300 AED
120-day visaInstead of the 60-day fee	400 AED
Financial guarantee (deposit)Paid by every applicant	1 000 AED
Guarantee arrangement feeThe charge for the guarantee service	20 AED
Fee for taking and returning the guaranteeA separate line on the service card	40 AED
Knowledge dirhamOnly if the applicant files while in the UAE	+10 AED
Innovation dirhamOnly if the applicant files while in the UAE	+10 AED
Processing inside the countryCharged when the applicant is already in the UAE	+500 AED
Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. “Knowledge dirham” adds 10 AED; “Innovation dirham” adds 10 AED; “Processing inside the country” adds 500 AED; the “90-day visa” branch replaces the “60-day visa” line — 1 360 AED; the “120-day visa” branch replaces the “60-day visa” line — 1 460 AED. Charges with no official price list are in the list below.	1,260–1 780 AED

Paid separately

Attestation and translation of the degree by the authorised bodies — the authorities do not publish a price on the service card
The services of AMER service centres, if you do not file through the digital channels —

The total includes the AED 1,000 financial guarantee — it is returned when the visa is cancelled or expires, so the actual outlay is lower. The total also depends on the length of the visa and on where the applicant is when filing. The amounts are taken from the GDRFA Dubai service card; in other emirates the application goes through the ICP.

Documents to gather

A colour personal photograph
A passport copy with at least 6 months' validity
A higher education degree — bachelor's or above, attested by the authorised bodies

How the process runs

1
Checking the conditions
You check your skill level against the MOHRE classification and your university against the Ministry of Education list, and check your passport's validity.
2
Gathering the documents
You prepare the photograph, the passport copy and the attested degree.
3
Filing the application
Login to the smart services system through UAE Pass or a username, selection of the service and completion of the form. The alternative is an AMER centre or a Customer Happiness Centre during working hours.
4
Paying the fees
The service fee is paid when the application is filed.
5
Decision on the application
48 hours
The authority reviews the application and issues the visa.
6
Entry and the job search
The visa gives entry without a host party or guarantor.

Renewal and the grace period

The authority may extend the job search visit once or several times, but the total stay does not exceed 180 days. The extension fee is AED 600 plus VAT. The documents required are a passport copy. The ICP states the same limit on the total period in its service for extending entry permits.

How the jobseeker visa differs from the work and green visas

This is a guest status, not residence. Every difference follows from that.

	Job search	Work visa	Green Visa
Term	60, 90 or 120 days	2 years	5 years
Is it residence?	No, a guest visit	Yes	Yes
Right to work	No — employment begins after the MOHRE permit	Yes, under an employment contract	Yes, with no tie to an employer
Who files the application	The jobseeker themselves	The employer	The holder themselves

Frequently asked questions about Jobseeker Visit Visa

Can you work on the jobseeker visa?

No. Under UAE labour law it is unlawful to work in the country without a valid work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Permits are issued only to registered employers, not to the jobseeker themselves. The visa gives entry and time to search; employment begins once the permit has been arranged.

Is a sponsor or inviting party required?

No. The government portal describes this visa as a visit to look for work without a host party or guarantor inside the country. The application is filed by the jobseeker themselves through GDRFA Dubai or the ICP.

What happens if you stay beyond the visa's term?

The ICP charges a fine of AED 50 for each day of stay beyond the permitted period — it accrues once the visa or permit has expired. The fine is paid through the service for paying visa and residence violations.

Is the deposit returned once the visa ends?

The GDRFA returns the financial guarantee when the visa is cancelled, on its expiry, or if the applicant falls into a category exempted by law. The refund goes to the card used for payment, or by cheque or bank transfer. Where the entry and residence laws are breached, the guarantee is forfeited.

Who falls into the first, second and third skill levels?

MOHRE divides occupations into nine levels. The first — legislators, managers and business executives. The second — professionals in the scientific, technical and humanities fields. The third — technicians in those same fields. Skilled labour means work at levels one to five with above-secondary education and an attested degree.

Other ways to move to UAE

Every route in one list — migration programmes: UAE.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.