How to Acquire a Saudi Arabia Work Visa for Foreign Employees

19 Sept 2025

Dunya Hassanein

Learn how you compliantly issue work visas for your non-Saudi staff

Expanding operations in Saudi Arabia means attracting and building a skilled workforce that can drive your company's sustained success in the Kingdom.

With foreign workers comprising 76.6% of the workforce, understanding the work visa process is essential for any international company looking to set up a foreign business in Saudi Arabia.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of securing work visas for your foreign employees, ensuring your business stays on track and compliant with Saudi labor regulations.

Saudi Arabia Work Visa: Steps and Requirements (2025)

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that obtaining a Saudi Arabia work visa is primarily an employer-driven process. Individual employees cannot apply independently—your Saudi-based employer must initiate and manage the entire process.

Work Visa Processing: Setting the Foundation

Essential Company Requirements

Before you can sponsor any foreign employees, your Saudi entity must have:

Active Commercial Registration (CR): Your business must be legally incorporated with a valid commercial registration
Qiwa Portal Access: Your business must maintain an active Qiwa portal
Compliance Status: Your business must demonstrate compliance with all Saudi labor laws and Saudization requirements

Employee Documentation Checklist

Gather these essential documents from your prospective employees before beginning the visa process:

Passport Copy: Including personal details, nationality, and religious affiliation
Medical Examination Results: From an approved medical center in the employee's home country
Police Clearance Certificate: Recent criminal background check from their country of residence
Educational and Professional Certificates: All degrees and professional qualifications, properly attested
Employment Contract: Drafted and attested by both the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Saudi Arabia Work Visa

Step 1: Submit Work Visa Request via Qiwa

Step 2: Obtain Authorization Certificate

Once Qiwa approves your request, you'll receive an Authorization Certificate. This document is your green light to proceed with the formal visa application and serves as proof that the hiring aligns with Saudi employment policies.

Step 3: Apply Through the Enjazit System

With your Authorization Certificate in hand, access the Enjazit portal (managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to apply for the actual work visa.

Step 4: Register Employment Contract

Before your employee's arrival, register the employment contract on the Qiwa platform. This registration ensures your contract terms comply with Saudi labor laws and creates a legally binding employment relationship recognized by Saudi authorities.

Step 5: Employee Visa Collection

Your employee can collect their stamped work visa from the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Step 6: Post-Arrival Medical Examination

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, your employee must undergo a medical examination at an approved facility within the Kingdom. This examination generates a health insurance certificate under a border number, as required by the National Certificate Commission for Healthcare (CCHI).

Step 7: Work Permit Activation

Once the medical examination is complete and approved, the work permit will be activated and displayed on your Qiwa portal, officially authorizing your employee to begin work in Saudi Arabia.

Post-Visa Completion Requirements

Iqama Application Process

After obtaining the work visa, you must apply for your employee's Iqama (residence permit) through Absher. This process involves additional fees and is essential for your employee's legal residence in the Kingdom.

Employee Post-Registration Requirements

Complete these final registration steps:

Absher Portal Registration: Register your new employee on the government's digital platform
Mudad Portal Setup: Record accurate salary details for Wage Protection System (WPS) compliance
GOSI Contributions: Begin making required social insurance contributions

Common Questions About Saudi Arabia Work Visas

How long are Saudi Arabia work visas valid?

Saudi work visas are typically valid for one year and are renewable. Employees on work visas can stay in the Kingdom for up to 90 days per entry, with the option to extend for an additional 90 days.

Can employees change employers in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, employee transfers are possible through the Qiwa portal, provided the employee has a valid Iqama and both employers meet specific requirements. The current employer must approve the transfer within 14 days, though recent regulations allow transfers without employer consent in cases of Saudization non-compliance.

What about employees from specific countries?

The process is the same regardless of nationality, though processing times may vary. US citizens, for example, follow the same procedures as other foreign nationals and can work in Saudi Arabia with proper work authorization and an Iqama.

How do processing times vary?

Processing times can range from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on various factors, including the employee's nationality, role complexity, and current application volumes. Starting the process well in advance of your planned start date is always recommended.