The UAE Jobseeker Visa, also called the job-exploration visit visa, allows eligible foreign nationals to visit the United Arab Emirates to search for employment without a local sponsor or an existing job offer. It is a temporary visit entry permit for job exploration and does not itself authorise paid employment. The UAE government describes the standard jobseeker option as single-entry; confirm the entry type on the actual permit issued.
60 / 90 / 120
Days of stay
No Sponsor
Required in the UAE
No Job Offer
Required to apply
Who Can Apply for a UAE Jobseeker Visa?
Applicants must meet the UAE's specific eligibility criteria, including:
Occupational or graduate category: Belong to MOHRE professional skill level 1, 2 or 3 or have graduated within the previous two years from a university in the approved global top-500 classification.
Education: Hold at least a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification.
Financial guarantee: Meet the financial guarantee and other entry conditions set by the issuing authority.
Travel documents: Hold a valid passport (generally at least six months' validity), supporting qualifications and other required documents.
Important: A bachelor's degree alone does not automatically establish eligibility. The occupational or recent-graduate condition must also be met.
UAE Jobseeker Visa: Eligible Professional Profiles
The occupational route is intended for applicants classified within MOHRE skill levels 1, 2 or 3. The examples below are indicative only; the actual occupational classification and supporting documents determine eligibility.
MOHRE level
Broad occupational group
Illustrative profiles
Level 1
Managers
Business managers, department managers, senior executives
Level 2
Professionals
Engineers, IT professionals, accountants, healthcare professionals
Level 3
Technicians and associate professionals
Engineering technicians, IT support technicians, technical associate professionals
MOHRE Occupational Classification: Levels 1–9
For reference, MOHRE uses a broader nine-level occupational classification. Only levels 1–3 are specified for the occupational eligibility route of this job-exploration visa. Levels 4–9 are shown for comparison, not as automatically eligible categories.
Level
Occupational classification
Jobseeker occupational route
1
Managers
Within eligible level range
2
Professionals
Within eligible level range
3
Technicians and associate professionals
Within eligible level range
4
Clerical support workers
Not within levels 1–3
5
Service and sales workers
Not within levels 1–3
6
Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers
Not within levels 1–3
7
Craft and related trades workers
Not within levels 1–3
8
Plant and machine operators and assemblers
Not within levels 1–3
9
Elementary occupations
Not within levels 1–3
The separate recent-graduate route may apply to a qualifying graduate of an approved top-500 university within two years of graduation, even where the applicant is not relying on the occupational route. All other requirements still apply.
Benefits of the UAE Job-Exploration Visa
Visit the UAE to attend job interviews, meet recruiters and explore opportunities in person.
Apply without a pre-arranged job offer or a UAE-based sponsor, if otherwise eligible.
Choose from 60-, 90- and 120-day stay options, subject to approval.
Explore opportunities in sectors such as technology, engineering, finance, healthcare and business services, depending on your profile.
The visa does not guarantee interviews, employment, a work permit or residence.
Documents Required
Valid passport and recent colour photograph.
Attested bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification certificate.
Evidence of MOHRE skill classification or qualifying university ranking and graduation date, as applicable.
Proof of financial solvency and the applicable security guarantee.
Proof of accommodation, insurance where required, and any additional evidence requested by the issuing authority.
Additional requirements may vary by nationality, application channel and emirate.
How to Apply for a UAE Jobseeker Visa from India
Check eligibility: Confirm your occupation or graduate category and educational qualification.
Prepare evidence: Collect passport, photograph, attested qualifications and any classification or financial documents.
Choose the duration: Select the appropriate 60-, 90- or 120-day option.
Submit the application: Use the applicable ICP channel or Dubai's GDRFA service, according to the issuing authority.
Pay the applicable charges: Review the live breakdown, including the financial guarantee, before submission.
Receive the decision: Travel only after approval and comply with the permit's entry and stay conditions.
UAE Jobseeker Visa Fees in 2026
Visa charges depend on the duration, issuing authority and services required. Dubai GDRFA publishes the following base fees and guarantee charges. These figures are not an all-inclusive quotation: VAT, other applicable charges and application circumstances affect the total. Fees may differ when applying through ICP or other channels.
Dubai GDRFA fee component
Published amount (AED)
60-day visa fee
200
90-day visa fee
300
120-day visa fee
400
Security guarantee
1,000
Guarantee service fee
20
Guarantee collection/return fee
40
VAT
5% where applicable
Dubai GDRFA also lists additional charges for certain in-country applications. The guarantee is not the same as a non-refundable visa fee; any refund depends on the issuing authority's conditions. Confirm the final amount before paying.
Can the UAE Jobseeker Visa Be Extended?
Extensions may be granted by the issuing authority, with a maximum total stay of 180 days under the published ICP and Dubai GDRFA rules. Dubai GDRFA describes 30-day extensions; fees and procedures depend on the authority. Approval is discretionary. Applicants should request any extension before their authorised stay expires and should not assume that an extension will be granted.
Can You Work on a UAE Jobseeker Visa?
No. This is a visit visa for job exploration. Before starting paid employment, the employer must arrange the required work authorisation and immigration status. Job seekers should verify offers and avoid paying recruiters for promises of guaranteed employment.
How Peerless Immigration Services Can Help
Peerless Immigration Services can assist with initial eligibility checks, supporting-document preparation, visa application guidance, CV preparation and job-search planning for the UAE market. Visa decisions and hiring outcomes remain with the relevant authorities and employers.
UAE Jobseeker Visa FAQs (2026)
It is a temporary visit visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter the UAE to explore employment opportunities without a UAE host or sponsor. It does not itself permit employment.
The available visit durations are 60, 90 or 120 days, subject to the permit issued and its conditions.
Applicants generally must be in MOHRE occupational skill levels 1, 2 or 3, or have graduated within the last two years from a qualifying top-500 university. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent and the prescribed financial guarantee are also required.
No. The job-exploration visa is intended for qualifying applicants to search for work without a pre-arranged job offer or local sponsor.
No. The visa permits job searching and interviews, not paid employment. An employer must arrange the appropriate work authorisation and residence status before employment begins.
Dubai GDRFA lists base visa fees of AED 200, 300 and 400 for 60, 90 and 120 days, plus applicable VAT, a security guarantee and other charges. The total depends on your application and issuing authority.
Yes, the issuing authority may approve extensions, provided the total stay does not exceed 180 days. Extensions are not automatic; Dubai GDRFA specifies 30-day extensions.
A valid passport, recent photograph and attested qualification evidence are central requirements. Dubai GDRFA also lists proof of accommodation and financial solvency. Depending on the application, qualification evidence, insurance and other documents may be requested.
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