Saudi Arabia – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Saudi Arabia?

Anyone travelling to Saudi Arabia must secure a visa unless their nationality qualifies for an exemption. Some travellers may obtain entry authorisation online or upon arrival, while others must arrange this beforehand through a Saudi diplomatic mission. The rules differ substantially depending on your passport, so verifying your personal circumstances before booking any travel is essential.

Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — may enter Saudi Arabia without a visa and remain for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or family purposes. A valid national ID card or passport is required at the point of entry.

Citizens of 66 eligible countries can apply for an eVisa through a streamlined online portal. Residents of GCC countries may also apply for Saudi eVisas online, while those holding valid residency permits in the United States, United Kingdom, or European Union may be eligible for a visa on arrival. This means that even where your passport nationality is not on the eVisa list, legal residency in one of these territories could open an alternative short-stay entry route.

A fundamental distinction must be kept in mind: visa-free entry, eVisas, and visas on arrival are exclusively for tourism or business visits. Anyone wishing to take up employment must obtain a Saudi work visa. No tourist or eVisa entitles the holder to work or reside in Saudi Arabia permanently, regardless of how it was obtained or the number of times it is renewed.

All travellers must carry a passport with at least six months of remaining validity. Visa policy is changing frequently as Saudi Arabia continues its reforms under Vision 2030. Always confirm your specific situation using the official Saudi visa platform at ksavisa.sa or the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia maintains a variety of visa categories, each tailored to a particular purpose and length of stay. For those planning to live and work in the Kingdom over the long term, the Employment Visa leading to an Iqama is the principal route. Other categories serve short-term professionals, investors, and those pursuing premium residency status.

Employment Visa (leading to Iqama)
The Employment Visa is the standard long-term pathway for foreign nationals taking up full-time positions in Saudi Arabia. Unlike the Temporary Work Visa, this visa results in the issuance of an Iqama (residency permit) and is now governed by Saudi Arabia’s 2025 skill-based classification framework. It is the most widely used route for expats making a permanent move to the Kingdom and functions similarly to a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa in other countries, in that it requires employer sponsorship and ties residency to the holder’s employment.

As of July 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a mandatory skill-based classification system for all long-term expatriate work permits. Reclassification of existing foreign work permits commenced on 5 July 2025, and from 1–3 August 2025, all new work permit applications must adhere to the new skill-based categories. Expatriates are assigned to one of three tiers — high-skilled, skilled, or basic — based on their level of education, professional background, and income.

Iqama (Residency Permit)
The Iqama is the residency document issued to expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia on a long-term basis. It is ordinarily sponsored by a Saudi employer or family member and is a legal requirement for both residence and employment. Every expatriate must carry a valid Iqama at all times. The card displays the holder’s photograph, employer name, job title, and personal identification number. It is indispensable for opening a bank account, registering for utilities, or securing rental accommodation.

Temporary Work Visa
The Temporary Work Visa remains a practical option for foreign professionals visiting the Kingdom for a limited period. It is valid for a maximum of 180 days and falls outside the scope of the new skill-based reforms, as it does not lead to an Iqama. Holders of this visa may not bring dependants into the country under this category.

Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card)
The Premium Residency Visa grants expatriates the right to live, work, own a business, and hold property without the need for a conventional sponsor. The scheme is aimed at professionals in high-demand sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, cardiac surgery, oncology, renewable energy, space technology, and urban planning. Applicants must have a clean criminal record, demonstrate a stable legal income, and show continuous lawful residence. Entrepreneurs, investors in priority industries, and long-term residents with over ten years of legal stay may also be eligible.

Tourist eVisa
The tourist eVisa is valid for one year with multiple-entry privileges, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. It does not permit study or employment and is intended for tourism, attending events, visiting relatives or friends, and performing Umrah.

Family Visit Visa
This visa permits eligible expatriates to bring parents, a spouse, or children to Saudi Arabia. It is generally issued as a multiple-entry visa for a one-year period, with individual stays of up to 90 days. This differs from the family Iqama, which is required when dependants intend to reside permanently in Saudi Arabia alongside the primary Iqama holder.

How do I apply for a visa for Saudi Arabia?

The application procedure varies considerably depending on the visa type. Tourist eVisas and visas on arrival are relatively accessible, whereas Employment Visas are employer-led and involve approvals from multiple government ministries. The steps below describe the standard process for the Employment Visa leading to an Iqama — the most common route for expats relocating to Saudi Arabia.

