Saudi Arabia (SA)

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and the world's leading oil producer — a rapidly transforming absolute monarchy embarking on an ambitious Vision 2030 diversification agenda that has already delivered entertainment venues, mixed-gender events, a booming tourism sector, and the Riyadh Metro.

Capital: Riyadh

Region: Middle East

Language: Arabic

Currency: SAR (ر.س)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 60)

Emergency: 911

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Saudi Arabia.

Visa-Free Access

GCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE) can enter Saudi Arabia visa-free. Many nationalities can obtain an eVisa on arrival or online. In 2026, Saudi Arabia offers tourist eVisas to 60+ nationalities including all EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others. The tourist eVisa costs SAR 535 (USD ~143) online via visa.visitsaudi.com, or SAR 480 on arrival, for 90 days within a 1-year multi-entry visa. However, for employment or residence, all nationalities require a work visa sponsored by a Saudi employer regardless of visa-free status.

Saudi Arabia operates the Kafala (sponsor) system for most expat residents — your legal status is tied to your employer. The 2021 Kafala reforms allow some employer transfers without consent after 12 months, but the system remains largely in place. Exit visas are now managed digitally via ABSHER and do not require physical employer permission for most categories, but your employer can still restrict some travel via ABSHER settings. Always have a valid Iqama — police checkpoints check status digitally and fines for overstay are automatic.

Work Visa (Employment)

تأشيرة عمل

Employer pays all fees; employee typically pays nothing

Duration: Initial work visa valid 3 months; converted to Iqama (residence permit) within 90 days of arrival

Eligibility

Offered by a Saudi employer with a valid Commercial Registration (CR) and the ability to issue work visas under their Nitaqat quota. Employer must have an approved slot from MHRSD.

Processing time

2–8 weeks after employer initiates

Requirements

✓Valid job offer from Saudi employer
✓Medical fitness certificate from approved clinic in home country
✓Police clearance certificate (apostilled)
✓Educational certificates (attested and legalised)
✓Passport valid for 6+ months
✓Visa medical test in Saudi Arabia on arrival
✓Saudi embassy attestation in country of origin

💡 The employer's PRO (Public Relations Officer) handles most of the application. Once in Saudi Arabia, the employer must apply for your Iqama within 90 days. All work visas are tied to a specific employer (Kafala system).

Tourist eVisa

تأشيرة سياحية

SAR 535 online (~USD 143) or SAR 480 on arrival (includes mandatory travel insurance)

Duration: 90 days per visit, multiple entry, valid 1 year from issue

Eligibility

Citizens of 60+ approved nationalities — includes all EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others. Check visa.visitsaudi.com for current list.

Processing time

5 minutes to 48 hours online

Requirements

✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
✓Return flight or onward travel
✓Proof of accommodation
✓No criminal record (not formally verified for eVisa)

💡 Tourist eVisa cannot be converted to work visa inside Saudi Arabia. Do not arrive on a tourist visa intending to work — this is illegal and results in deportation and ban. Women travelling alone can obtain tourist visas without restrictions since 2019.

Business Visa

تأشيرة عمل/تجارة

Approximately SAR 200–600 depending on nationality

Duration: 30–90 days single or multiple entry

Eligibility

Professionals visiting Saudi Arabia for business meetings, conferences, or project visits. Requires invitation from a Saudi company or organisation.

Processing time

3–10 business days via Saudi embassy

Requirements

✓Invitation letter from Saudi company (with CR)
✓Passport 6+ months validity
✓Business travel justification
✓Hotel bookings

💡 Business visas cannot be used for employment. Holders must not receive payment from a Saudi employer while on a business visa.

Dependent / Family Visa

تأشيرة مرافق

SAR 650 per person (visa fee) + SAR 100/month per person (dependent levy)

Duration: Linked to sponsor's Iqama validity

Eligibility

Spouse and children (under 18) of a valid Iqama holder employed in Saudi Arabia. Sponsor must earn above a minimum salary (confirm current threshold with employer).

Processing time

4–8 weeks

Requirements

✓Sponsor's Iqama (must be valid and employer in good Nitaqat standing)
✓Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
✓Attested birth certificates (for children)
✓Medical fitness certificates for all dependents
✓Passport photos and passports for all dependents

💡 Dependent spouses cannot work on a dependent visa without a separate work permit. Adult daughters (over 18) can remain on father's sponsorship indefinitely. Male sons must transfer to their own Iqama after age 18 unless studying.

Student Visa

تأشيرة طالب

Varies by institution

Duration: Duration of studies

Eligibility

Accepted to an accredited Saudi university or educational institution. Some government scholarship programmes (King Abdullah Scholarship Programme has been revised since 2015).

Processing time

4–8 weeks

Requirements

✓Acceptance letter from MOHE-approved Saudi institution
✓Academic transcripts and certificates
✓Medical fitness certificate
✓Financial proof

💡 Most Saudi universities require Arabic language proficiency. Some international universities (KAUST, KFUPM) operate in English. Students typically sponsored by the institution.

Premium Residency

الإقامة المميزة

SAR 800,000 (permanent) or SAR 100,000/year (renewable)

Duration: Permanent (one-time fee) or renewable annually

Eligibility

Financially qualified individuals who meet MHRSD criteria. No employer sponsorship required — fee-based residency. Holders can work, own businesses, sponsor family, and own real estate.

Processing time

2–6 months

Requirements

✓Financial proof of ability to pay fees
✓Clean criminal record
✓Medical fitness certificate
✓Passport validity
✓Application via premium.ica.gov.sa

💡 Premium Residency is the alternative to the Kafala employer sponsorship system. Holders have significantly more freedom including job changes, travel, and property ownership. Growing in popularity among senior professionals and investors.

No Dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (Saudi Arabia)

Digital Nomad

لا تأشيرة للعمل عن بُعد

Tourist eVisa: SAR 535 online / ~USD 143 (or SAR 480 on arrival; includes mandatory travel insurance). Premium Residency: SAR 800,000 permanent or SAR 100,000/year.

Duration: Tourist eVisa: 1 year validity, max 90 days per visit. Premium Residency: permanent or annually renewable.

Eligibility

Saudi Arabia does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Remote workers from eligible nationalities (60+ countries) can use the tourist eVisa (1-year multiple-entry, max 90 days per visit; SAR 535 online / ~USD 143) for short-to-medium stays working for foreign employers. Premium Residency (SAR 800,000 permanent or SAR 100,000/year renewable) is the only long-term option without employer sponsorship.

Processing time

Tourist eVisa: 5 minutes to 48 hours online. Premium Residency: 2–6 months.

Requirements

✓Tourist eVisa: valid passport (6+ months); eligible nationality — apply at visa.visitsaudi.com
✓Premium Residency: financial proof of ability to pay fees; clean criminal record; medical fitness certificate; application via premium.ica.gov.sa

💡 Saudi Arabia has no dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026 — authorities have indicated one may be developed under Vision 2030, but it has not launched. The tourist eVisa cannot be converted to a work visa inside the Kingdom. Remote workers on tourist eVisas must not work for Saudi employers or receive Saudi-sourced income. Women travelling alone have unrestricted access to tourist eVisas since 2019. Check visa.visitsaudi.com and ica.gov.sa for future programme announcements.

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