What is Qiwa and How to Register on It?

If you operate a foreign business in Saudi Arabia, you must register on Qiwa to hire employees, issue work visas, and maintain labor compliance. This official government portal is mandatory for all companies—failing to register can result in fines, blocked visas, and inability to participate in government tenders.

What is Qiwa?

Qiwa is Saudi Arabia’s central digital platform for workforce management, designed to simplify labor compliance for businesses operating in KSA.

It streamlines key processes, including issuing work visas, managing employment contracts, transferring employees, and ensuring compliance with local labor regulations.

Developed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), Qiwa serves over 14.5 million registered users as of H1 2025. During the same period, the platform has processed 11 million employment contracts and issued 450,000 Saudization certificates, making it an indispensable tool for any business in Saudi Arabia.

Who Needs to Use Qiwa

Employers

• Qiwa supports employers in handling digital employment contract management.
• Employers can also manage visa and work permit-related tasks through the platform.
• They can also generate Wage Protection System certificates and Saudization (localization) certificates via Qiwa.

Employees

• Workers can view and approve their contracts via their Qiwa individual accounts.
• They can also track their work permits and employment status.

Government

• The platform is run by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
• Qiwa is used for labor-market oversight, issuing Saudization certificates, and monitoring compliance.
• Qiwa has issued over 800,000 Saudization certificates since its launch.

Key Benefits of Using Qiwa

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the company and workers are in compliance with Saudi labor and Saudization regulations
• Operational Efficiency: Quick and efficient processing of job transfers, digital contract management, and work permits
• Streamlined Setup: Simplifies the business setup process for foreign companies by integrating services in one system, eliminating the need to physically visit government entities
• Comprehensive Services: Access to 85+ different services ensures swift compliance with regulatory requirements, such as visa processing, workforce management, tax filings, and license renewals
• Certificate Issuance: Generate essential certificates instantly, including Saudization Certificates for government tenders, WPS Certificates for salary compliance, Salary Identification Certificates for employee banking, and Experience Certificates for departing employees
• Business Growth Support: Access to funding, training, and development opportunities
• Talent Acquisition: Facilitate hiring and job creation for Saudis and expatriates

How to Register and Use Qiwa

Registration Requirements

• Active Absher account
• Valid CR number
• National ID/Iqama
• Contact information

Step-by-Step Guide For Registration

1. Visit qiwa.sa

2. Enter Iqama ID and date of birth

3. Verify via Absher (SMS code)

4. Submit contact details

5. Complete verification

GM Visa Issuance Via Qiwa: Detailed Guide

Qiwa is also essential for issuing a General Manager (GM) visa, which is necessary for foreign companies to appoint and manage their leadership teams in Saudi Arabia.

Requirements for GM Visa Issuance:

• Visa fees must be paid
• Active Qiwa subscription

Process for GM Visa Issuance on Qiwa:

1. Log in to the Qiwa Portal: Start by logging into the Qiwa platform using your registered account.
2. Fill in the Required Information: In the visa issuance section, provide the following details:
   • City of departure for the GM
   • Nationality of the GM
   • Number of visas required
   • Position and gender of the General Manager

• 3. Submit Application: After filling in all the necessary information, proceed to submit the application for visa processing.

Facing difficulties in activating and maintaining your Qiwa portal in the KSA? Our team can handle all government portal setup and compliance for your company. Get a free consultation.