UAE Job Seeker Visa 2025: Who Can Apply and How

Overview: The UAE Job Seeker Visa is a specialized entry permit introduced under Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022, enabling qualified professionals to enter the United Arab Emirates to explore employment opportunities without requiring prior sponsorship from a local employer or guarantor. Applicants can select from three visa durations—60 days, 90 days, or 120 days—based on their job search needs.

Purpose: Designed to attract global talent, this visa grants holders the legal right to network, attend interviews, and engage with recruiters across major emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing firsthand exposure to the UAE’s dynamic job market.

Skill Classification: Applicants must be classified as skilled workers at the first, second, or third professional level under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) occupational classification.

Top University Graduates: Graduates from universities ranked among the top 500 globally, according to the Ministry of Education’s classification, are eligible if they completed their degrees within the last two years.

Degree Requirement: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is mandatory for all applicants; degree certificates must be attested to verify authenticity and equivalence.

Financial Guarantee: Applicants must fulfill the prescribed financial guarantee—AED 1,000 refundable deposit—as security during their stay, refundable upon visa completion or cancellation.

Mandatory Documents:

• A colored passport-sized photo.
• A copy of the passport with at least six months’ validity.
• An attested copy of the highest qualification certificate (bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

Recommended Documents:

• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or tenancy contract).
• Comprehensive health insurance covering the entire visa period.
• Bank statements or financial records demonstrating sufficient funds.
• Confirmed return or onward flight itinerary.
• Police clearance certificate or detailed CV, if requested.

Official ICP Portal: Apply via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) smart services portal at smartservices.icp.gov.ae. Select the 60‑, 90‑, or 120‑day jobseeker visa service, complete the form, upload documents, pay fees electronically, and track your application status 24/7.

GDRFA Dubai System: For Dubai-specific applications, use the GDRFA smart services platform (smart.gdrfad.gov.ae). Log in with UAE Pass, fill out the application, attach documents, pay fees, and receive the entry permit electronically.

In‑Person Centers: GDRFA Customer Happiness Centres and Amer Service Centres accept walk‑in applications. Present original documents, pay fees at the counter, and collect physical receipts or approvals on the spot.

Processing Time: Standard processing is approximately 48 hours from submission, subject to document verification and fee clearance.

Visa Fees: AED 200 for a 60‑day visa, AED 300 for 90 days, and AED 400 for 120 days, exclusive of VAT.

VAT and Service Charges: A 5% VAT applies to the visa fee. A warranty service fee of AED 20 and a guarantee collection/return fee of AED 40 are charged during the financial guarantee process.

Security Deposit: AED 1,000 refundable deposit, held as a security against potential liabilities and returned upon visa expiry or cancellation.

Additional In‑Country Fees: If applying from within the UAE, pay an in‑country processing fee of AED 500 plus AED 10 each for the “knowledge” and “innovation” dirham charges.

Duration Options: Choose from single-entry visas valid for 60, 90, or 120 days, aligning with personal job search timelines.

Extension Service: Extensions are available via the “Extending a visit visa to explore job opportunities” service on GDRFA or ICP portals, subject to additional fees and compliance with original visa conditions.

Conversion to Work Visa: After securing employment, holders can convert the job seeker visa into a standard work permit without exiting the country, pending employer sponsorship and MOHRE approval.

No Sponsor Required: Explore job opportunities independently without a pre‑arranged sponsor or job offer.

Networking and Market Access: Attend job fairs, interviews, and industry events to build professional networks and understand employer expectations firsthand.

Firsthand Market Experience: Residing in the UAE provides insight into local work culture, lifestyle, and sector dynamics, enhancing competitiveness during negotiations.

Flexible Stay Periods: The option to select multiple validity durations allows applicants to tailor their visa length to their job search strategy.

No Employment Permitted: Working on a job seeker visa is prohibited. Violations can lead to fines, deportation, and entry bans.

Overstay Penalties: Overstaying beyond the visa validity incurs fines of AED 50 per day, which accumulate daily and must be settled before departure to avoid exit bans.

Insurance Compliance: Valid health insurance for the entire visa period is mandatory. Lack of coverage may result in application rejection or restricted access to medical care.

Document Authenticity: All documents must be genuine, attested, and current. Inaccuracies can cause delays, denials, or legal repercussions.

Conclusion

Summary: The UAE Job Seeker Visa 2025 offers a clear, efficient pathway for global talent to explore the Emirates’ thriving job market. With well‑defined eligibility criteria, flexible visa durations, and streamlined application channels, professionals can concentrate on securing their next career move.

Next Steps: Review eligibility requirements, gather mandatory and recommended documents, and choose the appropriate visa duration. Apply through official GDRFA and ICA portals, ensuring full compliance with visa conditions to maximize the chances of a successful application.

Stay Informed: Visa regulations can evolve; always refer to the official UAE government portals for the latest updates and procedural changes.