vbybnWorking in Saudi Arabia as a foreigner typically requires obtaining a valid work visa followed by a residence permit (iqama or other equivalent). In 2025, Saudi Arabia has introduced new, skill-based classification rules that affect how work permits are issued and renewed, making the process more structured.
This guide walks you through:
1. The types of visas / work permits available
2. Eligibility criteria under new rules
3. Documents you’ll need
4. The step-by-step application process
5. What to expect after arrival
6. Renewal, changes, and pitfalls
If you follow this carefully, you can legally live and work in Saudi Arabia with fewer surprises.
Types of Work Visas / Permits in Saudi Arabia
Before we dive into the process, it’s important to understand which visa or permit applies to your situation. Saudi Arabia offers a few distinct pathways for foreign workers:
1. Standard Employment Visa + Iqama (Residence Permit)
This is the typical long-term work visa route. A Saudi employer sponsors you, secures a work permit quota, and after arrival in Saudi Arabia you convert your visa into a residence permit (iqama).
2. Temporary Work Visa (Short-Term Assignment)
For short assignments or projects, you may be eligible for a temporary work visa (sometimes called a short-term work visa). Under new rules, these can allow you to stay up to six months (rather than only 90 days).
Because this is not converted to a full residence permit, it does not immediately grant full long-term residency rights. It is useful for consultants, specialists, short projects, or business travel where you’ll work for a limited time.
3. Investor / Entrepreneur or Premium Residency
Saudi Arabia also offers options for investors or those qualifying for Premium Residency (often likened to a “green card” concept). With premium residency, you may not need a traditional sponsor.
But this route is typically for high net worth individuals, investors, or professionals meeting stringent investment or asset thresholds.
New 2025 Skill-Based Classification: What Has Changed?As of 2025, Saudi Arabia moved toward a more granular, skill-based system for issuing and renewing work permits. Under this new classification, permits are evaluated on five core criteria: educational background, work experience, professional skills, wage level, and age.
This replaces one-size-fits-all permit issuance and means that your personal profile matters more than just having a job offer.
Employers and candidates now need to ensure their credentials align with the permitted classification and wage thresholds to succeed in approval.
Eligibility Requirements: What You Must Have
To be eligible for a work permit / visa in Saudi Arabia, you typically must satisfy these baseline requirements:
Valid job offer from a Saudi employer willing to sponsor you.
Valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining, and with at least two blank pages.
Educational certificate(s) (degree, diploma, or technical qualifications) that are recognized and authenticated.
Medical checks including tests for infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis B and C, etc.) and general physical health.
Criminal record / police clearance from your home country (recent, often within 6 months).
Photos (passport-style) meeting Saudi embassy/visa standards.
Health insurance / health coverage (as required by Saudi law).
Employer sponsorship / quota approval from Saudi authorities (Ministry of Human Resources / Ministry of Labor).
You should also ensure that your age, salary, and experience conform to the threshold needed under the new classification system.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s a detailed walkthrough of how to apply:
1. Employer Applies for Block Visa Quota
The Saudi employer must first apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD or Ministry of Labor) for approval to hire a foreign worker and allocate a block visa quota.
Once approved, a block visa authorization / quota is given, which allows issuing a work visa to your position.
2. Employer Requests Visa Authorization (MOFA) & Invitation Letter
Next, the employer submits a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for visa authorization. Once MOFA approves, an invitation / visa authorization number is issued.
An invitation letter (or visa referral) is generated, indicating your name, intended position, employer, and visa number/date.
3. You Apply for the Visa (at Saudi Embassy / Consulate)
Once your employer has the visa authorization, you (as the foreign applicant) submit the visa application in your home country at the Saudi embassy or consulate. Required documents include:
Completed visa application form
Passport with sufficient validity
Invitation / visa authorization number
Educational certificates (authenticated)
Medical report
Police clearance
Passport photos
Contract / employment offer
Any embassy-specific forms
This is typically done online (via MOFA / visa portal) or physically depending on your location.
