Saudi Arabia work visa: from the employer's Qiwa request to your iqama

KSA Visa lists three work visas: the permanent work visa for long-term employment contracts, the temporary work visa for short-term contracts of a fixed duration, and the seasonal work visa for jobs tied to seasons or events such as harvests or tourism peaks. Short business trips without a Saudi contract use the business visit visa instead.

Visas are issued against the employer's quota in Qiwa. For instant visas the Ministry of Human Resources requires an active establishment with a valid commercial registration, wage protection compliance, a permitted activity, a Nitaqat (Saudisation) rating of at least Medium Green or Very Small Green, no expired work permits within the group, and enough balance in the establishment's Absher account. The service itself is listed as free, with any visa charges shown inside the platform.

Saudi missions typically ask for the passport, photos, the visa number and date issued by MOFA, a sponsor letter, the employment contract signed by both parties, a medical report confirming freedom from contagious diseases, a recent police record, and degree certificates attested by the issuing country's authorities and the Saudi mission where the profession requires it. The exact list is shown when the application is opened and can differ by profession and mission.

Once the employer has the visa authorisation, the application is completed on the KSA Visa services platform under the permanent, temporary or seasonal work category. Applicants then follow the instructions for passport submission and biometrics at the Saudi embassy or consulate in their country of residence, or at an authorised service centre where one is indicated. The visa is then stamped or issued electronically and used to enter.

The employer applies for the iqama (resident identity) and the work permit through the government platforms, and under Qiwa's rules the employer bears recruitment, iqama and work-permit issuance and renewal fees. A Saudi work licence also carries a charge set by the Ministry. Keep your iqama valid and use exit and re-entry visas for trips abroad; KSA Visa offers an extension service for residents whose re-entry visa expires while outside.

Iqama holders can request residence visas for their immediate family through KSA Visa (see the family residence guide). Dependants of private-sector workers are subject to the monthly dependants fee collected with the iqama; Premium Residency holders and their families are exempt from it.