Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation has streamlined work visa processes, introducing a skill-based classification system and expanding opportunities for foreign workers. This guide covers everything from eligibility to post-arrival compliance, based on the Kingdom’s latest regulations.
🔑 Key Changes in 2025
- Skill-Based Visa Classification:
- High-Skilled: Bachelor’s degree + 5+ years experience + SAR ≥15,000 salary 17.
- Skilled: Vocational certification + 2+ years experience + SAR 7,000–14,999 salary.
- Basic: No degree required + SAR 3,000–6,999 salary + age <60 1.
- Digital Integration: All applications processed via Qiwa (labor platform) and Muqeem (residency system) 1.
- Stricter Saudization: Companies must meet Nitaqat quotas to sponsor foreign workers 1.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
For Employees:
- Age: 21–60 (Basic category capped at 60) 19.
- Qualifications:
- High-Skilled: Degree attested by Saudi Cultural Mission.
- Basic: Medical fitness certificate (TB/HIV/hepatitis-free) 613.
- Professional Accreditation: Mandatory for 23 technical fields (e.g., engineering, healthcare) 9.
For Employers:
- Valid Commercial Registration (CR).
- Medium Green or higher Nitaqat rating.
- Wage Protection System (WPS) compliance 19.
📋 Step-by-Step Application Process
- Job Offer & Work Permit:
- Employer secures quota via Qiwa → Submits work permit application to Ministry of Labor (MoL) 13.
- Visa Authorization:
- MoL approval → Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issues Visa Authorization Number 913.
- Consular Stamping:
- Employee submits documents to Saudi embassy:
- Passport (6+ months validity).
- MoFA-approved employment contract.
- Attested degree + police clearance 613.
- Employee submits documents to Saudi embassy:
- Entry & Iqama Issuance:
- Enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of visa stamping.
- Complete medical tests + biometrics.
- Receive Iqama (residency/work permit) within 90 days 37.
⏳ Processing Time: 3–8 weeks (varies by home country and skill tier) 36.
💼 Document Checklist
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | 2+ blank pages; 6+ months validity |
| Photos | 4.3×5.5cm; white background |
| Employment Contract | MoFA + Chamber of Commerce attested |
| Degree/Diploma | Attested by home country + Saudi Embassy (e.g., via Saudi Cultural Mission) |
| Medical Report | HIV/hepatitis-free certificate; issued by approved labs |
| Police Clearance | Issued within 3 months |
Note: Arabic translations required for non-English documents 6913.
💰 Cost Breakdown
- Work Permit: SAR 250–3,450 (employer-paid) 1.
- Consular Visa Fee: SAR 500–800 (employee-paid).
- Iqama Issuance: SAR 650.
- Medical Test: SAR 200–500 36.
- Total: SAR 1,600–5,400 (≈$425–$1,440 USD).
⚠️ Critical Rules & Penalties
- Job Transfer: Allowed only after 1 year or contract expiry 1.
- Exit/Re-Entry Visa: Required for international travel (SAR 200) 9.
- Non-Compliance Fines:
- SAR 50,000 for hiring undocumented workers.
- SAR 5,000–20,000 for incorrect skill classification 7.
🌟 Special Visa Types
- Temporary Work Visa:
- Validity: 90–180 days (no Iqama).
- For: Project-based work, equipment installation.
- Cost: SAR 1,000 14.
- Premium Residency Visa:
- Validity: 5–10 years (self-sponsored).
- Eligibility: Investors, entrepreneurs, top talent.
- Benefit: No employer tie required 14.
🚨 Common Challenges & Solutions
- Document Attestation Delays: Start 2–3 months early; use authorized agencies like Alpha Service Visa 6.
- Medical Test Failures: Re-test at approved centers (e.g., Ammar Medical Centre).
- Nitaqat Non-Compliance: Employers must hire Saudis to maintain “Medium Green” status 19.
📍 Post-Arrival Checklist
- Biometric Enrollment: At Ministry of Interior office.
- Iqama Collection: Via Absher or employer.
- Open Bank Account: With Iqama + employer letter.
- Sponsor Dependents: Submit proof of relationship + housing documents 79.
🔗 Essential Resources
- Qiwa Platform: Apply for work permits
- Absher Portal: Iqama status check
- MoFA Visa Tracking: visa.mofa.gov.sa
- Emergency Contacts:
- Police: ☎️ 999
- Labor Disputes: ☎️ 19911 78.
✨ Pro Tip: High-Skilled professionals qualify for family sponsorship + school subsidies – negotiate these in your contract!
Disclaimer: Visa rules may change. Verify requirements via Saudi Ministry of Human Resources or your employer.