Saudi Arabia has modernised its visa system significantly since 2019. From standard employment visas to Premium Residency and investor visas — here's what's available and who qualifies.
The vast majority of expats in Saudi Arabia hold a standard employment visa (work visa) sponsored by their employer. Since 2019, several new pathways have been added for investors, retirees, and highly skilled individuals.
The standard pathway for expats moving to Saudi Arabia for a job. Your Saudi employer sponsors the visa application, submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources. After arrival, the employer applies for your Iqama (residence permit) which is your primary legal ID in-country.
Launched in 2019, Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency program offers a pathway to long-term or permanent residency without employer sponsorship. Two tracks: permanent (one-time fee) and temporary (annual fee). Holders can work for any employer, start businesses, and own property.
Foreign investors who establish a company in Saudi Arabia through MISA (Ministry of Investment) can obtain an investor residency permit. Typically granted alongside or shortly after the MISA investment licence. Duration linked to the commercial registration validity.
For business meetings, conferences, site visits, and due diligence trips. Cannot be used to work or receive Saudi-sourced income. Available to nationals of 49 countries as an e-visa; others apply through the Saudi Embassy. Duration: typically 30–90 days, often multiple-entry.
Spouses and children (under 18, or unmarried daughters of any age) can be sponsored as dependants on the primary Iqama holder's residency. The primary Iqama holder applies for dependent visas through Absher. Dependants receive their own Iqama cards.
Saudi Arabia has introduced talent attraction programmes targeting highly skilled professionals in priority sectors (technology, healthcare, education, sports, arts). The Saudi Talent Attraction Program offers expedited processing and competitive residency terms for qualifying individuals.
Saudi Arabia operates under the Kafala (sponsorship) system for most employment-based residency. Understanding how it works helps you navigate job changes and rights.
Under Kafala, your employer (kafeel) is legally responsible for your presence in Saudi Arabia. Your Iqama is tied to their sponsorship. This creates an interdependency between you and your employer that affects your ability to change jobs.
However, Saudi Arabia significantly reformed the Kafala system in 2021. Key changes:
Job mobility: After 12 months with an employer, workers can transfer to another employer without requiring their current employer's consent.
Exit rights: Workers can now leave Saudi Arabia without their employer's permission (exit visas are employer-independent for most workers).
Qiwa transfer: Job transfers are processed digitally through the Qiwa platform, reducing employer obstruction.
Kafala reforms, new visa categories, and fee changes — notified as they happen.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
The information on this page is drawn from official Saudi government bodies and regulatory authorities. Regulations change frequently — verify current requirements directly with the relevant authority before making any legal, financial, or business decisions.