If you want to work in Saudi Arabia, you normally need a Saudi employer to sponsor your employment and arrange the required work visa process. Foreign workers must have legal authorization to work and a work permit; Saudi rules require non-Saudis to be under an employer contract and obtain the required work authorization.
How to Apply for a Saudi Work Visa
Step 1: Find a Saudi Job
First, secure a genuine job offer from a Saudi Arabian employer. Your employment contract should clearly state your job position, salary, benefits, contract period, and other employment conditions.
Step 2: Employer Starts the Visa Process
The Saudi employer normally handles the employment-side visa procedures. Employers can use Qiwa to request permanent work visas for foreign workers.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Depending on your profession and circumstances, you may need:
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photograph
- Employment contract or job offer
- Educational certificates, where required
- Professional or driving license, where applicable
- Experience certificates
- Medical examination documents
- Other documents requested for your specific occupation
Step 4: Complete Medical and Biometric Requirements
Applicants may need to complete a medical examination and provide biometric information as part of the visa process. Official Saudi guidance for temporary work visas specifically lists medical examination and fingerprinting among the procedures.
Step 5: Submit the Visa Application
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform handles the relevant visa procedures. At the same time, employers use the appropriate Saudi employment systems for the recruitment and work-visa process.
Step 6: Complete Embassy Procedures
After the visa is approved and the visa number is issued, applicants may need to complete the required procedures through the Saudi embassy or an authorized visa-processing channel in their country.
Step 7: Travel to Saudi Arabia
Once your work visa and other required arrangements are complete, you can travel to Saudi Arabia and begin employment according to your approved employment contract and immigration status.