A new government fee schedule quietly published on 28 April 2026 has cut the cost of the UAE’s unsponsored Job Seeker Visa by roughly 15 % and re-opened the 120-day stay option that was suspended during the pandemic. According to the updated ICP table, entry permits now cost AED 1,500 for 60 days, AED 2,000 for 90 days and AED 2,500 – 3,000 for the reinstated 120-day permit, with processing in five-to-fifteen working days.
![UAE introduces lower fee bands and extended stay for Job Seeker Visa]()
If you’re unsure how to take advantage of the new pricing, VisaHQ can manage the entire UAE Job Seeker Visa process on your behalf—from verifying MOHRE skill-level eligibility to arranging degree attestation and submitting the online application. Get started or chat with an agent at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
Eligibility remains restricted to graduates of top-ranked universities or professionals classified in MOHRE skill levels 1–3, but recruiters expect demand to rise as hiring rebounds in finance, tech and healthcare. The longer validity addresses a key complaint from multinationals: 60 days was often insufficient to complete interviews, medicals and work-permit conversion. For mobility managers the change unlocks a compliant path to on-the-ground talent searches without the cost of full sponsorship. Employers can invite candidates to Dubai on the 120-day permit, complete interviews and convert successful applicants to work visas—avoiding penalties for unauthorised employment. Practical tips: remind candidates that the Job Seeker Visa forbids remunerated work; overstays attract the new AED 50-per-day fine. Degree attestation and proof-of-funds remain common rejection triggers, so HR teams should provide document checklists in advance.
If you’re unsure how to take advantage of the new pricing, VisaHQ can manage the entire UAE Job Seeker Visa process on your behalf—from verifying MOHRE skill-level eligibility to arranging degree attestation and submitting the online application. Get started or chat with an agent at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
Eligibility remains restricted to graduates of top-ranked universities or professionals classified in MOHRE skill levels 1–3, but recruiters expect demand to rise as hiring rebounds in finance, tech and healthcare. The longer validity addresses a key complaint from multinationals: 60 days was often insufficient to complete interviews, medicals and work-permit conversion. For mobility managers the change unlocks a compliant path to on-the-ground talent searches without the cost of full sponsorship. Employers can invite candidates to Dubai on the 120-day permit, complete interviews and convert successful applicants to work visas—avoiding penalties for unauthorised employment. Practical tips: remind candidates that the Job Seeker Visa forbids remunerated work; overstays attract the new AED 50-per-day fine. Degree attestation and proof-of-funds remain common rejection triggers, so HR teams should provide document checklists in advance.
