Visa Services Saudi Arabia | Work Visas, Visit Visas & Residency Permits
End-to-end Saudi Arabia visa processing for multinational corporations and their employees. From work authorisation and MISA compliance to family sponsorship, Iqama issuance, and exit-re-entry permits, we deliver reliable immigration solutions aligned with the Kingdom's evolving regulatory framework.
Saudi Work Visa
The Saudi Work Visa (Employment Visa) is the primary immigration route for foreign professionals employed by Saudi-based entities. The process requires Ministry of Investment (MISA) or Ministry of Interior (MOA) approval, followed by document attestation, embassy visa stamping, and post-arrival Iqama issuance.
Our team manages the entire workflow including Ministry of Labour clearance, professional credential attestation by the Saudi Cultural Mission and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, medical examination booking, biometric enrolment, and Qiwa platform compliance to ensure full regulatory alignment for each applicant.
Work Visa Overview
Temporary Work Visa
Saudi Temporary Work Visa
The Saudi Temporary Work Visa is designed for short-term project assignments, equipment installation, training delivery, and specialised consulting engagements lasting up to 90 days. This visa type eliminates the need for full Iqama processing and is ideal for rotational or project-based work.
Processing is significantly faster than standard work visas at 1 to 2 weeks, with simplified documentation requirements. The visa is single-entry and aligned with Saudi Arabia's initiatives to facilitate agile workforce mobility for strategic projects and knowledge transfer programmes across the Kingdom.
Saudi Business Visit Visa
The Saudi Business Visit Visa facilitates short-term travel for commercial activities including client meetings, contract negotiations, site inspections, conferences, and trade exhibitions. Citizens of eVisa-eligible countries including the UK, US, Schengen states, Australia, and Singapore can apply online with 24 to 48 hour processing.
For non-eVisa nationalities, the visa is processed through the Saudi embassy or consulate with a local sponsor invitation. Multi-entry options are available for frequent business travellers, with each stay limited to 90 days and total validity extending up to 12 months from issuance.
Business Visit Visa
Family Visa & Dependent Iqama
Saudi Family Visa & Dependent Iqama
Expatriate professionals residing in Saudi Arabia can sponsor their spouse and dependent children for family residence through the Dependent Family Visa and Dependent Iqama pathway. This benefit is critical for long-term assignments and corporate relocation programmes targeting the Kingdom.
Sponsorship eligibility requires a minimum monthly salary of SAR 5,000. Dependants receive their own Iqama residency cards granting access to Saudi healthcare, international schools, and dependent banking facilities. The process involves visa application, medical examination, and Iqama issuance through Absher and Qiwa portals.
Saudi Exit & Re-Entry Permits
All expatriate residents in Saudi Arabia require an exit and re-entry permit to travel outside the Kingdom during their Iqama validity. Single-entry permits allow one departure with 60-day validity, while multiple-entry permits enable unrestricted travel for up to 2 years and are ideal for executives with frequent international commitments.
Permits are processed through the Absher online platform by the sponsoring employer. For permanent departure, a final exit visa must be obtained which cancels the Iqama and terminates residency. Non-compliance with exit permit terms, including overstay, results in financial penalties and potential re-entry restrictions.
Exit & Re-Entry
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Saudi work visas are available for foreign nationals?+
Saudi Arabia offers several work visa categories including the standard employment visa (Work Visa) requiring MISA/MOA approval and a local sponsor, the Temporary Work Visa for short-term project assignments up to 90 days, the Business Visit Visa for meetings and conferences, and the Premium Residency visa for high-net-worth individuals. Each category has distinct eligibility criteria, processing timelines, and compliance requirements under Saudi labour and immigration law.
How long does Saudi work visa processing typically take?+
Standard Saudi work visa processing takes 4 to 8 weeks from initial application to visa stamping, depending on the completeness of documentation and the specific visa category. Temporary Work Visas are processed in 1 to 2 weeks, while Business Visit Visas for eVisa-eligible nationalities can be approved within 24 to 48 hours. Factors affecting processing times include MISA approval timelines, document attestation requirements, and embassy appointment availability in the applicant's home country.
What is the difference between a Saudi work visa and an Iqama?+
A Saudi work visa is an entry visa stamped in the passport that allows a foreign national to enter the Kingdom for employment purposes. The Iqama is the Saudi residency permit issued after arrival, serving as the official identification document for all foreign residents. The Iqama must be obtained within 90 days of entry and is tied to the sponsoring employer. It is required for opening bank accounts, renting property, and accessing government services in Saudi Arabia.
Can family members accompany an employee on a Saudi work visa?+
Yes, employees holding a valid Saudi work visa and Iqama can sponsor their spouse and dependent children for Family Visa and Dependent Iqama permits. Sponsorship eligibility requires the employee to have a minimum salary of SAR 5,000 (approximately USD 1,333) and suitable accommodation. Dependants receive their own Iqama cards and can access healthcare and education in the Kingdom. Family sponsorship is a key consideration for long-term assignments and corporate relocation planning.
What are Saudi exit and re-entry permit requirements?+
All expatriate residents in Saudi Arabia require an exit and re-entry permit to travel outside the Kingdom during their Iqama validity. Permits can be single-entry (valid for 60 days) or multiple-entry (valid for up to 2 years). Applications are processed through the Absher online platform by the sponsoring employer. A final exit visa is required for permanent departure and cancels the Iqama. Overstaying an exit permit or final exit visa carries significant fines and potential re-entry bans.
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