Kenyans looking for work in the United Arab Emirates can apply for a UAE Jobseeker Visa, a visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter the country and look for employment without having secured a job or employer sponsor beforehand.
The visa is available for 60, 90 or 120 days, depending on the option granted.
But being Kenyan does not automatically make someone eligible. Applicants must meet specific education and professional requirements.
Who is eligible for the UAE Jobseeker Visa?
According to the UAE government, applicants must meet one of the specified eligibility routes.
You may qualify if you are a skilled worker classified under professional levels 1, 2 or 3 under the UAE’s occupational classification system.
You may also qualify if you are a recent graduate from one of the world’s top 500 universities, according to the classification approved by the UAE Ministry of Education. Under this route, the applicant must have graduated within the previous two years.
Applicants must also hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
This means the visa is primarily aimed at qualified professionals and recent graduates rather than anyone travelling to the UAE to search for any type of job.
What documents do you need?
Applicants generally need:
- A valid passport
- A recent passport-size photograph
- An attested bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Proof of meeting the relevant eligibility requirements
- The required financial guarantee
Your passport should generally have at least six months’ validity.
Because document and attestation requirements can vary depending on the application route, applicants should confirm the current requirements through the relevant UAE immigration authority before submitting an application.
How long can you stay?
The UAE Jobseeker Visa can be issued for 60, 90 or 120 days.
The visa gives you time to search for jobs, attend interviews and meet potential employers while you are legally in the UAE.
However, the visa is not a work permit.
If you find a job, you must complete the appropriate employment and residence procedures before you begin working.
How much does the visa cost?
The cost depends on the duration and the application channel.
For Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs lists basic fees of AED 200 for 60 days, AED 300 for 90 days and AED 400 for 120 days. A financial guarantee of AED 1,000 is also listed, alongside other applicable charges and fees.
Applicants should therefore check the final amount payable when applying rather than relying on the basic visa fee alone.
How do Kenyans apply?
For Dubai, applications can be made through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA) and its approved service channels.
Applications under the federal immigration system can also be made through the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Use official UAE government channels when applying and be cautious of agents or social media adverts promising a guaranteed job.
Can you work while on the Jobseeker Visa?
No. The visa allows you to look for employment, but it does not give you permission to start working for a UAE employer.
Once you receive a job offer, the employer must arrange the appropriate employment and residence status before you begin working.
What should Kenyan jobseekers know before travelling?
The Jobseeker Visa can make it easier for qualified Kenyans to search for opportunities from inside the UAE, but it does not guarantee employment.
Before travelling, have your CV ready, research employers in your field and make sure you have enough money for accommodation, transport and daily expenses while searching for work.
Most importantly, check the latest requirements and fees directly with the UAE authorities before paying for a visa.
The bottom line
Kenyans can apply for the UAE Jobseeker Visa if they meet the eligibility requirements. You generally need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and must qualify through the specified skilled-professional or recent-graduate route.
The visa allows you to enter the UAE for 60, 90 or 120 days to look for work, but you cannot start working until you have obtained the appropriate employment status.
Information in this article is based on UAE government immigration guidance available in September 2026. Visa requirements and fees can change, so applicants should confirm the latest information before applying.
