How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Work Permit
Saudi Arabia follows a sponsorship (Kafala) system for regulating employment of expatriate workers. Any expatriate worker entering the Kingdom requires sponsorship of a sponsor (known as Kafeel), who may be a Saudi citizen or a company, and shall remain under the sponsor’s responsibility during the term of the employment contract.
How to apply
Step 1
Pre-approval
The employer should obtain a E-Wakala from the Ministry of Labor, certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia to sponsor an employee. E-Wakala is required for the work visa stamping from the foreign country.
Processing time: 2 to 3 days
Step 2
Medical Report
Applicant must undergo a medical examination and obtain a medical clearance certificate confirming that he or she is in good health and does not pose a risk to others. Generally, a foreigner is tested for Hepatitis C, HIV, infectious diseases, parasites, herpes, psychiatric and neurological disorders and venereal diseases. Medical check requirements may vary depending on specific consulate.
Processing time: 2 to 3 days
Step 3
Submission of Visa Application
Applicant must apply for an employment entry visa at a Saudi diplomatic representation in the country of applicant’s residence. An entry visa allows a foreigner to enter Saudi Arabia for employment purpose.
Processing time: 7 to 14 days
Documents Required
- Copy of the E-wakala from the employer;
- Original legalised education certificates;
- 2 Passport size photographs with white background;
- Valid passport and expired passport (if any); and
- Medical Report
The validity of the entry visa will be for 90 days. During this period the applicant should apply for IQAMA and applicant cannot travel out of Saudi Arabia during this time.
Step 4
Iqama & Work Permit
The Iqama application must be submitted within 90 days of applicant’s arrival in Saudi Arabia. The Iqama is a residence permit that allows a foreigner to reside legally in Saudi Arabia. It is required for opening a Saudi bank account, buying a car and for other business transactions. Along with the Iqama a work permit is also issued electronically.
Validity: upto 2 years
Processing time: 30 to 90 days
Exit Re-entry visa
The exit/re-entry visa is required when a holder of valid iqama wants to travel outside of the Saudi Arabia. This visa is obtained in Saudi Arabia by the applicant’s employer either online or from the Ministry of Interior. Multiple exit/re-entry visas may only be issued for foreigners holding certain professions.
Validity: A foreigner must leave Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the date of stamping and return by the date specified by sponsor. Multiple exit/re-entry visas are usually valid for 180 days from the date of first exit from the country.
IMPORTANT
Legalisation is required for documents such as degree certificates, birth and marriage certificates and police verification certificates.