Work visas for moving to Saudi Arabia

Visa for meetings, negotiations, and short commercial engagements with Saudi entities. Does not permit hands-on employment.

Processing time

A few days to 2 weeks

Validity

Typically 90 days single entry or up to 1 year multiple entry, with stays commonly capped at 90 days per visit

Government fees

Approx. SAR 300-500 plus service fees, varying by nationality and duration

Requirements

• Invitation from a Saudi company (attested via the Chamber of Commerce/MOFA platform)
• Employer letter confirming role and purpose of travel
• Passport valid at least 6 months
• Proof of professional status

Documents you will need

• Valid passport: 6+ months validity
• Saudi invitation letter: MOFA-attested invitation from the host entity
• Employer letter: Confirming employment and travel purpose
• Passport photos: Per Saudi specifications

Worth knowing

• Productive work on a visit visa is illegal and enforcement is real - use it only for meetings and negotiations
• Multiple-entry business visas suit ongoing commercial relationships
• eVisa-eligible passport holders can handle light meetings on a tourist eVisa, but the invitation-based business visa is the safe choice for anything substantive

Restrictions

• No employment or hands-on project work permitted
• Overstays incur fines and future entry bans

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.

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)

Government fees

Iqama issuance/renewal approx. SAR 650/year plus employer work-permit levy of SAR 700-800/month per expat; medical approx. SAR 500 (employer typically pays)

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

Documents you will need

• 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

Worth knowing

• The employer drives the entire process - individuals cannot self-apply
• Ensure your degree exactly matches the visa job title; mismatches cause rejections
• Saudization (Nitaqat) quotas mean some occupations are reserved for Saudi nationals; check your role is open to expats before committing
• Exit/re-entry permits are still required for iqama holders to leave and return, though the old employer exit-permission regime has been substantially reformed
• Labor mobility rules now allow job changes without employer consent in defined cases (contract expiry, unpaid wages)

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

Path to residency: No conventional permanent residence through work alone; long-term security is via Premium Residency if eligible.

Category-based Premium Residency track for executives and specialists in healthcare, science, and research, at a fraction of the permanent tier's cost. One of five category tracks (Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Owner).

Processing time

Several weeks to a few months

Validity

Up to 5 years, renewable; can convert to permanent after a qualifying period

Government fees

SAR 4,000/year

Requirements

• Executives: monthly salary of approx. SAR 80,000+ with a senior role, or
• Researchers/specialists: approx. SAR 14,000+/month in an eligible scientific or health field with relevant qualifications
• Recommendation/attestation from the relevant Saudi authority for your field
• Clean criminal record and medical fitness

Documents you will need

• Valid passport: Current and valid
• Employment contract / salary proof: Evidencing the qualifying salary and role
• Academic and professional credentials: Attested degrees and licenses
• Sector authority endorsement (optional): Supporting attestation where required
• Criminal record certificate: Clean record

Worth knowing

• Dramatically cheaper than the SAR 800,000 permanent tier for those who qualify
• Grants sponsor-free work and family sponsorship like other Premium Residency products
• The Entrepreneur track suits funded startup founders; Investor and Real Estate tracks suit capital-based applicants
• Apply via the official Premium Residency Center portal only