The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is once again making headlines with a bold and forward-thinking immigration policy. Beginning June 30, 2025, the country will officially launch a new visit visa for work purposes, a move designed to attract global talent while enhancing the UAE’s competitive edge in the international labor market. This initiative is not just a revision of existing visa rules—it represents a transformative shift in how the UAE welcomes professionals, freelancers, and job seekers from across the globe.
At its core, the new visa allows individuals to enter the UAE without the traditional requirement of employer sponsorship, granting them the freedom to actively seek employment or engage in short-term work assignments legally. This development is especially significant in a region where most work-related immigration has historically been tied to company sponsorships and pre-secured job contracts. With this visa, the UAE breaks from convention and opens the door to a wider, more diverse pool of professionals—from recent graduates hoping to begin their careers in the Gulf to seasoned experts looking for freelance opportunities or project-based contracts.
What makes this initiative even more remarkable is its clear alignment with the UAE’s broader economic vision. The country is rapidly evolving from an oil-dependent economy into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven one. To fuel that transition, the government is actively creating policies that empower human capital, foster entrepreneurship, and encourage global collaboration. By allowing professionals to explore the local job market firsthand and legally take on temporary assignments, the new visit visa aligns talent mobility with the country’s strategic priorities.
For job seekers, this development is a game-changer. It eliminates the uncertainty of long-distance job applications and the hurdles of needing a sponsor before even setting foot in the UAE. Instead, applicants can now immerse themselves in the UAE’s vibrant business ecosystem, network in person, attend interviews, pitch for contracts, and experience the working culture—all while staying compliant with immigration laws.
The implications are equally significant for employers. Organizations in the UAE can now engage with talent more flexibly, testing out project-based collaborations or short-term contracts before committing to full-time roles. It’s a win-win for both sides—a streamlined, low-risk way to find the right fit in an increasingly competitive job market.
In essence, the new Visit Visa for Work Purposes signals the UAE’s transition into a more open, inclusive, and opportunity-rich destination for global talent. It redefines what it means to job hunt in the Middle East and sets a new benchmark for how nations can attract and retain skilled professionals in a dynamic global economy.
What Are the New Visit Visa Rules in the UAE?
The new Visit Visa for Work Purposes introduces several key features
1. Clear and Purposeful Design
Unlike standard tourist or visit visas, which limit individuals to leisure travel or visiting family and friends, the primary purpose of this new visa is professional. It is tailor-made for:
Job Seekers actively looking for work in the UAE,
Freelancers interested in short-term, contract-based projects,
Consultants offering specialized services, and
Recent graduates seeking a foothold in one of the region’s most dynamic job markets.
This focus is especially beneficial in today’s competitive landscape, where global professionals are increasingly seeking flexibility and firsthand access to growing economic hubs like the UAE.
2. Flexible Duration Options
The visa is available in three duration categories—60 days, 90 days, or 120 days—giving applicants the ability to choose a time frame that aligns with their personal goals, financial resources, and job search strategy.
This flexibility is a welcome change from the often rigid durations of traditional visit visas. For example:
A 60-day visa might work best for freelancers or consultants looking to complete a project or attend interviews.
A 90- to 120-day visa provides more breathing room for job seekers to immerse themselves in the local job market, attend networking events, or even undertake short-term internships.
3. No Sponsor or Job Offer Required
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of this visa is that no employer sponsorship is required. Traditionally, entering the UAE for work has meant having a job offer in hand or being sponsored by a local entity. This visa breaks that mould completely.
Applicants can now apply independently, without needing a pre-existing employment contract or the backing of a company. This change:
Empowers professionals to explore the UAE job market on their own terms.
Removes logistical barriers that have often discouraged international talent from engaging with the region and makes it easier for people to evaluate opportunities on the ground before making long-term commitments.
4. Targeted at a Diverse Talent Pool
The new visa reflects the UAE’s broader ambition to attract a wide range of skilled professionals, not just those in traditional corporate roles. This includes:
Freelancers and digital nomads who are mobile and often work across borders,
Creative professionals and consultants whose work is project-based,
Graduates and young professionals seeking internships, entry-level roles, or mentorship opportunities.
