If you’ve been dreaming about launching your career in the UAE, the job-seeker visa could be your ticket to making it happen. It’s legal, straightforward, and flexible enough to give you time to find the right fit. Luckily, the UAE job-seeker visa exists, and it’s designed for people exactly like you, ambitious, career-hungry, and ready to hustle. So polish your CV, practise your interview pitch, and get ready to job-hunt like a pro.
What Is UAE’s Job-Seeker Visa?
A job-seeker visa is a special type of visa that lets you legally enter a country to search for jobs. In the case of the UAE job-seeker visa, it allows foreigners to stay in the UAE for 60, 90, or 120 days to find a job, without needing a company or employer to sponsor them.
This visa is designed for skilled professionals and fresh graduates from top universities who want to explore career opportunities in the UAE. It gives them time to attend interviews, network, and apply for jobs while staying legally in the country. In short — it’s your legal pass to job hunt stress-free in the UAE!
Who Can Apply?
The UAE won’t hand this visa to just anyone with a LinkedIn profile. You need to tick some important boxes first:
- You must belong to one of the top three professional skill levels recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- If you’re a fresh graduate, your university must be listed in the top 500 universities worldwide, based on the Ministry of Education’s ranking.
- You need to have graduated within the last two years.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification is mandatory.
- You must provide a financial guarantee, so the UAE knows you can support yourself during your stay.
Documents You’ll Need First
Applying for the visa is simple, but your paperwork must be on point. Here’s the document checklist:
- Recent coloured photo
- Clear passport copy
- Attested qualification certificate
- Your original passport
- Proof of accommodation, like a rental contract or hotel booking
- Valid health insurance for your stay
- Confirmed flight tickets
How To Apply?
You don’t need to run around town
to apply. Just visit the official UAE government website and fill out the online application. If you prefer in-person service, Amer Centres also processes these visas. Applications typically get approved within 48 hours, so, yes, it’s pretty fast.
Also Read: 7 Countries With Job Seeker Visas; Unlock Your Dreams Without An Offer Letter!
How Much Will It Cost?
Here’s the part you really want to know, the fees:
- 60-day visa: AED200
- 90-day visa: AED300
- 120-day visa: AED400
- Plus, add 5% VAT
You’ll also need to cough up AED 10,000 as a financial guarantee (don’t worry, you get it back if you follow the rules). On top of that, there’s a:
- Warranty service fee: AED20
- Collection and return fee: AED40
Already inside the UAE? You’ll pay a bit more — add:
- Knowledge fee: AED10
- Innovation fee: AED10
- In-country processing fee: AED500
Pro tip: Fees may change based on your situation, so keep an eye out for updates before you apply.
This Visa Rocks For Job Hunters
The job market moves fast, and being on the ground in the UAE gives you a massive edge. You can attend walk-in interviews, network in person, and show employers you’re serious. Plus, the job-seeker visa helps you avoid visa runs and awkward legal situations.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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