Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows entry into Saudi Arabia for employment under a contract with a local company or a government agency. It is granted to foreign professionals and workers who have signed a contract with a Saudi employer. The initial work visa is valid for 90 days to enter the Kingdom. After arrival, the holder must obtain an Iqama (residence permit), which authorizes living and working in Saudi Arabia for one year and can be extended. This visa allows the holder to perform Umrah during their stay.
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
3 months
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
$300 – $3,000
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
3 months
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The initial work visa is valid for 90 days. It refers to the timeframe within which the holder must enter the country. This period starts from the visa issuance date, as indicated on the visa itself. If the holder does not enter Saudi Arabia within the validity period, the visa becomes invalid and a new visa must be obtained.
to 1 year
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
After arrival, the employer must begin the process of issuing an Iqama (residence permit) — the main document required to work or rent housing in Saudi Arabia. The employee must also complete a medical examination at an accredited clinic, as the Iqama cannot be issued without the medical test results. Once the medical report is obtained, the employer submits the documents to Jawazat (the General Directorate of Passports). A plastic Iqama card is then issued, which includes the employee’s name, identification number, job title, employer, and validity period. The Iqama is generally valid for one year and may be renewed.
to 1 year
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
The extension is processed by the employer or their authorized representative through the online system Absher Business or the Muqeem portal, approximately 1–2 weeks before the current Iqama expires. The residence permit is usually renewed for 1 year, and in some cases for 2 years, at the employer’s discretion.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
Visa is issued for only single entry.
from 21 days to 3 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
A work visas are usually processed between 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the individual case.
$300 – $3,000
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
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.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining. The passport should have 2 blank pages facing each other or ID card for citizens GCC.
Visa application form
Completed visa application.
Photograph
A color photo with a white background, free of shadows and any objects. The size for online submission should be 200×200 pixels, with a file size between 5 and 100 KB. The face must be clearly visible, looking directly at the camera, without tilt, and with all facial features uncovered. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. Glasses are allowed only if they do not have dark lenses or reflections. Head coverings are permitted for religious or medical reasons, provided the face remains fully visible. The face should occupy about 70–80% of the photo. For consular submission, a printed photo sized 3.5×4 cm may be required.
Health insurance
Must be purchased from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Options for local health insurance providers will appear upon processing application form.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Attorney from the Saudi employer
Digital power of attorney from the Saudi employer generated by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Proof of the education
A certified and notarized copy of the training or technical diploma (authenticated). Diplomas must also be notarized by a Saudi Arabian Consulate. If aplicable.
Work contract
A copy of employment contract, signed by the sponsor and the applicant, and certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sponsorship letter
An invitation letter by 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.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Medical report
A medical report in three copies, along with all lab results and three passport-size colored photographs on a white background. The medical report must be issued by a licensed physician certifying the applicant is free of contagious diseases. The physician must sign each copy of the medical report indicating their license number and address. Medical reports must be no more than three months past the date of issuance.
Certificate of criminal record check
Police report, issued within six months prior to the date of application, with detailed information about applicant’s criminal record.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or above, unless accompanied by a legal guardian.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents to confirm them in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and any dependents for the duration of the stay in the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Work visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Work visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgLast updated 2026-04-27