By recognising the needs of this modern, mobile workforce, the UAE is positioning itself as a magnet for global talent—offering opportunity without bureaucracy.
5. Legal and Structured Entry for Work-Related Activities
Importantly, this visa legalises short-term work-related activities that were previously not permissible under traditional visit or tourist visas. This includes:
Attending job interviews,
Participating in work trials or freelance gigs,
Consulting with UAE-based companies,
Engaging in paid, short-duration assignments.
By creating a legal pathway for such activities, the UAE removes the risk professionals previously faced when navigating gray areas in visa use. It’s a clear, structured, and compliant option that promotes trust and transparency between foreign professionals and local employers.
Can I Convert a Visit Visa to a Job Seeker Visa in the UAE?
Yes, it is possible to convert a standard visit visa to a job seeker visa within the UAE. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the job seeker visa and pay an additional fee of approximately AED 500. The conversion process can be initiated through the UAE’s official smart services portals or by visiting authorised centres.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Visit Visa for Work Purposes, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Skill Level: Classified under MOHRE Skill Levels 1–3 (e.g., engineers, medical professionals, and business specialists).
Educational Qualifications: Possess at least a bachelor’s degree.
Recent Graduates: Graduated within the last two years from one of the top 500 global universities.
Financial Means: Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of stay
Difference Between This Visa and the Existing Job Seeker Visa
Feature Job Seeker Visa Visit Visa for Work Purposes Sponsor Required No No Work Permitted No Yes (short-term only) Duration Options 60, 90, 120 days 60, 90, 120 days Target Audience Job Seekers Job Seekers & Freelancers Short-Term Projects Not Allowed Allowed The new Visit Visa for Work Purposes offers greater flexibility by permitting short-term work, making it more suitable for freelancers and project-based professionals.
Breakdown of the New Visit Visa Fees
The fees for the Visit Visa for Work Purposes are as follows:
Duration Base Fee (AED) Security Deposit (AED) Additional Charges (AED) Total (Approx.) 60 Days 200 1,000 80–100 1,280–1,300 90 Days 300 1,000 80–100 1,380–1,400 120 Days 400 1,000 100–120 1,500–1,520 Note: An additional AED 500 applies if applying from within the UAE.
How to Apply for This Visa
Applicants can choose from the following methods to apply:
1. Online via Smart Services Portal
Log in using UAE Pass or create an account.
Navigate to the “Visit Visa for Work Purposes” service.
Complete the application form and upload required documents.
Pay the applicable fees online.
2. Customer Happiness Centres
Visit the nearest centre.
Collect a queue ticket and wait for your turn.
Submit the application along with the necessary documents.
Pay the visa fee at the counter.
3. Amer Service Centres (Dubai Only)
Visit the nearest Amer Centre.
Collect a queue ticket and wait for your turn.
Submit the application along with the necessary documents.
Pay the visa fee at the counter.
Benefits
For Job Seekers:
Legal Work Authorisation: Engage in short-term projects legally.
No Sponsorship Needed: Apply independently without employer involvement.
Flexibility: Choose a visa duration that aligns with your job search or project timeline.
For the UAE:
Talent Attraction: Draws skilled professionals to support various sectors.
Economic Growth: Fills skill gaps and boosts productivity.
Innovation: Encourages the influx of fresh ideas and expertise.
Pro Tip
Before applying, ensure your educational and professional documents are attested and translated into Arabic if necessary. This will streamline the application process and reduce potential delays.
The UAE’s introduction of the Visit Visa for Work Purposes marks a significant step in its efforts to become a global hub for talent and innovation. By removing traditional barriers such as employer sponsorship, the UAE offers professionals worldwide an opportunity to explore and contribute to its dynamic economy.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned freelancer, or a skilled professional seeking new horizons, this visa provides a legal and flexible pathway to pursue your ambitions in the UAE.
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