1. Employer confirms eligibility to hire foreign workers. This typically requires the employer to hold a valid commercial registration, be appropriately licensed for the relevant business activity, maintain a compliant Saudization (Nitaqat) rating, and possess sufficient visa quota for the intended role.
2. Employer secures work authorisation and a visa block. Using the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and associated platforms such as Qiwa, the employer applies for authorisation to recruit a foreign national into a position matching Saudi occupational classifications.
3. Employer submits the work visa application to the relevant ministries. The application is lodged with the Ministry of Labour, which forwards approved cases to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On receiving approval, the employer is issued a Visa Authorisation Number, enabling them to apply for the work visa at a Saudi embassy or consulate.
4. Employee applies at the Saudi embassy or consulate in their home country. The entry visa application is submitted to the Saudi diplomatic mission in the foreign national’s country of residence. Those in the United States should apply through the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington D.C. or the nearest consulate. Applicants in the United Kingdom should approach the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in London. Those elsewhere should identify the nearest Saudi diplomatic mission through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
5. Employee enters Saudi Arabia and completes post-arrival requirements. Once in the country, the employer arranges medical examinations, biometric registration, and data submission through platforms such as Absher and the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), converting the entry visa into an Iqama linked to the approved work authorisation.
6. Iqama and work permit are issued. Following approval, the employee receives their Iqama card and the work permit details are entered into government systems. The employer must also ensure the employee is enrolled in the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) and that all payroll and benefits obligations are met under Saudi labour regulations.
7. Ongoing compliance and renewals. The employer tracks expiry dates for the Iqama, work permit, and health insurance, records any changes to job title or salary, and initiates renewals or transfers with adequate lead time to prevent penalties or lapses in legal status.

For tourist eVisas, applications are submitted through the official online eVisa platform. To determine whether you qualify for a Saudi eVisa or a visa on arrival, visit ksavisa.sa. By selecting “visit” as your purpose, entering your nationality, and specifying your current place of residence, the platform will display the entry options available to you.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Saudi Arabia?

The documentation required varies according to the visa category. For the Employment Visa and Iqama — the primary route for expats moving to Saudi Arabia — applicants should generally prepare the following:

• Valid passport — A passport with at least six months of remaining validity is mandatory for all applicants. It must also contain sufficient blank pages for entry stamps.
• Visa Authorisation Number — Provided by the employer after Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval, this is a prerequisite for submitting the consular visa application.
• Employment contract or offer letter — A document confirming the job title, salary, and employer details in Saudi Arabia.
• Attested educational certificates — Applicants with advanced qualifications such as a master’s degree or PhD, or those working in fields such as engineering, medicine, IT, or finance, must provide attested educational certificates — officially stamped proof of their qualifications — alongside evidence of professional experience, such as reference letters from previous employers and a CV.
• Police clearance certificate — An official document from the relevant authorities confirming the applicant has no criminal record.
• Medical examination results — A medical assessment may be required as part of the application to confirm the applicant is free from communicable diseases.
• Health insurance documentation — Mandatory health insurance must be in place and is frequently arranged by the employer prior to or upon arrival.
• Biometric data — Depending on nationality and visa type, biometric submission may be required.
• For dependants joining you: Standard documents include proof of family relationship (marriage or birth certificate), medical fitness confirmation, and a valid passport.

One important point for all applicants: every document must be translated into Arabic by certified translators. Educational and professional certificates require attestation by the relevant government authorities and Saudi consulates. Saudi government ministries accept only certified Arabic translations as standard practice, so build translation and attestation time into your overall application schedule.

For the eVisa, documentation requirements are considerably simpler — typically a valid passport, a photograph, and proof of onward travel. The definitive and up-to-date document checklist for all visa types should always be confirmed on the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or through the Saudi embassy in your country of residence, as requirements may change.

How long does a visa application for Saudi Arabia take to process?

Processing times vary considerably based on the visa type, the applicant’s nationality, and how efficiently the employer manages the steps on their side. The estimates below offer a realistic guide, though all timelines are subject to change and should be verified before planning your move.

It is worth noting that the employer-driven stages of the Employment Visa process — obtaining ministry approvals, securing visa block quotas, and completing Qiwa classifications — can add considerable time before the employee even lodges their consular application. Securing both an Iqama and a work permit for a foreign national is a detailed, document-heavy undertaking. Employers must file the application and submit all required paperwork, a process that can span several months.

Always begin your application well ahead of your planned arrival date in Saudi Arabia. Processing times are determined by Saudi government authorities and can be revised at any time. Verify current estimates on the official Saudi visa platform or through the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Visa and residency permit fees in Saudi Arabia are set by the government and are liable to change. The figures below are intended as a general guide with “as of 2025” qualifiers — always confirm current fees on the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or through your employer’s HR or immigration team.

