Work visas
Saudi Work Visa and Resident Iqama
The employer-sponsored route for foreign nationals to work in Saudi Arabia, converting a work visa into a resident Iqama after arrival.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Specific fees, salary thresholds, Saudization/Nitaqat quota requirements and processing times are set by Saudi authorities and change; they were not confirmed against a fetchable official page and should be verified on GOV.SA and the MOFA portal before publishing.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Saudi Arabia government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Work Visa / Residence Permit (Iqama)
- Route type
- Employer-sponsored work and residence
- Sponsor
- A licensed Saudi employer must sponsor the worker
- Iqama
- Resident ID card issued to the worker after entry; must be kept valid and renewed
- Issued and renewed via the GOV.SA National Platform / Muqeem / Absher
- Entry visa authority
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via Saudi embassies/consulates
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals who have secured a job with a licensed Saudi employer
- Employers who need to bring skilled or semi-skilled workers into the Kingdom
- Workers who intend to reside in Saudi Arabia for the duration of their employment
Requirements
- A confirmed job offer and sponsorship from a licensed Saudi employer
- A passport valid for the required minimum period with blank pages
- Medical examination / fitness certificate as required for the entry visa
- Employer-side labour and quota approvals before the visa is authorised
- Post-arrival steps to convert the entry visa into a resident Iqama
What you can do
- Live and work legally in Saudi Arabia for the sponsoring employer
- Hold a resident Iqama as official identification
- Apply, subject to eligibility, to sponsor dependants for family residence
How to apply
- Employer secures the required work-visa authorisation and quota
- Worker obtains the entry work visa through a Saudi embassy/consulate
- Worker travels to Saudi Arabia on the work visa
- Employer issues the resident Iqama through the government platforms after arrival
- Renew the Iqama before expiry through the GOV.SA / Muqeem services
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.