Got a job offer from Saudi Arabia? The Saudi work visa is issued through your employer. This guide explains the full process from offer to iqama.
How the Saudi Work Visa Process Works
- Job offer – a Saudi employer offers you a role.
- Visa authorisation – the employer gets approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) for the position.
- Employment contract – documented through the Qiwa platform.
- Document attestation – degrees or professional certificates may need attestation.
- Medical test at an approved centre in your home country.
- Visa stamping through the Saudi embassy or an authorised visa centre.
- Travel to Saudi Arabia and complete fingerprints.
- Iqama (residence permit) issued by your employer after arrival.
Documents Usually Needed
- Valid passport (usually at least 6 months)
- Passport photos
- Signed job offer or contract
- Attested degree or trade certificates (for some jobs)
- Medical fitness report
- Police clearance certificate (for some nationalities)
Who Pays?
In most cases the employer pays the visa and iqama costs. Workers should never pay a recruiter for a visa “purchase”.
Avoid Job and Visa Scams
- Real employers do not ask you to pay for a job offer.
- Check that the company and job are real before sending documents.
- Apply only through official government portals or licensed recruitment agencies.
- Never share passport copies, OTP codes or bank details with unknown agents.
Rules, fees and requirements can change. Always confirm the latest details on the official government website before you apply.
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