Business setup in Saudi Arabia has become a strategic decision for businesses targeting the Middle East region for growth and expansion. A successful setup in the KSA, however, requires a sound understanding on how to legally employ and manage foreign workers under Saudi labor law.
With expatriates making up nearly 76.6% of the Kingdom’s workforce, having a clear grasp of the Saudi work visa process is essential for ensuring smooth onboarding and maintaining regulatory compliance in Saudi Arabia.
This post provides a comprehensive overview of the Saudi Arabia work visa process for foreign employees, from company requirements and documentation to step-by-step procedures and post-arrival obligations.
1. Understanding the Saudi Arabia Work Visa
A Saudi Arabia work visa is a document that allows foreign nationals to legally live and work in the KSA under the sponsorship of a registered Saudi employer. It is important to note that employees cannot apply for this visa independently.
Only a Saudi-registered company can initiate the process through official government channels. For companies undergoing Saudi business setup, this means the employer must be legally established in the country and authorized to sponsor expatriate workers.
2. Prerequisites for Employers
Before hiring any non-Saudi employees, the company must fulfill several key requirements that demonstrate its compliance with Saudi labor regulations. These include:
- Active Commercial Registration (CR): The business must be legally incorporated and hold a valid commercial registration issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
- Qiwa Portal Access: The employer must maintain an active Qiwa account to manage employment contracts, visa requests, and Saudization compliance.
- Regulatory Compliance: The company should meet all Saudization (Nitaqat) targets and labor law requirements as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).
Meeting these conditions ensures that your Saudi business setup is compliant and capable of sponsoring foreign employees.
3. Employee Document Requirements
Employers must collect the following documents from the prospective employee before initiating the visa application process:
- A clear copy of the passport (including nationality and religious details)
- Medical examination results from an approved health center in the employee’s home country
- Police clearance certificate confirming no criminal record
- Educational and professional certificates, properly attested by relevant authorities
- A signed and attested employment contract, verified by both the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Having all documents ready before applying helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother visa process.
4. Important Steps for Obtaining a Work Visa
Step 1: Submit Work Visa Request via Qiwa
The employer logs into the Qiwa platform and submits a new work visa request. This includes providing details about the role, nationality, and qualifications of the employee.
Step 2: Obtain Authorization Certificate
Once approved, Qiwa issues an Authorization Certificate confirming that the position complies with Saudi employment policies and Saudization guidelines. This certificate is essential for proceeding with the formal visa application.
Step 3: Apply Through Enjazit
With the Authorization Certificate, the employer applies for the work visa through the Enjazit portal, which is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This step officially initiates the visa process at the embassy or consulate level.
Step 4: Register Employment Contract
The employer must register the employee’s contract on the Qiwa portal before arrival. This step ensures that the contract aligns with Saudi labor regulations and is recognized by the authorities.
Step 5: Employee Visa Collection
Once processed, the employee collects their stamped work visa from the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
Step 6: Post-Arrival Medical Examination
After arriving in Saudi Arabia, the employee must undergo a medical examination at an approved facility. This test verifies health status and generates a health insurance certificate linked to a border number.
Step 7: Work Permit Activation
When the medical results are approved, the employee’s work permit is activated on the Qiwa system, allowing them to officially begin employment in Saudi Arabia.
5. Post-Visa Requirements
Once the work visa is issued, employers must complete additional steps to ensure the employee’s legal residence and registration in Saudi Arabia. This document allows the employee to legally live and work in Saudi Arabia and must be renewed annually. Employers must also complete the following:
- Employers must apply for an Iqama, or residence permit, through the Absher portal.
- Register the employee on Absher, the digital portal for residents and citizens.
- Create a record on Mudad, the payroll management system ensuring compliance with the Wage Protection System (WPS).
- Enroll the employee in GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) to cover mandatory social insurance contributions.
6. How to Get a Work Permit in Saudi Arabia?
For new investors or businesses undergoing company formation in the KSA, the process includes the following:
Establish a Legal Entity: Register your company with:
- MISA for investment licensing
- Ministry of Commerce for commercial registration
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) for employment-related matters
Open a Corporate Bank Account:
Salaries must be paid through a Saudi corporate bank account registered under the Wage Protection System (WPS).
Register Employees on Key Portals: Enroll staff on:
- Qiwa for contracts and employment management
- Muqeem for residency and Iqama administration
- GOSI for insurance contributions
Use the Mudad Platform for Payroll:
Upload monthly salary data through Mudad to ensure compliance with WPS regulations and timely payments.
These steps streamline employment processes and also demonstrate full regulatory compliance in Saudi Arabia, a critical factor for Saudi company formation.
Summarizing the Essentials
Obtaining a Saudi Arabia work visa is a structured, employer-driven process that requires careful attention to documentation, legal obligations, and digital compliance.
For any company planning a business setup in Saudi Arabia, understanding these requirements is key to ensuring smooth workforce onboarding and sustained compliance with the Kingdom’s evolving labor framework.
Foreign investors can partner with boutique advisory firms that can help them enter the Saudi market confidently with full regulatory compliance.