Visa Issuance

Overview

Visa issuance in Saudi Arabia offers a range of visa types tailored to investors, temporary workers, and long-term employees. These visas enable expatriates to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia while adhering to the country’s immigration laws and regulations. This system is designed to support both foreign investors and skilled workers, making Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for global talent and investment.

Types of Visas

• Investor Visa (Iqama): This long-term residency visa is designed for foreign investors, allowing them to live, work, and own businesses in Saudi Arabia.
• Temporary Work Visa: A short-term visa typically valid for six months, issued for temporary employees working in Saudi Arabia.
• Iqama for Employees: A long-term residency visa for expatriates working in Saudi Arabia under an employment contract.

Service Duration

Visa processing typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of visa and specific requirements.

Provided Language

Services are available in both Arabic and English to facilitate the visa process for foreign nationals and investors.

Mission & Vision

• Mission: To provide efficient, transparent, and streamlined visa issuance processes for foreign workers and investors in Saudi Arabia.
• Vision: To position Saudi Arabia as a welcoming and business-friendly destination for foreign investors and skilled expatriates.

Objectives

• Support foreign investment by simplifying the visa issuance process for investors looking to start a business in Saudi Arabia.
• Enable businesses to hire and bring in foreign talent to meet workforce demands in various sectors.
• Streamline both temporary and long-term residency processes to accommodate Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing economy and workforce needs.

Work Tracks

• Visa application and processing: Handling applications for all visa types, ensuring compliance with immigration requirements.
• Renewal and extension of visas: Managing the renewal and extension processes for temporary and long-term visas.
• Residency permits and work authorization: Facilitating iqama issuance and work authorization for employees.

Areas of Work

• Investor visa facilitation: Assisting foreign investors in acquiring long-term residency to live and invest in Saudi Arabia.
• Temporary work visa issuance: Issuing short-term work visas for employees on temporary contracts.
• Employee iqama processing: Managing long-term residency and work permits for expatriates employed in Saudi Arabia.

Steps to Obtain a Visa

1. Determine Visa Type: Identify the appropriate visa based on the individual’s role and duration of stay in Saudi Arabia.
2. Submit Application: Complete and submit the necessary documentation, including a job offer, investment proof, and personal details.
3. Process & Approval: Await approval from the relevant authorities and pay the applicable fees.
4. Visa Issuance: Upon approval, obtain the visa, which allows the individual to begin work or residency in Saudi Arabia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of visas are available for workers?

Saudi Arabia offers several visa options, including Investor Visas (Iqama)Temporary Work Visas, and Employee Iqamas for long-term residency.

How long does it take to process a visa?

Visa processing times typically range from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the visa type and the complexity of the application.

What are the primary requirements for an Investor Visa?

Applicants for an Investor Visa must provide proof of business investment, financial stability, and identity verification.

What is a Temporary Work Visa?

A Temporary Work Visa allows employees to work in Saudi Arabia for a period of up to six months, typically for short-term assignments.

Can I convert a Temporary Work Visa to a long-term Iqama?

Yes, with proper documentation and fulfillment of the necessary conditions, you can apply to convert your Temporary Work Visa into a long-term Iqama.