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Saudi Arabia · Work visa

Employment Visa + Iqama (Work Residence)

Processing
6-14 weeks
Cost
From SAR 9,550 first year
Validity
1-year iqama, renewable

The standard route for foreign employees: the Saudi employer obtains a block visa and work visa authorization, the employee enters on the employment visa, and the employer converts it to an iqama (residence permit) plus work permit after arrival.

Requirements

  • Job offer from a Saudi employer with available visa quota (block visa)
  • Employer initiates the work visa through the Qiwa/MHRSD and Musaned/Wafid systems
  • Attested degree and professional certificates matching the job title
  • Pre-departure medical exam at an approved (Wafid) clinic
  • Since 2025, work permits are classified by skill tier: High-Skilled, Skilled, or Basic

Restrictions

  • Sponsorship (kafala) remains employer-linked despite reforms; transfers follow MHRSD rules
  • Dependents on your iqama cannot work without their own employer sponsorship
  • Certain professions are Saudized and closed to foreign workers

Time and cost

Processing time
6-14 weeks end-to-end from offer to iqama in hand
Validity
Entry visa 90 days; iqama issued for 1 year renewable (a 5-year physical resident ID was introduced in 2026)
Cost

From SAR 9,550 first year

Required

  • About SAR 650/year iqama issuance or renewal
  • SAR 700 to SAR 800/month work-permit levy (charged to the employer per expat)
  • About SAR 500 medical fee
  • The employer typically pays these fees.
Path to residency
No conventional permanent residence through work alone; long-term security is via Premium Residency if eligible.

Documents

  • Valid passport

    At least 6 months validity

  • Employment contract

    Signed contract matching the visa job title

  • Attested degree certificate

    Legalized by the Saudi embassy and foreign ministry

  • Medical exam report

    From a Wafid-approved clinic in the home country

  • Police clearance certificate

    Recent criminal record check, attested

  • Passport photos

    White-background photos per Saudi spec

Tips

  • The employer handles the process; individuals cannot apply alone
  • Your degree must match the visa job title exactly; mismatches cause refusals
  • Saudization (Nitaqat) quotas mean some occupations are reserved for Saudi nationals; check your role is open to expats before committing