UAE jobseeker visit visa: Who can apply, eligibility, costs and how to get it
Looking for a job in the UAE? Here's who qualifies for the jobseeker visit visa, the documents you'll need, visa fees and the step-by-step application process.
Dubai: If you have always wanted to move to the UAE to work, but don’t know anyone in the country who can sponsor your visa, don’t worry. You can apply for a visit visa specifically designed for jobseekers, which allows you to stay in the UAE for 60, 90 or 120 days.
The UAE jobseeker visa is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which is the immigration authority in the country, and does not require a UAE-based individual or company to sponsor or host the visa for you.
Here is all that you need to apply for the visa and the process that you can follow.
What is the UAE jobseeker visit visa?
The jobseeker visa was introduced in 2022, with the aim of attracting young talent and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the country. If you fulfil the eligibility criteria mentioned below, you can apply for the visa without the need for a UAE-based sponsor or host.
Eligibility for a jobseeker visa
These are the conditions you need to meet, in order to be eligible for the jobseeker visa:
- You must be:
- In the first, second or third skill level as per MOHRE’s professional levels of jobs, or
- A graduate from the top 500 universities in the world, according to the classification approved by Ministry of Education and must have graduated within the last two years.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
- Must submit the prescribed financial guarantee.
What is my skill level as per the MOHRE classification?
MOHRE classifies employment into nine professional levels according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). These levels are:
- Level 1: Legislators, managers, and business executives.
- Level 2: Professionals in scientific, technical and human fields.
- Level 3: Technicians in scientific, technical and humanitarian fields.
- Level 4: Writing professionals.
- Level 5: Service and sales occupations.
- Level 6: Skilled workers in agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry.
- Level 7: Craftsmen in construction, mining, and other craftsmen.
- Level 8: Operators and assemblers of machinery and equipment.
- Level 9: Simple professions
Required documents
- A coloured passport-sized photograph
- Copy of your passport
- Qualification certificate (attested)
How to apply for the jobseeker visa
You can apply for the visa either through the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai (for a visa issued from Dubai) or through the ICP (for a visa issued from any other emirate).
To apply for the service through GDRFA, follow these steps:
- Visit the service page - https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/2a679791-408a-11ed-4fe5-0050569629e8
- Click on ‘Start service’. Log into your account using the UAE PASS. If you don’t have a UAE PASS account, you can create a GDRFA account as well, using your email address.
- Once you are redirected to your personal dashboard, click on ‘new application’ and select ‘New entry permit for exploring business or job opportunities’.
- Enter your personal details, like your passport details, contact information and residential address.
- Upload the required documents.
- Make the visa fee payment, using your credit or debit card.
Once the payment is made, you will receive a reference number. Applications are processed within 48 hours, and you will receive an update from the authority via email.
To apply for the service through the ICP, follow these steps:
- Visit the service page: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/dashboard?categoryId=3
- Select the duration of the visa you wish to apply for: 60, 90 or 120 days.
- Click on ‘start service’.
- Upload your passport copy and the required documents.
- Enter your personal details, like your contact information and residential address.
- Make the fee payment.
Once the payment is made, you will receive a reference number. Applications are processed within 48 hours, and you will receive an update from the authority via email.
How much does the visa cost?
The final cost for the visa will depend on the duration for which you apply for. Here is a breakdown of the visa cost:
- 60-day visa fee: AED200
- 90-day visa fee: AED300
- 120-day visa fee: AED400
In addition to 5% Value Added Tax.
- Financial guarantees (refundable): AED1,060
If you are applying for the visa while you are already in the UAE, you will need to factor in an additional ‘inside country’ visa change fee of AED 520.
For a detailed guide on how to get your deposit refunded, click here.
Processing time – 48 hours