Beyond the headline government charges, several additional costs should be factored into your planning. These include certified Arabic translation of documents, attestation of educational and professional certificates by relevant authorities, medical examination fees, and mandatory health insurance. When sponsoring dependants, medical insurance must be obtained from the same provider as the primary family member’s policy.

Many expats engage immigration lawyers or relocation consultants to assist with document preparation and consular submissions; their fees vary considerably based on the complexity of the case. For highly-skilled positions, employers often absorb the core visa and Iqama costs as part of a relocation package, but this is not guaranteed and should be discussed before accepting a job offer.

Failing to renew the Iqama can result in fines of SAR 500 for the first lapse, SAR 1,000 for the second, and deportation following repeated non-compliance — so factor renewal timing and associated costs into your long-term financial planning from the outset.

Can my family members join me in Saudi Arabia on a visa?

Once you hold an active Iqama as a long-term worker, you are entitled to sponsor your immediate family members to reside with you in Saudi Arabia. This involves obtaining a Family (Dependent) Iqama for each family member.

The Family Iqama is a residency document issued to the dependent relatives — typically a spouse and children — of expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. While the principal expatriate holds a work permit, each dependent must carry individual Iqama cards, granting them access to essential services including healthcare, education, and banking.

Once an Iqama is in place, the holder may sponsor family members to join them in the Kingdom. This process generally involves submitting an application to the local Passport Office (Jawazat) and furnishing proof of the family relationship along with the relevant supporting documentation. Dependants aged over 18 require their own individual passports.

A key consideration for those planning to bring family members: dependants holding a family Iqama are not permitted to work unless they secure independent sponsorship and their own work permits. If an adult family member wishes to pursue employment, they must obtain an employer-sponsored Employment Visa in their own name — their Dependent Iqama alone does not grant the right to work.

Regarding costs, the dependent levy stands at SAR 400 per month per dependent. The primary expatriate worker is responsible for this fee for each family member they sponsor. Payment can be made on application and at renewal, on a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. Newly arrived dependants benefit from a levy-free period for the first 90 days, after which the SAR 400 per month per dependent charge applies.

Sponsoring family members for residency is not available under the Temporary Work Visa. Only holders of a long-term Employment Visa and Iqama are eligible to sponsor dependants for residency in Saudi Arabia.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Saudi Arabia?

For the majority of expatriates, the Iqama system provides a renewable long-term residency framework rather than a clearly defined route to permanent settlement. A foreign employee’s work permit and Iqama are generally valid for one year from the date of issue, though validity can extend from one to five years depending on the job type and Iqama category. Renewals can subsequently be arranged annually or every two years.

Renewing an Iqama requires sustained employer sponsorship and compliance with the Saudization (Nitaqat) quotas applicable to your employer. All employees must be registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) and recorded in the Muqeem system. Professionals in regulated sectors such as engineering or healthcare must keep their classification current with the relevant licensing authority. Nitaqat Saudization quotas must also be maintained, as certain renewals may be withheld if the employer’s compliance is in question.

For those seeking a more autonomous long-term residency arrangement, Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme offers an alternative. Saudi Arabia has introduced a permanent residency system through its General Directorate of Passports, providing long-term settlement options for expatriates at a fee of SAR 4,000. The scheme removes the traditional sponsorship requirement and grants access to government services, banking, education, and healthcare. Residents may also sponsor family members for legal residence. Applications are handled through the National Unified Platform for Premium Residency.

Saudi Arabia does not offer a broadly accessible path to citizenship for most foreign nationals. Citizenship is granted in extremely rare circumstances, generally for extraordinary national contributions or by royal decree. The Premium Residency is the nearest equivalent to long-term, independent residency status, but it does not confer citizenship rights. Always consult the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) for up-to-date eligibility rules on renewals and long-term residency options.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Saudi Arabia are refused?

