Saudi Arabia employment visas

Non-Saudi citizens must obtain a visa to enter, and must obtain a permit to reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Visas or permits must be obtained before arrival in the country.  A visitor visa must be sponsored by a Saudi resident company or resident individual.  The sponsors invitation letter will include i) a visa number and ii) confirmation a visa is obtained for the visitor and iii) the permission to issue that visa has been sent to the relevant Saudi embassy;

Companies are required to register their employee’s contracts with the Ministry of Interior before a residency permit can be issued.  Each company is permitted a certain quota of residency visas.  Residency visas are valid for up to two years.  Employees cannot work for anyone other than their sponsoring employer and sponsorship cannot be transferred until the employee has worked for their original sponsor for at least two years;

All expatriate employees require an employment visa and must be sponsored by an employer to arrange one.  To obtain an employment visa, the employee must i) submit a medical examination ii) show copies of employment contract and iii) provide academic or professional qualifications and iv) provide an employer sponsor ship letter.  Within two weeks, the foreign employee will be issued a visa number, permitting him to collect a visitor visa, which will be converted to a residence visa upon arrival in Saudi;

Employees leaving Saudi (for a holiday or business trip) require their employer/sponsor to acquire an exit/re-entry visa.  If an employee is leaving the country and not returning, he will be issued an exit-only visa. 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia? 

Yes, most nationals require a Saudi Arabia visa.  You might also require a sponsor in the country for visa applications.  Some GCC nationals however are exempt from visa requirements to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes.  Healy Consultants advises Clients regarding the most suitable visa for their visit to Saudi Arabia. 

What documents are required to apply for a work visit visa in Saudi Arabia? 

The list of documents required for a work visit visa in Saudi Arabia depends on the nationality and employment role of the applicant.  Some of the documents required include i) a valid passport ii) photos iii) invitation letter duly attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce iv) original employment contract v) original degree certificates and vi) certificate showing at least 2 years prior work experience in a similar field. 

Contact us

Testimonial

“Pirster Pte is happy with the work that Healy Consultants undertook for the company.  International incorporation can be fraught with opacity, anxiety and vulnerability - especially if it is being done remotely as we did.  Healy Consultants worked really hard to make it transparent, straight forward and confidence-inspiring.  I look forward to working with Healey Consultants again on future work and happily recommend them to others.” 

Fiona Thompson, Managing Director Pirster Pte. 

“We had taken Healy Consultants assistance in incorporating our entities in some of the complicated jurisdictions.  Their approach right from the beginning has been very systematic, clear and efficient.  It has been a pleasure to work with all of them.” 

“Thank you Healy Consultants for swiftly project managing my engagement.  From the moment I met you in Singapore Healy Consultants attended to my requirements and specific needs.  I am more than satisfied with your service.  Moreover, your weekly updates allowed me to continue to focus my attention on my global business while trusting you to deliver as promised.” 

“Thank you Healy Consultants, you were instrumental in setting up of my Hong Kong based company, the whole process was completed in a professional and timely manner.” 

Terry Skews, CEO Brittany Offshore Limited

“Healy Consultants, a professionally managed firm with clear understanding and knowledge about what client expects from them and delivers the same in a professional and timely manner.  Kudos to their team.” 

“Incorporating any company is comparable to setting the foundation blocks of your new company building, which you aim to build in the best location available.  By choosing Healy Consultants you are laying the perfect foundations.” 

“The one word that defines Healy Consultants is perfect professionalism.  If you have Healy to set up your business abroad, you could focus on the operational overhead and let Healy take care of the rest.  From Incorporation to Taxation, it’s a one stop solution.  Rest assured, you will have the best people in the Industry working for you and providing you with the best possible information and suggestions.” 

Raja Chakraborty, Director Streamlyn Pte.  Ltd.

“Thank you Healy Consultants for successfully project managing our business set up in Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and Bahrain.” 

“When it was time to establish a Space Academy in Singapore, TriVector needed a knowledgeable firm that could not only help us establish our infrastructure, but could also advise on the local and regional business climate.  Healy was that firm, which is why we've been satisfied Healy Consultants for almost five years now.” 

“Healy Consultants were instrumental in the set up of our company.  They have continued to provide exceptional support and advice over the years.” 

Susan Gunnery, Managing Director Qudoss Group

“Healy Consultants is the best firm that we have ever worked with.  Through our entire business relationship we were satisfied with provided level of quality and services.  Healy Consultants have been responsive and detail oriented which has allowed us to stay focused on our business and not getting distracted with small details.” 

Testimonial

“Pirster Pte is happy with the work that Healy Consultants undertook for the company.  International incorporation can be fraught with opacity, anxiety and vulnerability - especially if it is being done remotely as we did.  Healy Consultants worked really hard to make it transparent, straight forward and confidence-inspiring.  I look forward to working with Healey Consultants again on future work and happily recommend them to others.” 

Fiona Thompson, Managing Director Pirster Pte. 

“We had taken Healy Consultants assistance in incorporating our entities in some of the complicated jurisdictions.  Their approach right from the beginning has been very systematic, clear and efficient.  It has been a pleasure to work with all of them.” 

“Thank you Healy Consultants for swiftly project managing my engagement.  From the moment I met you in Singapore Healy Consultants attended to my requirements and specific needs.  I am more than satisfied with your service.  Moreover, your weekly updates allowed me to continue to focus my attention on my global business while trusting you to deliver as promised.” 

“Thank you Healy Consultants, you were instrumental in setting up of my Hong Kong based company, the whole process was completed in a professional and timely manner.” 

Terry Skews, CEO Brittany Offshore Limited

“Healy Consultants, a professionally managed firm with clear understanding and knowledge about what client expects from them and delivers the same in a professional and timely manner.  Kudos to their team.” 

“Incorporating any company is comparable to setting the foundation blocks of your new company building, which you aim to build in the best location available.  By choosing Healy Consultants you are laying the perfect foundations.” 

“The one word that defines Healy Consultants is perfect professionalism.  If you have Healy to set up your business abroad, you could focus on the operational overhead and let Healy take care of the rest.  From Incorporation to Taxation, it’s a one stop solution.  Rest assured, you will have the best people in the Industry working for you and providing you with the best possible information and suggestions.” 

Raja Chakraborty, Director Streamlyn Pte.  Ltd.

“Thank you Healy Consultants for successfully project managing our business set up in Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and Bahrain.” 

“When it was time to establish a Space Academy in Singapore, TriVector needed a knowledgeable firm that could not only help us establish our infrastructure, but could also advise on the local and regional business climate.  Healy was that firm, which is why we've been satisfied Healy Consultants for almost five years now.” 

“Healy Consultants were instrumental in the set up of our company.  They have continued to provide exceptional support and advice over the years.” 

Susan Gunnery, Managing Director Qudoss Group

“Healy Consultants is the best firm that we have ever worked with.  Through our entire business relationship we were satisfied with provided level of quality and services.  Healy Consultants have been responsive and detail oriented which has allowed us to stay focused on our business and not getting distracted with small details.” 

“Not only did Healy Consultants have expert knowledge of local requirements, they also understood my needs as a foreigner, which is something lacking with the Singaporean consulting firms I spoke to.  They drove the process from start to completion.  I’m more than satisfied with the service.”