Work visas for moving to Saudi Arabia

For meetings, negotiations, and short-term business activities. Does not permit employment.

Processing time

1-2 weeks (eVisa: minutes to days)

Validity

90 days to 1 year, multiple entry

Government fees

Approx SAR 300-500 including insurance

Requirements

• Invitation from a Saudi company (or eligible for eVisa)
• No local employment or salary

Documents you will need

• Invitation letter: Chamber of Commerce attested, for embassy applications
• Valid passport: 6+ months validity

Worth knowing

• Frequent business travelers should ask for the 1-year multiple entry version

Saudi Arabia's standard employer-sponsored route: a work visa to enter, converted into an Iqama residence permit after arrival.

Processing time

1-3 months end to end

Validity

Iqama 1 year, renewable; tied to employer sponsorship

Government fees

Approx SAR 2,000 visa fee (usually employer-paid); Iqama and levies paid by employer

Requirements

• Job offer from a Saudi employer with an approved block visa quota
• Attested degree certificate matching the role
• Medical examination at an approved clinic
• Police clearance certificate

Documents you will need

• Attested degree certificate: Authenticated via the Saudi cultural mission
• Employment contract: Registered in the Qiwa platform
• Medical report: From an approved clinic
• Police clearance: From country of residence

Worth knowing

• Labor reforms since 2021 allow job changes and exits without employer permission in most cases
• The employer's Saudization (Nitaqat) rating affects how fast quotas are approved
• Family (dependent) Iqamas allow spouses to live in-country; separate work authorization needed to work

Path to residency: Premium Residency after establishing income and residence history

Saudi Arabia's sponsor-free residency (often called the Saudi green card): live, work, and own property without an employer sponsor.

Processing time

1-3 months

Validity

Renewable annually or permanent (one-time fee)

Government fees

SAR 100,000/year or SAR 800,000 one time; talent tracks lower

Requirements

• One-time fee of SAR 800,000, or SAR 100,000 per year (classic tracks)
• Or qualify via newer tracks: special talent, investor, entrepreneur, or property owner
• Proof of financial solvency, clean record, and health

Documents you will need

• Proof of funds: Bank statements, income evidence
• Health certificate: Recent medical report
• Police clearance: No criminal record

Worth knowing

• The special talent track targets executives and technical specialists with lower fees
• Holders can sponsor family and switch employers freely

Path to residency: This is the long-term residency route itself