Awareness of the typical grounds for refusal can help you build a stronger application. The following are among the most frequently cited reasons for Saudi visa applications being rejected or delayed:

• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Missing paperwork — particularly unattested educational certificates, absent police clearance certificates, or documents not rendered in certified Arabic — is a leading cause of refusal or delay. All information provided in the application form must be truthful and precise. Applications containing false or misleading details will be rejected.
• Failure to satisfy the skill-based classification criteria. Applicants must hold a valid Saudi job offer, have attested documents in order, and present no disqualifying factors such as previous overstays or a criminal record. Under the 2025 reforms, roles must be correctly classified under the High-Skilled, Skilled, or Basic tiers — a mismatch in classification can block an application entirely.
• Criminal record. A clean criminal record is a standard eligibility requirement. A history of serious offences is a recognised ground for refusal across all visa categories.
• Health grounds. Medical examinations are a compulsory part of the process, and applicants found to have certain communicable diseases may be refused on public health grounds.
• Employer non-compliance. If the sponsoring employer fails to meet Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements or has outstanding government fees, applications linked to that company may be blocked or refused.
• Previous immigration violations. Overstaying a prior Saudi visa, using a tourist visa to work, or having a deportation order on record are all serious grounds for refusal.
• Attempting to convert a visit visa to a work visa while inside the country. It is not legally permissible to convert a visit visa into a work visa from within Saudi Arabia. If you entered on a visit visa and subsequently secured employment, you must return to your home country and go through the standard work permit application process.

If your application is refused, the Saudi embassy or visa authority should communicate the reason for the decision. In many instances, a corrected reapplication with a complete set of documents is possible. For complex cases — particularly those involving past overstays or a criminal history — consulting a qualified immigration lawyer before reapplying is strongly recommended. Contact the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant embassy for guidance on the appeals or reapplication process for your specific visa type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move to Saudi Arabia without a job offer already in place?

Relocating to Saudi Arabia for long-term residence without a confirmed job offer is extremely challenging, since the standard route to an Iqama (residency permit) depends on employer sponsorship. Employment and business activities in Saudi Arabia generally require a sponsor, and it is the local employer or company that typically initiates the visa and work permit process. The Premium Residency programme presents an alternative for investors and certain specialists, but it too carries specific eligibility requirements. Consult the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most current options available.

Is there a retirement visa for Saudi Arabia?

Long-term residents with more than ten years of lawful residence may be eligible for the Premium Residency scheme. Saudi Arabia does not offer a dedicated retirement visa in the same way as countries such as Portugal or Malaysia. Those considering long-term retirement-style residency should consult the official General Directorate of Passports regarding Premium Residency eligibility, as the criteria are subject to revision.

Can I bring my parents to live with me in Saudi Arabia?

A Family Visit Visa allows eligible expatriates to bring parents, a spouse, or children to Saudi Arabia for short stays. For parents to reside long-term, the process is more involved and generally requires sponsorship by the primary Iqama holder together with approval from the relevant immigration authority. Consult the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) for the current requirements governing parental residency sponsorship.

Can my spouse work in Saudi Arabia if they move there with me?

Dependants holding a family Iqama are not entitled to work unless they secure their own sponsorship and individual work permits. Your spouse would need to find an employer willing to sponsor an Employment Visa and Iqama in their own right. The process is identical to that of any other foreign worker, including the skill-based classification requirements introduced in 2025.

Do I need health insurance to live in Saudi Arabia?

Yes — health insurance is compulsory for all expatriate workers and their dependants in Saudi Arabia. Access to healthcare for expats is tied to private or employer-provided medical coverage rather than a universal public system. When sponsoring dependants, medical insurance must be arranged through the same provider as the primary family member’s policy. Employers are typically responsible for setting this up as part of the Iqama process.

What is the Absher portal and will I need to use it?

Absher is Saudi Arabia’s official online government services platform, enabling residents to handle a broad range of immigration and administrative tasks, including Iqama renewals, exit and re-entry visa applications, and registration of dependent family members. Iqama-related fees can be paid online via major Saudi banks or through the Absher portal. Once you are resident in Saudi Arabia as an expatriate, Absher becomes an indispensable tool for managing your legal status.

Can I switch jobs in Saudi Arabia without losing my residency status?

Employer sponsorship remains a requirement for an Iqama (residency permit), and changing employers is subject to conditions including completing one year with your current employer or reaching the end of your contract. Job transfers are facilitated through the employee mobility feature on Qiwa, provided conditions such as contract fulfilment or employer consent are met. It is essential to ensure that any change of employer is formally updated across the relevant government platforms to avoid any interruption to your legal residency status.

Are there any nationalities that face restrictions on obtaining Saudi work visas?

The majority of nationalities remain eligible for work visas through employer sponsorship, though processing timelines, available routes, and temporary measures can differ significantly. Saudi Arabia periodically applies short-term visa controls, particularly in the lead-up to Hajj and Umrah seasons. These are operational measures designed to manage visitor numbers, limit overstays, and maintain processing capacity rather than politically motivated restrictions. Check the current status of any nationality-specific measures through the official Saudi visa platform or the nearest Saudi embassy well ahead of applying.