saudi arabia
work visa

All foreign citizens are eligible to apply for a Saudi work visa if they have a valid job offer and a signed employment contract from a Saudi employer.

To apply for a Saudi work visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia or that meets the rules of reciprocity.
• You must provide a certified and notarized copy of your university degree or training/technical diploma.
• You must have an invitation letter from a Saudi Arabian organization or company that is certified by MOFA and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce. The sponsorship letter must indicate applicant’s name, position, block visa number, and date.
• You must have an employment contract that is signed by both applicant and Saudi employer and certified by MOFA and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.

Foreign applicants may also be required to undergo medical screening, purchase health insurance and provide a police report, among other requirements.

Applications for a Saudi work visa are usually submitted by the Saudi employer, with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Labor, on applicant’s behalf. If the Saudi work permit is approved, the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will issue a visa authorization number.

The application process consists of the following basic steps:

• Step 1: Saudi employer applies to MOFA for a Saudi work visa on the applicant’s behalf.
• Step 2: Foreign worker completes the Saudi work visa application on the Saudi MOFA portal, and pays the visa fees online.
• Step 3: Submit your Saudi job visa application and required documents by mailing them or visiting your nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office abroad.
• Step 4: If approved, your Saudi work visa can be retrieved from the Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office where you applied.

The Saudi Arabia Work Visa cost can vary significantly depending on the type of employment, duration of stay, and the nationality of the applicant. Fees may range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The Saudi employer typically sponsors the employee, covering this cost.

Processing times for a Saudi Arabia work visa will vary on a case-by-case basis. Most applications are processed within 3 weeks to 2 months of submission. To avoid delays to your travel plans, Smith Stone Walters advises beginning your Saudi work visa application as early as possible.

The Saudi work visa is technically a visit visa, permitting its holder to stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days. 

Once the application for your Saudi work visa has been approved, you will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival and within the 90-day window, you will need to convert your work visa into a Saudi residence permit. This will allow you to live and work in Saudi Arabia for up to 1 year, extendable based on the continuity of the same employment.