work visa
Eligibility
Foreign nationals who have a valid job offer and an employment contract with a Saudi employer may be eligible for a Saudi Arabia work visa, subject to Saudi government approval and the applicable requirements.
The employer must follow the relevant recruitment and work-permit procedures. Applicants must meet the requirements for their job and profession, provide valid travel documents, and complete any required medical examinations, professional verification, or licensing procedures.
A work visa is not guaranteed. Eligibility, document requirements, and approval depend on the applicant's circumstances, profession, and current Saudi regulations.
**Official guidance:** Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the Saudi National Platform.
Required Documents
**Commonly listed documents and requirements:**
- Valid passport.
- Recent personal photograph with a white background, as specified by the official application service.
- Saudi work visa application and employer-provided visa details.
- Employment contract or job offer details, as applicable.
- Educational certificates and professional qualifications, if required for the job.
- Medical examination and biometric information, where required.
- Professional verification or licensing documents, where applicable.
- Any additional documents requested by the Saudi authorities or the Saudi embassy/consulate.
**Important:** The exact document list depends on the visa category, profession, applicant's country, and current official instructions. Confirm the final checklist with the employer and the relevant Saudi visa authority.
Process
**Step 1: Obtain a genuine job offer**
Secure a job offer and employment contract from a Saudi employer.
**Step 2: Employer applies for the work visa**
The employer completes the applicable recruitment and work visa procedures through the relevant Saudi government platform, such as Qiwa, where applicable.
**Step 3: Prepare your documents**
Ensure your passport details and all application information are accurate. Arrange any required educational, professional, or medical documents.
**Step 4: Submit the visa application**
Complete the applicable visa application process and provide the required documents. Keep the application reference number.
**Step 5: Complete required checks**
Complete medical examinations, biometric procedures, professional verification, or licensing requirements if applicable.
**Step 6: Wait for the official decision**
Follow the application status through the relevant official channel. If approved, complete any required Saudi embassy or consulate procedures and follow the visa instructions before travelling.
**Step 7: Complete employment formalities**
After arrival, the employer and worker must complete the applicable work permit, residency, and employment formalities.
**For Pakistani applicants:** Check the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) requirements and complete the applicable Protector of Emigrants process before travelling for employment.
Costs: Visa-related costs vary according to the visa category, profession, applicant's circumstances, and current official requirements. The Saudi government's Qiwa service page lists the employer-side electronic visa service as free. This does **not** mean tha
Last reviewed: 2026-10-20