Saudi Arabia draws many companies and workers thanks to its liberal business environment, low taxes and operating costs, and well-known shopping areas. However, planning an expansion to Saudi Arabia also involves hiring the right employees and ensuring they stay compliant with local regulations. If you don’t know how to get a work visa in Saudi Arabia or what type of visa your employees will need, you could delay operation or face fines.

Globalization Partners makes it easier to expand to countries such as Saudi Arabia with our solution. Since we act as the Employer of Record, we’re responsible for hiring employees that work for your company and ensuring they have the right work permits. When you choose our team, you can focus your time on growing your company and bottom line.

What Types of Work Visas Are There in Saudi Arabia?

If you wish to hire foreign employees to work in Saudi Arabia, you must know whether they need a visa. All nationals of the six Gulf states, also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, and British citizens by birth can come to Saudi Arabia without a visa. British citizens can stay for up to a month and get a short extension through the Directorate of Immigration and Passports.

All other individuals must apply for one of the following visas:

• Tourist visa: This visa is issued for two weeks to citizens from the EU, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, and the US. It does not allow for employment.
• Visitor visa: Other foreign nationals that want to come to Saudi Arabia through this visa need the sponsorship of a Saudi Arabia, who applies on the visitor’s behalf. It’s valid for a month and doesn’t allow employment.
• 72-hour and seven-day visa: Short-stay business visitors can get one of these visas at the point of entry. It requires an onward ticket and valid passport.
  Business visa: Anyone wanting to stay in Saudi Arabia for longer than a week for business needs a business visa. This visa is valid for up to four weeks, and the duration varies depending on the type of trip.
• Work visa: Your employees will all need work visas if they’re taking up any type of employment. This permit is valid for one to two years and also entitles your workers to residency. You will arrange most of the paperwork.
• Family visa: Any of your worker’s immediate family members will need a family visa, also known as a residence permit, so they can live in Saudi Arabia during the employment period. They cannot work unless they get a separate work visa.

Requirements to Obtain a Saudi Arabia Work Visa

An employer or Saudi Arabia national needs to sponsor anyone looking to obtain a Saudi Arabia working visa. The number of visas your company can sponsor depends on the physical size of your company’s office and foreign quotas set by national regulations. You will handle most of the application process on behalf of the employee and must show a letter of employment, commercial registration number, the employee’s capacity, the contract duration, and more.

Other requirements include:

• A completed visa application form
• The employee’s passport
• A passport-size photo
• Copy of the contract with the employee’s name, birth date, and nationality
• Health record from an authorized clinic
• Proof of payment of BD 100 fee

What Is the Application Process for a Work Permit in Saudi Arabia Like?

The Saudi Arabia Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) processes and issues all visas before expats arrive in the country. As you submit the necessary documents on your end, employees will also need to complete certain steps. In addition to providing a medical report, employees should show academic or professional qualifications for the position. Saudi Arabia typically processes all work visa applications in around five business days, but delays could take up to two weeks.

Other Unique Considerations

After your employees get their work permit, they’re automatically entitled to live in Saudi Arabia. All family members will need a family visa, but the visa does not apply to extended family members. When applying for a family visa, your employees will need to apostille their documents, including their birth certificate, marriage certificate, and educational degree certificate.

Work With Globalization Partners to Get Working Visas in Saudi Arabia

The Globalization Partners team has experience helping all sorts of companies expand around the world. If you need help understanding and obtaining work permits in Saudi Arabia, contact our team today for assistance.

understanding and obtaining work permits in Saudi Arabia, today for assistance.