4. Visa Issuance & Travel to Saudi Arabia
If approved, the Saudi embassy will issue your work visa. You travel to Saudi Arabia on this visa (usually within validity window).
5. Convert Visa into Residence (Iqama)
After arrival, the employer initiates the process to convert your visa into a residence permit (iqama). Key steps:
Submit biometric / fingerprint processing
Medical screening in Saudi Arabia (if required)
Register with the Ministry of Interior & issue iqama
Update local government records, labor records, etc.
Once the iqama is issued, you become a legal resident and worker under Saudi law, enabling you to open a bank account, get local services, etc.
Processing Time & Fees
The cost for a temporary work visa has been cited as SAR 1,000 (≈ USD 266) in some sources.
Processing time varies by country and embassy; it may take several weeks depending on how fast authorities respond.
After arrival, iqama processing can also take time depending on how quickly your employer and government agencies act.
Renewal and transfer costs may apply later.
Because of the new classification rules, your specific application might take extra evaluation time based on your credentials and salary level.
After You Arrive: What to Do
Once you arrive and your iqama is issued, here are the key steps you must complete:
Register with local authorities and get your national identity (residency) card (iqama)
Enroll in health insurance / medical coverage
Open a bank account (if applicable)
Get a Saudi mobile SIM, utilities, etc.
Understand your labor rights, local laws, and employer obligations
If you want to change jobs or transfer sponsorship, you must follow official transfer procedures (the new system is more flexible than under the old Kafala system).
If your contract ends, your employer must handle your exit / visa cancellation or renewal processes.
Renewal, Transfer & Exit
Renewal
Work permits / iqamas are usually renewable annually or per the contract duration. Renewal will require your employer to re-submit certain documentation and show compliance with classification thresholds (salary, role, skill, etc.).
Transfer of Sponsorship / Changing Employers
If you wish to move to a different employer, a sponsorship transfer process is often required. Under the newer system, this is more feasible but still must be done through official channels.
Exit / Cancellation
If your employment ends or you return to your home country, your iqama and work permit must be cancelled. Your employer usually initiates this with the relevant authorities.
Common Pitfalls & Practical Tips
Ensure credential authentication: Your educational documents often need to be authenticated by your country’s foreign ministry or relevant bodies.
Meet minimum salary thresholds: Under the new system, being underpaid may cause rejection.
Don’t overstay visa validity: Ensure you convert visa to iqama before expiration.
Avoid working before iqama: Doing so is illegal and can result in penalties.
Maintain updated records: Keep copies of all government correspondence, contract, visa, iqama.
Use legal/immigration consultants if unsure: Mistakes can be expensive.
Sample Timeline Overview
Stage Who Leads Duration (Estimate)
Employer applies for quota / block visa Employer 1–4 weeks (depends on approvals)
MOFA visa authorization & invitation Employer / MOFA 1–2 weeks
Embassy visa processing (your side) Applicant + Embassy 1–4 weeks
Travel & arrival in Saudi Applicant —
Iqama conversion & registration Employer / authorities 1–3 weeks
Note: These times are rough estimates and vary by country, embassy workload, and whether documentation is in order.
Example (Hypothetical Case)
Let’s imagine a Kenyan software engineer named Amina gets a job offer from a Riyadh tech firm. Here’s how she would proceed:
1. Riyadh firm applies for a quota to hire Amina
2. Firm obtains MOFA visa authorization and issues an invitation letter
3. Amina submits application at the Saudi Embassy in Nairobi: passport, degree certificate (authenticated), medical, police clearance, etc.
4. Visa is approved; Amina travels to Riyadh
5. Upon arrival, firm helps convert her visa into iqama
6. She begins work legally
If Amina’s classification (based on her education, experience, salary) meets the criteria under the new skill-based rules, she is approved; if not, adjustments may be requested or the application might be delayed.
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