The visa provides an opportunity for qualified applicants to explore the UAE labour market, attend professional meetings, contact potential employers, and investigate suitable career opportunities before securing a formal job offer.

According to the UAE Government’s official portal, applicants may choose a visa duration of 60, 90, or 120 days, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria and approval requirements.

This visa is classified as a temporary entry permission intended for exploring employment opportunities and should not be confused with a work permit or an employment-based residence visa.

Regarding eligibility, applicants must fall within the first, second, or third professional skill level under the occupational classification approved by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Alternatively, applicants may qualify if they graduated from one of the world’s top 500 universities according to the classification recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Graduates applying under this category must have completed their studies within the two years preceding their application, while the minimum academic qualification for applicants is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.

Applicants must also satisfy the prescribed financial guarantee requirements and submit documentation demonstrating that they meet the eligibility conditions for the selected visa category.

The required documents generally include a recent coloured personal photograph, a copy of a passport valid for at least six months, and an appropriately attested university qualification certificate.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, additional evidence may be required to confirm their professional skill classification or the recognized ranking of the university from which they graduated.

Applicants must also comply with relevant health insurance and financial security requirements, ensuring that their supporting documents are accurate and consistent with the information submitted electronically.

The authorities may request further documentation or clarification during the application process before making a final decision on visa issuance.

Regarding fees, Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs lists a basic charge of AED 200 for a 60-day job exploration visa and AED 300 for a 90-day visa.

The basic charge increases to AED 400 for a 120-day visa, with value-added tax of 5% applying under the published fee schedule.

The Dubai service also lists a refundable financial security amount of AED 1,000, together with an AED 20 guarantee service fee and AED 40 for guarantee collection and refund procedures.

Additional charges may apply depending on the applicant’s location and circumstances, meaning the basic visa issuance fee should not be treated as the total application cost.

Eligible applicants can submit their requests through the official Dubai residency website or smart application, while authorized Amer service centres also provide application assistance.

The application procedure generally involves selecting the job exploration visa service, completing the required personal information, attaching supporting documents, and paying the applicable charges.

Dubai’s residency authority indicates an expected processing period of approximately 48 hours after the required documentation and procedures have been completed.

However, the processing timeframe does not guarantee approval, as applications remain subject to verification and the relevant immigration authority’s assessment.

Applicants may also access services through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, depending on the emirate and the competent authority responsible for their applications.

It is important to understand that holding a job exploration visa does not authorize visitors to begin paid employment or perform professional duties before obtaining the appropriate legal permission.

If an applicant receives a suitable job offer, the required employment permit and residence procedures must be completed in accordance with UAE regulations before work can legally begin.

Visitors must also comply with the authorized period of stay, as remaining in the country beyond the applicable permission may lead to financial penalties under immigration rules.

The UAE Government advises applicants to rely on official immigration websites and approved service channels when checking eligibility, fees, application requirements, and visa status.

Source: Official UAE Government Portal, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, and Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.

Last published government portal update: February 18, 2026