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Saudi ArabiaWork permitsLast checked October 30, 2026

Employer-sponsored work visa, work permit and iqama

Saudi Arabia · Official name: Work visa (issued through Qiwa / Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development) and work visa on the MOFA visa platform

Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia are sponsored by a Saudi employer. The employer gets a work visa allocation through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's Qiwa platform (for example the Instant Work Visa service), the worker applies for the visa at a Saudi mission or through the MOFA visa platform, and the employment contract is documented electronically on Qiwa. After arrival the employer issues the worker's residence permit (iqama) and work permit. Since 2025, work permits are classified as high-skilled, skilled or basic using points for qualifications, experience and wage.

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Life in Saudi Arabia

Finance

3

Currency

Saudi Riyal

SAR

Saudi Riyal

Cost of living

50

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

No income tax

VAT 15%

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.8

#21 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreign nationals with a job offer from a Saudi employer that is allowed to recruit.

Eligibility

  • Employer eligibilityEmployer

    For the Instant Work Visa service, the employer must meet several conditions on registration, wages, Nitaqat rating, work permits and Absher credit.

    • Active enterprise with a valid commercial registration
    • Must comply with wage protection
    • Nitaqat rating of at least medium green (or very small green)
    • No expired work permits under its unified number
    Official wording

    For the Instant Work Visa service the enterprise must be active with a valid commercial registration, comply with wage protection, have a Nitaqat (Saudisation) rating of at least medium green (or very small green), have no expired work permits under its unified number, and have enough credit on Absher.

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  • Job offer and contract

    The contract is documented on Qiwa; once the employee approves it, it is treated as certified by the Ministry.

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  • Skill classification

    Work permits are classed as high-skilled, skilled or basic, based on a score from three factors.

    HRSD guidelines updated 28 May 2025
    • Scored on academic qualifications
    • Scored on professional experience
    • Scored on wage
    Official wording

    Work permits are classed as high-skilled, skilled or basic, scored on academic qualifications, professional experience and wage (HRSD guidelines, updated 28 May 2025).

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SourceVisa Issuance Servicehrsd.gov.saChecked Oct 30, 2026

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  • Document checklist
  • Steps to apply

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  • 3 documents
  • 4 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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