Work & Visa

Working in Saudi Arabia

Complete guides for expats navigating the Saudi work visa system, Iqama residency permit, labour law, and career opportunities in the Kingdom.

Work visa types Iqama in 3–8 weeks 2025 Labour Law updates Salary benchmarks

All Guides

Work & Visa Guides

In-depth, regularly updated articles covering every aspect of working legally in Saudi Arabia.

Quick Reference

Key Facts for Working Expats

Work Week
48 hours maximum
Annual Leave
21 days (first 5 yrs) · 30 days after
Income Tax
0% — Saudi Arabia is tax-free
EOSB (Gratuity)
½ month salary per year (first 5 yrs)
Saudisation (Nitaqat)
Required Saudi employee quota per sector
Iqama Renewal
Annual · done via Absher app
Iqama Expiry Fine
SAR 10,000 + potential deportation
Exit/Re-Entry Visa
Now free — managed via Absher

The Process

From Job Offer to Iqama in Hand

Once you have a job offer, the clock starts. Here's the typical timeline from offer to legal resident.

01
Job Offer & Contract
Receive and sign your employment contract. Ensure your salary, allowances, and benefits are clearly stated. Timeline: Day 0
02
Employer Applies for Work Visa
Your sponsor/employer submits the work visa application to the Ministry of Human Resources. Timeline: Week 1–3
03
Visa Stamped, You Fly In
Work visa is stamped in your passport at the Saudi embassy. You enter the Kingdom on this visa. Timeline: Week 3–5
04
Medical & Biometrics
Within 90 days of arrival, complete the mandatory health check and biometric fingerprinting. Book via Absher. Timeline: Week 1–4 in KSA
05
Iqama Issued
Your employer completes the Iqama application. The card is typically ready in 3–8 weeks after all steps are done. Timeline: Week 6–10
Weekly Briefing

Saudi work regulations, free weekly

Iqama updates, Saudisation rules, salary benchmarks — every Thursday.

No spam · Unsubscribe anytime

Related guides

Everything you need to work in Saudi Arabia

From first arrival to long-term career — the essential guides for working expats.

Legal status

The Complete Iqama Guide

Step-by-step: get, renew, and manage your Saudi residency permit.

Read guide →
Arrival

Your First 30 Days

The month-one action plan covering every essential task on arrival.

Read guide →
Finance

Banking for Expats

Open a salary account and send money home with the right setup.

Read guide →