Work visas in Saudi Arabia: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Saudi Arabia? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work visa rules.

Understanding which type of visa or permit applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Saudi Arabia. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of work visas in Saudi Arabia, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work visa in Saudi Arabia?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s visa and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Saudi Arabia

Who needs a work visa in Saudi Arabia?

Any foreign national who wants to live and work in the country needs a work visa and residence permit (Iqama), unless they are:

• A Saudi citizen
• A citizen of one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (i.e., Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates)

Note that, while citizens of GCC states can enter and work in Saudi Arabia without a visa, registration with the Saudi authorities is still required.

For everyone else (including employees from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas), a work visa is mandatory. This visa should be tied to an employer in Saudi Arabia, which means:

• You, as the employer, must act as the official sponsor and apply for the visa on behalf of the employee.
• The visa is only valid for the specific employer and role it was granted for. If the employee changes jobs, a new visa and sponsorship transfer are required.

Without the correct work visa and an accompanying residence permit, foreign nationals cannot legally work, open a bank account, or access many essential services in Saudi Arabia.

What are the types of Saudi work visas?

Saudi Arabia requires almost all foreign workers (except citizens of GCC countries) to have a visa sponsored by a local employer. The most common categories include:

Standard employment visa

The is the standard Saudi work permit, and is the primary route for foreign nationals hired by Saudi companies. It requires sponsorship from a Saudi employer, who applies for a block visa quota from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

This type of work permit is valid for the duration of the employment contract (typically one to two years), and is tied to the sponsoring employer.

As mentioned, it must be followed by issuance of the Iqama (residence permit) once the employee arrives in Saudi Arabia.

Note that Saudi Arabia abolished the Kafala system in 2021, making it possible for workers to negotiate employment contracts and choose to leave without prior approval from their sponsor.

This new arrangement enables employers to sponsor non-citizens directly after signing an employment contract, and obtaining necessary permissions from the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Interior.

Temporary work visa

The temporary work visa (also known as the short-term work visa) is for professionals traveling to Saudi Arabia for short-term assignments, such as consultancy projects, technical work, or training.

It's valid for a few months (usually up to 90 days), although in some cases it is extendable.

It still requires Saudi company sponsorship, but involves less paperwork than a full Saudi work permit.

Seasonal work visa

This kind of work permit is issued for short-term employment, linked usually to seasonal demands (such as during the Hajj pilgrimage when labor needs increase).

It's usually valid for a few months and restricted to the specific role and time frame.

Other Saudi work permits

• Investor or Entrepreneur Visas: For foreigners establishing businesses in Saudi Arabia.
• Dependents’ Residency with Work Authorization: In some cases, dependents of expatriates can obtain permission to work under specific conditions.
  
  

How do you get a work visa for Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, work visas are always employer-sponsored. This means a Saudi company must act as the sponsor and handle most of the application steps before the employee applies for the visa abroad.

As a result, you'll need to already have a legal entity in Saudi Arabia, or use an employer of record (EOR) like Remote.

Here's how the visa application process works:

1. Secure a block quota visa

First, the Saudi employer applies to the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) for permission to hire foreign workers.

Once approved, your company receives a block visa allocation (a set number of foreign hires permitted under certain job titles).

2. Get work permit approval

Next, you must request a work permit for the specific employee through the MHRSD. Approval is then passed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), which issues a visa authorization number.

3. Apply at the consulate

With the visa authorization number, your employee can then apply for a Saudi work visa at their local Saudi embassy or consulate.

To support their application, the required documents usually include:

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
• Sponsorship documents
• Visa referral note
• A completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• A medical report confirming good health (including full medical screening, blood workup, a chest x-ray, Syphilis serology, and other medical lab test results)
• A police clearance report or criminal record report
• A signed employment contract
• Proof of educational qualifications, experience requirements, and any professional licensing (such as medical licenses)
  

4. Travel to Saudi Arabia

Once the visa is granted, the employee can travel to Saudi Arabia and begin work for the sponsoring employer.

5. Receive the residence permit (Iqama)

Within 90 days of their arrival, you (the employer) must apply for your employee’s Iqama (residence permit) through the Ministry of Interior.

The Iqama is essential; it acts as the employee’s legal ID, confirming both residency and the right to work. Without an Iqama, the employee cannot open a bank account, rent housing, or access healthcare.

Does Saudi Arabia offer a digital nomad visa?

Saudi Arabia does not yet have any laws or official regulations governing how, where, or when digital nomads can work in Saudi Arabia.

Since remote work isn't officially recognized for noncitizens, employers cannot simply hire noncitizens to work remotely under any form of employment agreement. They can only do so via an employment visa arrangement or as indicated and approved by local authorities.

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s EOR service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Saudi Arabia on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Saudi Arabia, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.