This comprehensive guide outlines the necessary requirements and steps to follow on how to apply for a work visa permit for employees in Saudi Arabia, including applying for and obtaining a work visa for non-Saudi employees.
We will also provide some key considerations for global businesses hiring foreign staff in Saudi Arabia and answer the primary frequently asked questions.
Procedures to Obtain a Work Visa for Foreign Employees
Employment Contract Requirements and Pre-Onboarding Process Requirements Explained
The first step in obtaining a work visa in Saudi Arabia for foreigners begins with the employee securing a job offer from a locally incorporated company. Therefore, before kicking off the entire hiring process, employers must collect all the necessary incorporation documents required for the Saudi work visa, such as an active commercial registration (CR).
Without having an active account on the Qiwa portal, employers can’t proceed with hiring. This key government portal, launched and managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), is where companies can lodge their visa requests as well as manage employees’ records.
Markedly, the hiring process starts with drafting a job offer letter and an employment contract attested by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, employers must first collect comprehensive documentation from prospective employees.
Required paperwork includes:
- A passport copy (name, nationality, country of origin, religious affiliation)
- Medical test results from the country of departure
- Police clearance documentation
- Attested educational and professional certificates
Obtaining a Work Visa for Foreign Employees in KSA: Step-by-Step Guide
This process commences when the company submits a request for a new work visa through the Qiwa Portal. The application must include details such as the job role, salary, and employee nationality.
As soon as the request gets approved, Qiwa issues the Authorization Certificate. With this Qiwa-approved authorization, companies can proceed to apply for the actual work visa through the Enjazit system, operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This document serves as the employee’s official entry permit into the Kingdom.
Before the employee arrives in Saudi Arabia, their employment contract must be registered on the Qiwa platform. This registration process ensures the contract terms fully comply with Saudi labor laws and establishes the contract as legally binding.
If approved, the employee can retrieve their stamped visa at the Saudi Embassy in their home country. Upon their arrival in the Kingdom, the employee undergoes a medical examination within the Saudi borders. Then, a health insurance certificate is issued under a border number, as reflected on the National Certificate Commission for Healthcare (CCHI).
Finally, the Work Permit will then be displayed on the Qiwa portal, authorizing the employee’s eligibility to work in Saudi Arabia.
Here’s a breakdown of the necessary steps:
- Submit a request to issue a work visa via Qiwa
- When approved, use Enjazit portal to issue the work visa
- Register the contract on Qiwa before the employee’s arrival in Saudi Arabia
- Employee has to retrieve their work visa at Saudi Embassy in their country of origin
What Comes After Obtaining a Work Visa for a Non-Saudi Employee?
From then on, the Iqama application should be submitted, and this process incurs certain processing fees. Upon its issuance, companies will then make contributions towards the new hire, who also needs to be registered on the Absher portal.
The hiring process concludes with completing the employee’s registration on the Mudad portal, where the new employee’s salary details are accurately recorded. The Wage Protection System (WPS) will ensure that the employee’s salary will be processed according to the contract’s terms.
Best Practices for Global Companies Setting Up a Business in Saudi Arabia
Today, foreign workers make up 76.6% of Saudi Arabia’s workforce, amounting to around 12.93 million people, while the number of Saudi workers reached 3.93 million, or 23.3% of the total workforce.
Considering the country’s dynamic business environment, demonstrating a commitment to adhering to the country’s regulatory requirements as laid out in the labor law ensures that a business can operate and expand confidently.
With its integrated talent recruitment and HR solutions, AstroLabs simplifies visa acquisition for each employee regardless of their location.
Its comprehensive approach ensures that companies stay on top of Saudization requirements while maintaining full compliance throughout the whole onboarding process, from sourcing and relocating talent to setting up payroll systems.
FAQs About Work Visas For Non-Saudi Employees
- How long does the Saudi work visa process take?
In fact, the processing timeline varies from one person to another, but it is advisable to start the process ahead of schedule to avoid any potential business disruptions. Working with AstroLabs’ HR specialists can significantly accelerate the process with minimal to no risk.
- Can I apply for a Saudi work visa myself?
No, employers must apply for the work visa on behalf of the applicant.
- What documents are required for a Saudi work visa?
- A passport copy
- Attested job offer letter
- Attested educational and professional certificates
- Medical tests certified by the country of departure
- Police clearance certificate
- How long is a work visa valid?
Saudi work visas validity is typically for one year. While in Saudi Arabia on a work visa, visitors are only permitted to stay for up to 90 days, and they can file a request to extend their stay for a maximum of 90 days.
- Can I change employers in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, employee transfer requests in Saudi are primarily conducted through Qiwa. But, applicants must have a valid Iqama and fulfill the notice period as stipulated in the contract. To do so, business owners need to have a valid CR certificate and active GOSI status, be registered on the GOSI and MHRSD systems, and pay salaries through WPS. The employee transfer can be completed if the existing employer accepts their request within 14 days.
However, regulations have been updated to allow transfer without the employee’s consent in the event of noncompliance with Saudization policy. Read this article to learn more.
- Can a US Citizen Work in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, US citizens can work in Saudi Arabia by obtaining the appropriate residency and work authorization. Typically, this is granted through a one-year renewable residence permit (Iqama). Which is tied to a specific employer and job role. As long as the individual remains with the same sponsoring employer and maintains valid documentation. They are permitted to live and work in the Kingdom.