Getting a work visa for Saudi Arabia is a multi-step process, and getting any one of those steps wrong can delay your start by weeks. This guide covers every stage: visa types, eligibility, the full application process, and what to expect once you're approved.

Whether you already have a job offer or you're still figuring out how this works, here's what you need to know.

Types of Work Visas in Saudi Arabia

Not every Saudi visa lets you work. Here's what matters if you're trying to get a job in the Kingdom.

Employment Visa

This is the main visa for expats with a job offer in Saudi Arabia. It works in two stages: you enter on a visit visa valid for 90 days, then your employer applies for your Iqama, which is your residence and work permit combined. The Iqama is what lets you live and work in Saudi Arabia long-term.

Note: A Business Visit Visa exists for short trips and meetings, but it does not permit working in the country. Don't confuse the two.

Temporary Work Visit Visa (TWVV)

Introduced in 2021, this visa allows multiple entries over a year for stays up to 90 days with your sponsoring company. It's built for short-term or project-based work. Your employer needs to hold a quota to sponsor you for this one.

How to Get Your Saudi Work Visa: Step by Step

Now that you know which visa you need, here's how the application actually works.

1. Get Sponsored by a Saudi Employer

You can't apply for a Saudi work visa independently. Your employer sponsors your application and acts as your official representative throughout the process. Make sure you understand what that sponsorship involves before you sign anything.

2. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Criteria vary by profession and role. In general, you'll need:

• The educational qualifications for your field (degrees or diplomas)
• Enough experience to meet the minimum thresholds for your role
• Any professional licenses required in Saudi Arabia, such as engineering certifications or medical licenses

Check the exact requirements with your employer or the Saudi Embassy in your home country before you start gathering documents.

3. Gather and Attest Your Documents

This is where most delays happen. Your employer will need the following from you:

• Passport valid for the duration of your employment, with at least two blank pages
• Passport-sized photo (color)
• Completed visa application form
• Educational certificates, attested by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission in your home country
• Police clearance certificate from your home country, attested
• Medical report from a designated facility
• Signed employment contract, attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
• Proof of payment for visa fees

One thing to flag: Under Saudi labor law, your employer covers most visa and sponsorship fees. You may need to pay for your own medical exam and some attestation fees in your home country, so check with your employer early.

Once everything's ready, your employer submits your application through the Enjaz portal.

4. Get Your Iqama Issued

Once your documents are reviewed and approved, you'll receive your Iqama. This is your official residence permit and ID in Saudi Arabia, valid for one year.

5. Renew Annually

Your Iqama needs to be renewed every year. As long as you're still employed by your sponsor, the renewal process follows the same pattern: similar documents, similar fees.

6. Sponsor Your Family (if Eligible)

If you hold a valid Iqama and meet the requirements, you may be able to sponsor your spouse and children to live with you in Saudi Arabia. Family sponsorship is a separate process with its own paperwork and timelines, so start looking into it well before you need it.

Key Rules for Working in Saudi Arabia

Once you're in KSA, a few rules catch people out. Worth knowing before you land.

Changing Employers Is a Formal Process

Your Iqama is tied to your sponsoring employer. Switching jobs requires a formal release called a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current company. Some contracts include a minimum service period before you can request one, so read the terms carefully before you sign.

You Need an Exit Visa Before You Leave

Before leaving Saudi Arabia for any reason, even a short trip home, you need an exit/re-entry visa. Your employer or HR team can help you arrange one. Don't wait until the day before your flight.

Understand the Local Laws

Saudi Arabia has its own legal framework, and violations can result in fines, deportation, or legal action. Familiarize yourself with the laws relevant to your profession and lifestyle before you arrive.

Language May Matter for Your Role

Some professions in Saudi Arabia require proficiency in Arabic, English, or both. This isn't universal, but it's worth confirming with your employer during the hiring process.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your KSA Work Visa

These are the errors that show up most often. All of them are avoidable.

Submitting Unattested Documents

Educational certificates and police clearance certificates need to be formally attested, usually by the relevant authority in your home country and then by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission. Submitting them without proper attestation is the most common reason applications get sent back.

Trying to Work on a Business Visit Visa

A Business Visit Visa is for meetings and short trips, not for doing the actual job. Working on one is a violation of Saudi immigration law and can result in deportation. If you have a role to fill, you need a proper Employment Visa or TWVV.

Leaving the Country Without an Exit Visa

People often assume they can fly home whenever they want. They can't. Leaving Saudi Arabia without an exit visa can lead to fines and complications getting back into the country, so sort it out before any travel.

Assuming You Can Switch Jobs Without a Release

A lot of people assume they can just quit and start a new role in KSA without any extra steps. Without a formal release (NOC) from your current employer, your new company can't process your visa transfer. Read your contract before you sign, particularly the clauses about minimum service periods and exit conditions.

Final Thoughts on Getting Your Saudi Arabia Work Visa

The Saudi work visa process is manageable once you know the steps. The key is getting your documents attested correctly, using the right visa type, and understanding the sponsorship process before you start.

If the hiring and compliance side feels like a lot, RemotePass handles Saudi Arabia hiring end to end. See if it's a good fit for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saudi Work Visas

Can I Get a Work Visa for Saudi Arabia Without a Job Offer?

No. Saudi work visas are employer-sponsored, which means you need a job offer from a Saudi employer before you can begin the application. There's no independent applicant route.

How Much Does a Saudi Work Visa Cost?

Under Saudi labor law, your employer is responsible for most visa and sponsorship fees. You may need to cover your own medical exam costs and some attestation fees in your home country. Check with your employer early for the specifics.

Can I Bring My Family to Saudi Arabia on a Work Visa?

Yes, if you hold a valid Iqama and meet the eligibility requirements. Family sponsorship is a separate process with its own documentation and timelines, so start looking into it early if it's something you're planning.

What Happens If My Saudi Work Visa Gets Rejected?

A rejection usually comes down to missing or incorrect documentation. Review the specific reason with your employer and the relevant authority, correct what's needed, and reapply.

Can I Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia Without a New Visa?

Yes, but only with a formal release (NOC) from your current employer. Your new employer then sponsors your visa transfer. Without that release, you can't legally work for someone else in KSA.