Embark on a professional journey in Saudi Arabia! Unveil the Saudi Arabia Work Visa Requirements and Application Process for a smooth transition into employment.
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a huge influx of foreign nationals seeking jobs. The main reasons why more people are moving to the country are tax-free salaries, accommodation packages, and a safe working environment.
The Saudi Arabia Work Visa allows you to stay in the country for an initial 90 days. During this period, you can apply for work and residence permits, allowing you to engage in long-term job contracts.
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Eligibility Requirements for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa
Here are the requirements when applying for a Saudi Work Visa.
Employment Visa
Your employer must request an employment visa from the Ministry of Labour on your behalf. If the request is approved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will grant a visa authorization number.
Sponsorship Letter
You must have a sponsorship letter from a Saudi company or business. The letter must be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce. This letter includes your name, job description and visa number.
Visa Referral Note
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must issue you with a referral note stating the visa number and date.
Employment Contract
You must have a valid job contract signed by you and your employer. It must be approved by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
Diploma
You must provide a certified copy of your academic certificate before applying for a work visa. The documents must be from a recognised institution and be verified by the Saudi embassy in your country.
Health Report
You must submit a health report not older than three months. The report should bear the doctor’s license number and address.
Police Clearance
You must submit a police clearance certificate not older than six months.
Medical Insurance
You must purchase health insurance coverage from a Saudi provider.
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Application Timeline for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa
Step 1: Employer Obtains Work Visa Authorisation
Your employer must request the Ministry of Labour for work authorisation. This allows them to hire international workers. Once approved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue the authorisation.
Step 2: Work Visa Application
Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs online portal and start your application. Here, you will provide your personal information and other requested data. Print the application form, sign it, and affix photos where necessary.
Next, pay the visa application fees on the online portal. Ensure you use a valid credit or debit card.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit your application to the nearest embassy in person or through mail. If approved, you can retrieve the visa from the office where you applied. Confirm that the information on the visa matches the information on the passport.
Step 4: Apply for a Residence Permit
When you travel to Saudi Arabia, you will have 90 days to apply for a residence permit. This allows you to stay in the country for up to one year. You can extend it if your job is still available.
Conclusion
It takes three weeks to two months to process your Saudi work visa. It’s advisable to start early and provide complete information to avoid unnecessary delays.
