Work Visas & Employment Permits in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Working legally in Saudi Arabia requires an employment visa and an Iqama (residence permit). The system works as follows:
- Employment Visa: Your Saudi employer applies through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) for a work visa. The visa is stamped at a Saudi embassy in your home country. Standard validity: 2 years, renewable.
- Iqama (Residence Permit): After arriving in Saudi Arabia, your employer converts your employment visa into an Iqama within 90 days. The physical Iqama card is being phased out in favour of a digital Iqama accessible through the Absher and Tawakkalna apps — the digital version has full legal effect and can be presented to police, employers, and service providers. Carry either the card or keep the Absher app available at all times.
- Nitaqat (Saudization): Saudi Arabia operates a quota system requiring employers to hire a percentage of Saudi nationals. Your employer must be in the Green or Platinum band of Nitaqat to sponsor foreign workers. Companies in the Red band cannot issue new work visas.
- Labour Reform Initiative (LRI): Since March 2021, workers can change employers through the QIWA platform without their current employer's consent when their contract expires or after 1 year of employment. Workers can also obtain exit/re-entry visas independently.
- Free Visa (Illegal): Be aware of the practice of "free visa" (visa trading) where sponsors sell work visas to workers who then work independently. This is illegal and punishable by fines, deportation, and a permanent ban.
- Skill-based work permit tiers (Professional Verification Program, rolled out 2024–2025): Work permits are now classified by skill level — High-Skill, Skilled, and Basic — based on qualifications, experience, and occupation code. Workers in regulated/technical fields (engineering, IT, healthcare, construction trades) must pass the Professional Accreditation Test and have their credentials verified by Saudi professional bodies before a High-Skill or Skilled permit is issued. The classification also affects fees, mobility rights, and dependent sponsorship eligibility.
- Minimum age: Foreign workers must generally be at least 21 years old to be issued a work visa (some domestic-worker categories set the minimum at 24 for women under Musaned). Mandatory retirement age for most expatriate workers is 60, although skilled workers in Nitaqat-Platinum firms and Premium Residency holders can continue working past 60 with ministerial approval.
Fees: Work visa: SAR 2,000 for the work permit + SAR 650 for the Iqama (2-year). Annual renewal: SAR 650. Dependent levy: SAR 400/month per dependent (increasing annually). Medical test: SAR 200-500.
Processing time: Work visa approval: 1-2 weeks. Iqama issuance after arrival: 2-4 weeks. Total process from job offer to working in Saudi Arabia: 4-8 weeks.
When does it apply?
- You have a job offer from a Saudi employer with valid Nitaqat standing.
- You want to transfer to a new employer through the LRI system.
- You are renewing your Iqama or changing your profession code.
What to Do If You Want to Work Legally in Saudi Arabia and Need a Work Visa or Iqama
- Verify your employer's Nitaqat status — employers in the Red band cannot issue work visas. Check through QIWA or ask for documentation.
- Get your employment contract in Arabic and English — the Arabic version is legally binding in Saudi courts.
- Complete medical testing after arrival — required for Iqama issuance.
- Register on Absher (absher.sa) to access your visa status, Iqama details, and exit/re-entry visas online.
- Keep your Iqama current — carry it at all times and renew before expiry. Expired Iqamas result in daily fines.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not accept a "free visa" — buying or selling work visas is a criminal offence punishable by fines up to SAR 100,000, imprisonment, deportation, and a permanent re-entry ban.
- Do not work for anyone other than your sponsor without a proper transfer through QIWA — this is a violation that can lead to deportation.
- Do not let your Iqama expire — late renewal fines are SAR 500 for the first time, SAR 1,000 for the second, and deportation for the third offence.
Common Questions
When does it apply — work visas & employment permits?
You have a job offer from a Saudi employer with valid Nitaqat standing.You want to transfer to a new employer through the LRI system.You are renewing your Iqama or changing your profession code.
What should I do to get a work visa and Iqama to work legally in Saudi Arabia?
Verify your employer's Nitaqat status — employers in the Red band cannot issue work visas. Check through QIWA or ask for documentation.Get your employment contract in Arabic and English — the Arabic version is legally binding in Saudi courts.Complete medical testing after arrival — required for Iqama issuance.Register on Absher (absher.sa) to access your visa status, Iqama details, and exit/re-entry visas online.Keep your Iqama current — carry it at all times and renew before expiry. Expired Iqamas result in daily fines.
What should you NOT do — work visas & employment permits?
Do not accept a "free visa" — buying or selling work visas is a criminal offence punishable by fines up to SAR 100,000, imprisonment, deportation, and a permanent re-entry ban.Do not work for anyone other than your sponsor without a proper transfer through QIWA — this is a violation that can lead to deportation.Do not let your Iqama expire — late renewal fines are SAR 500 for the first time, SAR 1,000 for the second, and deportation for the third offence.