Global Expansion Resources | Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Work Permits and Visas
Support with Saudi Arabia Work Permits and Visas from the leading recruitment partner
Ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s visa regulations and secure the appropriate work permits and Iqama residency permits for your employees with the help of our expert workforce management services.
Expanding into a new country and hiring internationally is an exciting opportunity for your business, but it often involves navigating complex legal requirements and overcoming significant challenges. Obtaining work visas and Iqama cards, mandatory for legal employment and residence are a common hurdle in this process.
Our workforce management services are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your employees meet all compliance requirements and are ready to contribute to your project without delay. While we do not act as a direct sponsor for Iqama issuance, we support businesses in managing the full Iqama process, including coordination with local sponsors, application tracking, and compliance management.
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Saudi Arabia Work Permits and Visas Information
What are the types of Saudi Arabia work visa?
Saudi Arabia, like many other countries, offers various visa types tailored to different skill levels, job roles, purposes, and durations. These include:
- Temporary Work Visa
- Work Visit Visa
- Work Visa and Iqama (Residency Permit)
- Specialised Work Visas
- Seasonal Work Visa
- Investor Visa
Each visa type has its own eligibility requirements, documentation, and process. For most long-term roles, particularly those requiring residency, the Iqama is a mandatory follow-up to the work visa and serves as both a residence and work permit.
How to apply for a Saudi Arabia work visa?
Applying for a work visa in Saudi Arabia can be a complex task that involves both the employee and employer coordination with the Saudi Authorities.
While each visa has different requirements, below are some of the steps you may need to take to obtain a valid visa in Saudi Arabia.
- Obtain Employer Sponsorship
- Submit Job Offer and Employment Contract
- Apply for a Work Visa Authorisation
- Medical Examination
- Submit Documents to the Saudi Embassy/Consulate
- Visa Issuance
- Arrive in Saudi Arabia and apply for an Iqama, the official residency and work permit
Please keep in mind the process typically takes several weeks and can differ depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
The Iqama is required for legal employment and daily life in Saudi Arabia. Without it, employees cannot open a bank account, rent housing, or stay beyond 90 days.
Because this process typically takes several weeks and is tightly regulated, it’s best to partner with an experienced workforce management partner that specialises in Saudi Arabia work visas, like Leap29. contact our team to find out more enquiries@leap29.com.
How much does a Saudi Arabia work visa cost?
The cost of obtaining a Saudi work visa varies depending on the visa type, the employee’s role, and additional processing needs. Typical expenses range from $500 to $1,500, excluding fees for:
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Document translation and attestation
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Medical exams
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Iqama issuance and renewals
Under Saudi labour laws, employers are generally expected to cover the costs associated with both visa and Iqama processing, though some exceptions may apply.
For accurate budgeting and full compliance, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable workforce management partner like Leap29, who can guide you through the legal and financial aspects of international hiring.
Why use a Workforce Management partner to help with visa and work permits in Saudi Arabia?
Applying for work visas and Iqama residency permits in Saudi Arabia can be a time-consuming and complex process, one that leaves businesses exposed to compliance risks if mishandled. By partnering with an experienced workforce management agency like Leap29, you gain end-to-end support from sponsorship coordination and documentation to onboarding and legal compliance.
Our team understands the nuances of the visa and Iqama processes and can manage them on your behalf, helping your employees arrive prepared and fully compliant.
Beyond visa support, we also provide:
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Localised HR and payroll
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Onboarding and offboarding
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Workforce administration
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Legal entity avoidance solutions
Depending on your business requirements, we can also support with managing HR, onboarding, payroll, administration, and more. We simplify your operations and eliminate the need to establish a legal entity.
Contact our team today to find out more about how we can support you with your projects in Saudi Arabia enquiries@leap29.com.
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