Saudi Temporary Work Visa Guide: Process & Requirements for 2026

The Saudi Temporary Work Visa is an increasingly popular option for companies deploying talent to the Kingdom for short-term projects, consultancy engagements, and seasonal assignments. Unlike the standard Saudi Work Visa which leads to full Iqama residency, the Temporary Work Visa offers a streamlined, cost-effective pathway for assignments of up to 90 days. This guide covers everything employers and contractors need to know about the application process, requirements, costs, and compliance obligations in 2026.

What is the Saudi Temporary Work Visa?

The Saudi Temporary Work Visa, sometimes referred to as a short-term work permit, is a visa category introduced to facilitate the mobility of foreign talent for time-bound projects without the administrative burden of a full work visa and Iqama process. It is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) through the Qiwa platform and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visa permits the holder to enter Saudi Arabia and work for a specific employer for a period of up to 90 days per visit. It can be used for multiple assignments, though the holder must exit the Kingdom between assignments or apply for an extension. The visa does not lead to Iqama residency or family sponsorship, making it a temporary solution by design.

When to Use the Temporary Work Visa

The Temporary Work Visa is best suited for the following scenarios:

• Project-based deployments: Short-term projects such as system implementations, facility setup, or technical installations where the worker is needed for a defined period.
• Consultancy and advisory work: External consultants, advisors, or subject matter experts engaged for specific time-bound engagements.
• Seasonal workforce: Workers required for seasonal peaks in industries such as construction, hospitality, events, and retail.
• Training and knowledge transfer: Specialists deploying to train local teams, install equipment, or transfer technical knowledge.
• Trial or probationary periods: Companies assessing potential long-term hires before committing to a full Work Visa and Iqama sponsorship.

Key Benefits of the Temporary Work Visa

The Temporary Work Visa offers several advantages over the standard Work Visa for short-term assignments. It has a faster processing time of 5 to 10 working days compared to several weeks for a full Work Visa. There is no requirement for medical examination or biometric registration, saving both time and cost. The visa is more cost-effective with lower fees and no requirement for long-term health insurance. It offers greater flexibility for multiple deployments through renewal or reapplication. Importantly, it does not affect the employer's Nitaqat band in terms of Saudisation percentage calculations for the visa holder.

Application Process Step by Step

Step 1: Employer Registration and Eligibility Check

Before applying, the sponsoring company must be registered on the Qiwa platform and have a valid commercial registration (CR) and municipal licence. The employer's Nitaqat band must be in good standing Yellow, Green, or Platinum to qualify for Temporary Work Visa issuance. Companies in the Red band may face restrictions or be ineligible for new visa applications.

Step 2: Documentation Preparation

The employer gathers all required documentation including a valid passport with minimum 6 months validity for the applicant, a passport-sized photograph with white background, a signed service or employment contract specifying the assignment duration and scope, proof of employer registration on Qiwa, a formal letter from the sponsoring company detailing the purpose of the assignment, and professional certifications where applicable.

Step 3: Visa Application Submission

The employer submits the visa application through the Qiwa portal or through an authorised typing centre. The application includes all documentation, the applicant's personal details, and the requested visa duration. The system checks the employer's Nitaqat compliance and available visa quota before accepting the application. Once accepted, the application is forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for processing.

Step 4: Visa Approval and Issuance

After approval, the visa is issued electronically and sent to the applicant's employer. The applicant can then receive the visa electronically and present it at a Saudi embassy or consulate in their home country for stamping, or in some cases the visa may be issued on arrival depending on the applicant's nationality and the specific visa conditions. The visa is typically valid for entry within 30 days of issuance.

Step 5: Arrival and Compliance

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the visa holder must present their passport with the valid visa and any supporting documentation. The employer must register the visa holder on Qiwa within 5 working days of arrival. The holder must carry their passport and visa documentation at all times during their stay. The employer must track the visa duration and ensure departure or extension before expiry.

Costs and Fees

The total cost of a Saudi Temporary Work Visa varies depending on the applicant's nationality, processing speed selected, and the service provider used. Typical costs include SAR 500 to SAR 2,000 for the visa application fee, SAR 500 to SAR 1,500 for medical insurance covering the visa duration, SAR 200 to SAR 500 for typing centre or PRO service fees, and small additional charges for electronic services and document attestation. Total costs generally range from SAR 1,200 to SAR 4,000 per visa application.

Extension and Renewal

The Temporary Work Visa can be extended for up to an additional 90 days through a formal extension application submitted before the current visa expires. The extension application must demonstrate continued need for the worker's services and compliance with all visa conditions. Extensions are at the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are not guaranteed. If an extension is not granted, the holder must exit Saudi Arabia before the visa expiry date.

For subsequent assignments, a new Temporary Work Visa application can be submitted after the holder has exited the Kingdom. There is no mandatory cooling-off period between assignments, though immigration authorities may scrutinise frequent consecutive applications to ensure the visa is not being used to circumvent full Work Visa requirements.

Compliance and Penalties

Non-compliance with Temporary Work Visa conditions can result in significant penalties for both the visa holder and the sponsoring employer. Overstaying beyond the visa validity attracts fines of SAR 50 per day for the individual. Working outside the scope of the stated assignment purpose can result in visa cancellation and a ban on future applications. Employers who fail to register the visa holder on Qiwa or who misuse the visa for long-term employment instead of a full Work Visa may face Nitaqat band downgrading, fines of up to SAR 100,000, and suspension of visa issuance privileges.

Comparison: Temporary Work Visa vs Other Saudi Work Options

When planning assignments to Saudi Arabia, employers must choose between several visa options based on the nature and duration of the work. The standard Work Visa is the best choice for long-term employment leading to Iqama residency, family sponsorship, and full integration into the Saudi system. The Temporary Work Visa is ideal for short-term, project-based assignments of up to 90 days where the worker does not need Iqama or family sponsorship. The Business Visit Visa is suitable for meetings, negotiations, and short business visits where the visitor does not need to perform active work. Each option has different requirements, costs, and compliance obligations, and the choice should be based on a careful assessment of the assignment profile.

How 6thMove Can Help

6thMove provides end-to-end support for Saudi Temporary Work Visa applications, including eligibility assessment, documentation preparation, application submission through Qiwa, compliance tracking, and ongoing support for visa extensions and renewals. Our immigration team works with employers to ensure all visa applications comply with MHRSD and Ministry of Foreign Affairs requirements, minimising the risk of delays or rejections. Contact our team to discuss your short-term workforce deployment needs.