Saudi Arabia

Business visit visa / Work visa

Saudi Arabia's quota system and naturalization program can make the process of employing a foreign national relatively complex and restrictive. Applicable procedures involve a home-country consular process, followed by several post-arrival steps before final residency rights are granted.

Business travelers typically apply for a Business Visit Visa at a Saudi consular post once they receive a government-approved letter of invitation from a sponsor in Saudi Arabia. Business Visit Visas are usually valid for 3 months (single-entry) or 12 months (multiple-entry), or for up to 5 years (multiple-entry) for citizens of countries that signed bilateral visa agreements with Saudi Arabia. The maximum allowable duration of stay under a single-entry visa for three- and six-month visas is 30 days and 90 days for visas with other validities.

There is no longer a short-term work option in Saudi Arabia; for long-term work, foreign nationals can apply for a Work Permit and Resident ID Card, which is valid for up to one year with the possibility of extensions.